3.8 T in 87-89 GTA no problem?

mzunino · 12-03-2007, 09:13 PM

Just a question. I am sure there is room in the engine bay available but can it be done easily in the 87-88 models. Anyone out there done this conversion. I'd like to but don't have the green to buy the real deal.

Grumpy · 12-04-2007, 11:52 AM

not hard to do just maybe hard to get the parts to do it

I have a tranny mount and a wiring harness

mzunino · 12-04-2007, 08:25 PM

Thanks for the info. I am looking at a 88 for a possible daily driver. The conversion would be down the road.

87GTA-turbo · 12-04-2007, 09:01 PM

I did it.
Would have been cheaper to get the real TTA in the end.

I did a complete write up of what to expect on the Thridgen boards under the name carfixxer:

LC2 swap pics - Engine Swap - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Street Lethal · 12-15-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzunino

I am looking at a 88 for a possible daily driver. The conversion would be down the road.

You don't need it brother. Besides, you can make a tremendous amount of more power than the LC2 with the factory LB9 (305-TPI) engine, w/turbo charger in tact....

Street Lethal · 12-15-2007, 11:28 AM

^ Also, if your not already aware, BBK will be introducing a brand new TPI manifold soon. Combine that, with the turbo, and watch out....!

TRBOWAGON · 12-15-2007, 03:22 PM

"You don't need it brother. Besides, you can make a tremendous amount of more power than the LC2 with the factory LB9 (305-TPI) engine, w/turbo charger in tact...."

How fast is your car?

Street Lethal · 12-15-2007, 03:52 PM

^ Unfortunately, that isn't my car (always liked that nose style, but I have the banshee inspired nose on my '91). Turbo manifold was built by BBS, and that GTA was one of his customers. Not sure what that GTA ran, but the very same setup was employed on another member's ride (featured in GMHTP Magazine, July '07), w/an L98. This one went 10.78@128 -1.5 60ft, 570rwhp @ 13lbs, on pump gas...

Here is some of BBS' work, although he stopped making them recently....;

UR50SLO · 01-16-2008, 04:44 PM

That BBK Manifold does not look like it'd be very good for boost just to let you know... There'd be alot of un-even air distribution in that plenum for sure.
All TPI stuff is super expensive for little result. Boosted it'd be better.

Turbo Buick stuff is a excellent choice for a daily driver. It's got the best of both worlds there.... Power and economy. There's alot of new engine designs that are just now able to accomplish what the Buick has since 87.
A single turbo LS1 would be awsome....
Up to you with budjet and experience.
Here's what my 86 Camaro Hybrid turned out.
I drive it daily in the summer. With the changes I'm making this winter it should run mid 10's on 93oct. (this year went 11.19@123mph.)

12-03-2007, 09:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
mzunino Mark Z Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kennett Square Posts: 54	3.8 T in 87-89 GTA no problem? Just a question. I am sure there is room in the engine bay available but can it be done easily in the 87-88 models. Anyone out there done this conversion. I'd like to but don't have the green to buy the real deal. __________________ 1987 GN TA49, PTE Stock Location I/C, MSD 50's, ATR Cold Air Kit, TT Chip, Stock Heads Ported, Terry Houston 3" DP, Schneider Stage III cam.Michael Transmission Rebuild 200R4 w/ProTorque Convertor 2800 Stall Best Time 11.86 60ft 1.78

12-04-2007, 11:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
Grumpy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Andover, Ma Posts: 11,023	not hard to do just maybe hard to get the parts to do it I have a tranny mount and a wiring harness __________________ Dan dont run your mouth if you cant run your car 86/87 GN and 89 TTA .. tons of parts !! Time to get out! Stuff has to go !!! Otherwise I am cutting it up and throwing it away email ttastage2@yahoo.com

