'81 VS. '83 Turbocharger: What's the Difference?

[231T]

I'm currently exploring the mystery of my alleged '83 T-Type motor, and have discovered it seems to be a top-swapped '81, using '83 turbo heads, exhaust, and possibly intake and turbo. I was told my carburetor is one of the late CCC Quadrajets, like from the '83's instead of the '81.

So, my question to you is, what is the difference between the turbochargers from those years? Is there an easy way to identify the turbo as one or the other?

 

[WE2Regal]

The '78-'81 turbos had an .82 turbine housing. The '82-'83 turbos had a slightly faster spooling .63 turbine housing. The actuator assembly in 1981 was a one year only design and didn't work very well. Most people changed them out for one from a '78-'80 or '82-'83. You can read up on the early draw through turbos by searching the archives in Before Black.

 

[231T]

At least I can rule out a top swapped turbo setup, then. My turbo is a .82 A/R AiResearch. I have the tag information written down, but don't have it handy. I suppose I have two questions now.

First, how would I identify an '81 turbo from the earlier years. You mentioned the updated, but lackluster actuator, but what did they change? Can that be easily identified at a glance?

Second, why would someone put a late-style CCC carburetor onto an earlier turbo? The heads were swapped for '83's, and the exhaust was, too, but the turbo is the '78-'81 type. Is there any reason you can think of for someone to do that?

Apparently I had more than two questions lol. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Also, if this has been covered before, a link to the post would be awesome.

 

[WE2Regal]

If you don't have the complete wiring harness and computer, the computer controlled carb is useless. Without it, the engine might start but the carb would run full rich, puke smoke and be undriveable. There's a little bit of info in this thread about the 1981 wastegate actuator.

Post in thread 'Anti Knock PEVR'

Mar 17, 2013

Pictures help a lot. You have a 1981 turbo. The wastegate on your turbo is normally open (NO). It's a one year setup that was for better fuel economy. They went back to normally closed in 1982 for better performance. To ID a NC wastegate, the lever arm on the turbine should point forward, your's points towards the firewall.

Your wastegate actuator rod is original. Replacement actuator are adjsutable in length, which then adjusts boost levels.

You have the .82 housing. Look at the top bolt on the wastegate elbow. The bump where it screws into the turbine housing is rounded...

• b4black

 

[231T]

I have an '81 Sport Coupe I just picked up a couple weeks ago, and it has a near complete harness, including the TCC and ECU. Seller said it ran before he pulled the engine and trans because they weren't original and it was a 109 block motor. If the harness is missing anything, I'm unaware of it at this time.

In your opinion, is it worth trying to run the CCC Quadrajet in its original configuration to keep this engine as close to factory as possible? Or would that be far from cost effective?

I'll take a closer look at the turbocharger when I get home. Thank you for your insight.

 

[WE2Regal]

You really should post these questions in the Before Black section. Too much information about your car, your goals and your budget is missing for anyone give an informed opinion. Not sure what you mean by "near complete" harness, but all of the necessary sensors for the '81 engine need to be in place and working for the carb to meter fuel correctly and prevent detonation.

 

[231T]

I'll check the Before Black section out and make a post there. Thank you.