1980 turbo Monte question...

[gmachinz]

Okay, we build G-bodies here at Gmachinz but I am not real familiar with the internals of the revered 3.8 Buick motor. I am thinking of picking up a turbo Monte with the original 3.8 carbed turbo motor with a blown head gasket. It's a rust free car so the build is worth it to us. We will either go the turbo route or that of a 377ci DS1 ProCharged SB. So, what are the differences between the older 3.8's and the later say, 1987 GN motors internally? Heads, rods, crank-forged? If the block/crank/rods are useable, I'll be looking for later model heads but I want to build it to stock specs and go from there as a 1987GN motor-so I would need a complete stock running motor/tranny/computer to start with. So, what are the opinions here? I'm willing to work with a V6 turbo motor but the initial plans had called for a 377 SB ProCharged motor. -Jabin

 

[84BuickGNYorkPA]

It depends on your goals, if you want it for the street(fix what you got), or street/strip or just the strip. You will probably want a 86/87 block "109" they are stronger then the 84/84 motors which are stronger then the 79/80 turbo buicks. The best way to go is to find a 86/87 drivetrain with the computer, wiring harness, the whole sha-bang, good luck.

Chuck

 

[bison]

Okay, we build G-bodies here at Gmachinz but I am not real familiar with the internals of the revered 3.8 Buick motor. I am thinking of picking up a turbo Monte with the original 3.8 carbed turbo motor with a blown head gasket. It's a rust free car so the build is worth it to us. We will either go the turbo route or that of a 377ci DS1 ProCharged SB. So, what are the differences between the older 3.8's and the later say, 1987 GN motors internally? Heads, rods, crank-forged? If the block/crank/rods are useable, I'll be looking for later model heads but I want to build it to stock specs and go from there as a 1987GN motor-so I would need a complete stock running motor/tranny/computer to start with. So, what are the opinions here? I'm willing to work with a V6 turbo motor but the initial plans had called for a 377 SB ProCharged motor. -Jabin

How much power do you want to make and whats your budget? Id go for the 86-87 setup. You will nead an 8.5 rear. No way around it.

 

[gmachinz]

Okay, so the responses so far have pretty much been what I expected to hear. Actually, the rear diff. is the Eaton style cone shaped clutch packs which are pretty strong for a 7.5 rear-I put 8.5 ring/pinions in them and use a 1" Richmond spacer for the ring gear-works well for us with no problems. This car will get the HTH truckarm suspension anyway so that will help with the handling. Hmmm...now to source a complete 1986-up motor with all the accessories....

 

[bison]

Okay, so the responses so far have pretty much been what I expected to hear. Actually, the rear diff. is the Eaton style cone shaped clutch packs which are pretty strong for a 7.5 rear-I put 8.5 ring/pinions in them and use a 1" Richmond spacer for the ring gear-works well for us with no problems. This car will get the HTH truckarm suspension anyway so that will help with the handling. Hmmm...now to source a complete 1986-up motor with all the accessories....

Email intercooled88's in the parts for sale. He has a great deal on them with freight included.

 

[GNVAIR]

Only thing on an 80 model that would be the same as 86-87 is the rolled fillet crank. 2 dot connecting rods didnt start until 81 or 82. The block is the earlier style block. Heads are not the preferred 8445's or even 6293's.
I have found several 80 and 81 turbo Monte Carlos around here. Nothing really special about them except the turbo emblem on the dash and the plastic dome on the hood.