12-04-2007, 08:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
mzunino Mark Z Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kennett Square Posts: 54	Thanks for the info. I am looking at a 88 for a possible daily driver. The conversion would be down the road. __________________ 1987 GN TA49, PTE Stock Location I/C, MSD 50's, ATR Cold Air Kit, TT Chip, Stock Heads Ported, Terry Houston 3" DP, Schneider Stage III cam.Michael Transmission Rebuild 200R4 w/ProTorque Convertor 2800 Stall Best Time 11.86 60ft 1.78

12-04-2007, 09:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
87GTA-turbo Stupidest man alive. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Beaufort, SC Posts: 2,338	I did it. Would have been cheaper to get the real TTA in the end. I did a complete write up of what to expect on the Thridgen boards under the name carfixxer: LC2 swap pics - Engine Swap - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards __________________ Steve- “It only gets worse...." 1987 GN, Moonroof, GNX dash, 109 .030 TRW Forged TE-62, G Body DP, 204/214cam, 60-65 Siemens inj, Extender chip, LS1 MAF, port matched intake and heads, Razor's meth. inj. CK Trans, Pats 2800 conv, Metco LCA's Monitored by:PLX WB, EGT, SM & DS 11.8 @ 117 w/ the 4.1 (RIP) 7/08 1987 Gray Regal T LS1 MAF, 32lb inj, Chip, mostly stock 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 I6 4x4

12-15-2007, 03:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
TRBOWAGON Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: SECANE,PA.,USA Posts: 102	"You don't need it brother. Besides, you can make a tremendous amount of more power than the LC2 with the factory LB9 (305-TPI) engine, w/turbo charger in tact...." How fast is your car? __________________ WWW.BUICKTURBOPERFORMANCE.COM 1992 OLDS CUSTOM CRUISER-BUICK GN TURBO POWERED 12.76@104, 4,800LBS. 1980 CHEVY MALIBU STATION WAGON- BUICK GN TURBO POWERED 11.02@125 1987 GNX RECREATION http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/e...GNX/?start=all

12-15-2007, 11:28 AM	#6 (permalink)
Street Lethal Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 488	^ Also, if your not already aware, BBK will be introducing a brand new TPI manifold soon. Combine that, with the turbo, and watch out....!

12-15-2007, 03:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
Street Lethal Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 488	^ Unfortunately, that isn't my car (always liked that nose style, but I have the banshee inspired nose on my '91). Turbo manifold was built by BBS, and that GTA was one of his customers. Not sure what that GTA ran, but the very same setup was employed on another member's ride (featured in GMHTP Magazine, July '07), w/an L98. This one went 10.78@128 -1.5 60ft, 570rwhp @ 13lbs, on pump gas... Here is some of BBS' work, although he stopped making them recently....; Last edited by Street Lethal : 12-15-2007 at 03:56 PM.

01-16-2008, 04:44 PM	#9 (permalink)
UR50SLO Grim Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: IN Posts: 129	That BBK Manifold does not look like it'd be very good for boost just to let you know... There'd be alot of un-even air distribution in that plenum for sure. All TPI stuff is super expensive for little result. Boosted it'd be better. Turbo Buick stuff is a excellent choice for a daily driver. It's got the best of both worlds there.... Power and economy. There's alot of new engine designs that are just now able to accomplish what the Buick has since 87. A single turbo LS1 would be awsome.... Up to you with budjet and experience. Here's what my 86 Camaro Hybrid turned out. I drive it daily in the summer. With the changes I'm making this winter it should run mid 10's on 93oct. (this year went 11.19@123mph.) __________________ 86 Buick powered Camaro...10.66@131.17mph 93oct Pump gas, through the mufflers on a Drag Radial tire RJC 5inch downpipe,.76mm turbo FAST EFI TH400w/brake 9"rear with 3:50's. Champion heads/new design intake. 86 Midnight Blue T-Type Final assembly underway. 89 Maxima with TA49turbo 13.4@107mph with 244,000miles on stock engine. 92GMC Typhoon.. Wife's daily driver Was 13.10@100.87mph 4bolt splayed built block. .61mm turbo FMIC. Going orange soon.

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