Ok what all do I need and how much $$$

[Silver97Camaro]

OK guys as you can probably tell by my name I have a Silver 1997 Camaro. Well, I do wish it was a Z-28 but its not. Insurance is just crazy for them only being 18. But I do have a 3.8L in the car right now and after dad telling me all about what the Buicks have done with the 6 shooter (being the big Buick fan that he is). I decided I want to build a turbo 6 motor for my Camaro. Just to be different and to show everyone the power that can be made from just 3.8L and we can thank Buick for starting it all. Well, now about my question. What all do I need to do to build a turbo motor that would be capable of high 11s to low 12s? I would be happy with low 12s though. Also how much money would I be looking at to buy everything from the ground up (turbo, block, bottom end, etc.)? Also is there any books that you all know of that I could read that would explain all about the Buick 3.8L turbo motors? Such as like what are the best ways to get power, reliability, and just info about the engine? Thanks a lot for the help in advance. Hope to get some info soon.

 

[Swt_86]

While it may seem like a great idea as the turbo 3.8's were an amazing combination, I don't know about trying to turn a 97 Camaro into a turbo car. Of course, it can be done - but cheap or easy it ain't. Honestly, you would be better off to sell the Camaro and buy a TR, GN or TTA in good shape. They are still available, the prices are pretty low right now and they will only be worth more in the future. I know this isn't what you want to hear . Others will agree or disagree but that's the way I see it.

 

[blackbuick87]

If your Camaro is a stick then you will need a tranny too.

The problem is your car barely has room under the hood for a mouse nest let alone a turbo, IC, plumbing, etc. Half the damn engine is under the dash!

 

[blackbuick87]

I would guess 5-7k for a half ass job, 10k for a good one by the way

 

[Silver97Camaro]

Wow! Thats a little more than I expected but its not bad at all when you think about it. Not 100% sure yet on what I'm going to do though. I would LOVE to build a turbo 6 though.

 

[Dan Thompson]

By a 1998 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am.

The 3.8L blocks, cranks, etc are not all the same. What you would need is a '109' long block.

Check out this website and it explains most of what you should be looking for.

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/pictureguides/blocks/blockguide.html

 

[blackbuick87]

I think he means 1989