Just curious.....

[323GTX]

Hi

I owned 3 regals in the past, 2 of them T-Types, and several Cutlass's.

G-body lover for sure.

Currently own a 89 Mazda 323 which has been loads of fun to modify & drive.

I was thinking about doing a budget Regal project. Picking up a 84-87 Regal with a hardtop (no vinal roof) and a 3.8. They are still somewhat plentyful and cheap.

Recently I stumbled across a 78-83 turbo 3.8 in the junkyard I been going to for over 10 years. I will have to take a closer look next time I'm there to get an exact year from the casting #'s.

What I'm wondering is.....

Would the internals of the stock 84-87 3.8 be able to handle that turbo assembly if I bolted it on???

This is just a thought at this point, and I'm not even sure yet what year that turbo 3.8 is, but was curious as to the cam, crank, rods, head-gaskets and so on being able to handle the added boost.

BTW.... how much boost does a stock 78-82 3.8 produce roughly?

My 84 T-Types produced 10-11 stock, and 13-15 with a few mods.

 

[b4black]

Originally posted by 323GTX
Would the internals of the stock 84-87 3.8 be able to handle that turbo assembly if I bolted it on???

This is just a thought at this point, and I'm not even sure yet what year that turbo 3.8 is, but was curious as to the cam, crank, rods, head-gaskets and so on being able to handle the added boost.

Yes, the NA can handle quite a bit. Just keep detonation under control. Find out the year, it may help you decide which way to go. If it's a Riviera, forget it, it work fit in a Regal.

Also considering a blow-thru set up over a factory draw-thru.

Look over the Before Black website for more info.

BTW.... how much boost does a stock 78-82 3.8 produce roughly?

My 84 T-Types produced 10-11 stock, and 13-15 with a few mods.

The Carb/Turbo motors were set to 9 psi from the factory.

 

[323GTX]

Thanks for the reply

Ya....

It's only a thought at this point.

I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm there and see exactly what engine it is. I'll print out the engine info from the website & take it with me.

I just happened to be walking past when it caught my eye. Only looked at it for a few seconds. It is definately a 78-83 3.8 turbo.

It's not in any vehicle, just the engine complete sitting by itself.

If compatable, all the parts I'd be converting over would have to be cleaned / overhauled / rebuilt / and replaced if bad obviously.

I like the fact that it's complete and untouched.

Something I would enjoy doing for little $$$ just for the fun factor.

Another question I have......

Out of the 78-83 carbed turbos, which year (if any) switched over to computerized engine control?

On all other GM G-Bodys it took place 1980-1981, did the Buick 3.8 turbo follow the same suit? Or was it on it's own schedule?

 

[b4black]

The CCC computers came in the same as the rest. California in 1980, Federal in '81.

There will some compatibilty issue with the engine's computer (or lack of) and the 84/87's NA's computer.

A casting number off the back of intake (maybe under the turbo) and a carb number are the best for ID'ing a motor.

If the turbo sits on top of the intake it's good. If it hangs off the back, it's a Riviera engine.



I'd swap the complete motor.

 

[323GTX]

The CCC computers came in the same as the rest

That's what I figured but wasn't sure.

There will some compatibilty issue with the engine's computer (or lack of) and the 84/87's NA's computer.

Hehehe You getting too far ahead. Was an Engine Performance Specialist for 10 years..... not a problem.

A casting number off the back of intake (maybe under the turbo) and a carb number are the best for ID'ing a motor.

I'll take a print out of all the #'s with me from the BB website.

If the turbo sits on top of the intake it's good. If it hangs off the back, it's a Riviera engine.

I wish I could remember but I don't. Only looked at it for a brief second walking past. Knew what it was but don't recall specifics.

I'd swap the complete motor.

Naaaaa

Althought that's a valid suggestion, it's not the direction I had in mind. I'm hoping it's an 78-80 non-computerized 3.8.

Just take all the required parts, rebuild/replace, and intall them onto the 86-87 (prefered years) 3.8 and eliminate the computer system.

I'll let you know what I find out my next trip out to the yard.

Thanks again