higher boost on almost-stock set-up

[87MNGN]

I want to increase the boost in my '87 GN, but it's mostly all stock except for some intake mods. I'd like to know what I would need and how much it would cost to get around 17 lbs of boost on 91 octane? My local import speed shop said they could install a boost controller for 200 bucks, controller installed....is that a good deal?

 

[tim87tr]

No, you can make your stock wg adjustable for $5 in hardware, see gnttype.org for instructions. Before you turn the boost up on these cars, you really should have an upgraded fuel pump (Walbro 307 or 340), an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, a fuel pressure gauge, a good running car on stock boost, high octane fuel (110 octane or more), a scan tool like scanmaster, and some tuning knowledge.

You can use the $200 you save now on a scan tool. I wouldn't run 17 lb boost on 91 octane, maybe possible on 94 octane. You can run up to 22 lb boost on a stock turbo with the info above.

 

[notacarlo]

You could go get the SMC or equivelent ALKY kits. This would allow you to run 20 psi (pushing the stock t). The mods listed above need to be done first. Try to keep that car out of import tuner shops.....they know about as much about the Buick as you do about quantum physics. ( if you are a quantum physics professor....ignore that last statement and insert the word football). These cars respond very well to simple inexpensive modifications. That is why the mustang w/ $3500 in mods is cursing at you through the your rear view.