Questions from a newbie...

[madmack69]

Greetings Everyone,

I recently joined this site to find info on Turbo Buicks.

I have a few questions that I figured you guys could probably help me with.

Since I don't have the money to spend on a GN/Turbo T, my intent is to get a turbo buick motor and build it, then stuff it in anything from a roller GN to a beater regal. Most used motors from 86/87 turbo regals are pricey, but is there anything special about the 3.8 turbo block vs. the normally aspirated block? I have seen allot of 3.8 N/A blocks for sale as '87 GN blocks, and the seller usually claims they are identical but you need to tap a hole for the oil return. I'm not sure I buy this, but it seems possible.

If I went with a stock regal, what mods would have to be done to the wiring in order to transplant the turbo engine?

Do you guys think this is a practical approach to obtaining a boosted buick or would I be better off saving the dough for a GN/Turbo T? At first I figured I would just save up the cash, but most of the affordable (8-10k range) 86/87 GN/Turbo T cars I have seen are beat beyond reason, rot wagons or stock regals with the turbo engine transplant. I have even seen an 84 GN for sale for 12k! Anything that is decent seems to be approaching 15-20k. Now I like turbo buicks, but for 15-20k some other newer cars start to become pretty darn tempting....

I appreciate and welcome all advice and opinions!

Thanks Guys!

 

[Dabigguy]

The block isn't that much different between a NA Buick and a turbo one. You will have to drill and tap a return for the turbo oil, but the main differences are the crank, rods and pistons.

You would be better off buying a turbo car that needs a little work depending on what your skills are. These cars can take a lot of abuse and last a long time. You can find a car that needs a little "love" for $5-6k. When you build one there will be many dollars spent on the little things that will add up quickly.

Engine and tranny 2500
wiring harness 600
ECM 200
new chip 100
new injectors 300
adj fuel regulator 100
cold air kit 150
fuel pump and wiring150
______________________
4100

You are already over $4000 and you don't even have anything to put it into, paint, wheels and tires. These cars are not inexpensive to buy or maintain. Any hi-performance car is going to cost money to build and own and GN's are no different. If you want a turbo car, save your money and buy one that needs a little work that is within your mechanical abilities.

Remember, your labor is free.

 

[krazy86t]

You would be better off buying a turbo car that needs a little work depending on what your skills are. These cars can take a lot of abuse and last a long time. You can find a car that needs a little "love" for $5-6k. When you build one there will be many dollars spent on the little things that will add up quickly.

X2 - recently bought a t-type in need of a fair amount of TLC - i'll probably put an additional ~3k into it before it is reasonable (interior, cheap paint job, engine and drivetrain fix/mod). But that will still be a lot less expense than the ground-up approach of doing the engine, etc for install in a roller.

Usually people say to buy the nicest car you can afford because it is generally the cheapest/fastest way to get into any "collector" car. This advice is not for everyone, for instance those that are looking for the experience of a ground-up build. But the engine build and transplant approach is not likely to be more a economical way to own a GN/ttype.

 

[2QUICK2B6]

x3 Try and buy the best Turbo regal in shape that u can afford. It would be alot cheaper to buy a car needing work that was all there than to peice a car together. A rough Turbo regal is usually worth more parted out than sold as a roller.

 

[charlief1]

X4. Save your money and keep looking for what you want/need. It may take longer but you will be happier. If you have an idea of what you want keep your eyes out and it will show up eventually. Go to your user controls and add some info like location ect so you can get a better idea of whoes in your area when you find a car. This way someone may go with you when you find the car you're looking at.
Welcome aboard.