Recent content by Buicksandrail

I noticed that on the FWD 3.8, the throttle body would face the rear in a RWD config. Could I just simply turn the intake manfold 180 degrees and bolt it up? Thanks, Trent

I am curious, I am looking at installing a 1987 turbo setup on a 1987 non turbo SFI FWD engine. Will the parts just bolt up and what would be the downside to this conversion? Thanks, Trent p.s. This is for a sandrail installation not for a street car.

Please review my signature below. I have been running a turbo 3.8 in my sandrail for 4 years now with no problems with either the engine or trans. My trans is a VW type 2 with a 002 case. The trans has been built with heavy duty parts. A well built type 2 trans will handle 300HP. After that...

I am currently in the planning stages of installing a 3.8 series II sc engine into a sandrail. I will be using a VW type 2 trans. I am not worried about the mechanics of this project put I am concerned about the PCM/OBDII side. Is their someone out there that can program the PCM so that the...

You definitely need the choke hooked up to a 12 volt source. I am not sure if the ignition lead would be the best place to tap in to. That could be your entire problem. The choke may be always on. You could do a quick check to see if the choke is on or off. Just remove the air cleaner and...

Turbomonte, What part of the test are you failing? Have you been in touch with a referee station? Trent

Are all Series II SC motors FWD? If so and I want to make it RWD, is it as simple as bolting a RWD trans on it and installing the engine 90 degrees to what it is used to? I want to install it into a sandrail and bolt a VW trans to it. Thanks, Trent

Hello, I am currently running an 83 3.8 turbo in my sandrail and it runs great. For my next sandrail, I would like to install a 3800 series II SC engine in it. Is this feasible? Besides the engine and harness, what else would I need to make this work? What computer? Is it OBDII? I will...

Probably somewhere between $750 - $1000 depending on the condition and completeness. Thanks, Trent

Does anyone out there in So Cal have and 86/87 complete grand national engine they want to get rid of and sell? I don't really want to spend the $500 it takes to have one shipped from the east coast. Thanks, Trent

George, I have a manual trans so I can't hold the brake. I just slip the clutch and let it go. I have a very simple vaccuum system. Most ports are plugged. My PECV is plumbed directly to the intake manifold using a check valve. It idles very smooth so I wouldn't suspect too big a vaccum...

Hi, I need some help. Just got the turbo back on. During launch in 1st gear the engine misses and stumbles badly. It is like someone pulled the plug. I have to let off the gas because it sounds like something is wrong. Once I get past 2500 RPM it accelerates like a rocket through all the...

I am looking for the turbo inlet pipe that goes from the exhaust manifold to the turbo inlet for a 78-83. Does anyone have one? Thanks, Trent

I am looking for a good header to turbo pipe for a 78-83. Thanks, Trent

Ben, The center port under the inlet is the port for the power valve. You can verify this by attaching a hose to it and applying vacuum then pressure. You should be able to hear the valve move up and down. I have the valve connected directly to manifold vacuum via a hose and check valve...