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We just did! see the 4.1 thread and there is more coming like suspension and E85 conversion. We will track test he car and plan on hitting some Buick events
This is true. It takes a lot less energy to keep the turbine going once its spooled and it can be used as a tool to reduce backrepssure and allow the cam profile to be altered. No matter what the ex valve open/close is critical to getting the most out of it.
If you start selling an E85 conversion kit I'd be on it like white on rice.
I agree Nick most people want something to satisfies them and have fun and not wrench on them all the time from going all balls and staying out of their pocketbook as much as possible .There are still many passionate turbo Buick owners, but their goal is not all HP, but a fun performance car that has "mystique" where ever they go, and that satisfies their ego!
We raced a car for years and had a 10 sec car when most were in the 12's and very few were in the 9's. The Stage 2 head 109 motor that was going into Travis Beckendorff's old Spooky 1 car that I also bought at the time ended up getting sold to Shane, he just had to have it. I am sorry I let it go I never should have but he caught me on the right day. I actually PMed him a few days ago asking about that motor it is sitting all put together. I was thinking it would be fun in my new car and I could prove my point about how good that setup could be. The key was the small valve iron stage 2 heads that fit the block. Who knows, I may build another one, just for fun.
I applaud Mike for his concern about the future of our turbo Buick cars, and asking how and what we can do to keep them from fading into oblivion.
My life and work has revolved around T-R's for more years than I care to mention, and I will be involved with them as long as I am able.
From what we have done in recent years with these cars has changed dramatically from the "glory days" of Buick racing and events, and this is evident from seeing the lack of participation of track cars.
It is not the lack of HP or technology of the turbo V-6 engine, or even the cost, it is the owners lack of interest and lack of passion for the T-R's. There are a few like myself that will compete with a T-R race car, but relatively few other will devote the time and $$$ with a 50 year old Buick V-6?
We have 1500 HP turbo V-6 that are currently available, but who wants them?
I the past 6 months we have, or are building, five TA alum engines, eight 4.1L production engines and four 3.8 builds, and none of them are for a race car? All are for street/strip or just cruising applications, one may approach the 900 HP level.
So clearly, it is not the lack of affordable HP from the Buick V-6, or parts to support it, there just are not enough people interested in pushing the performance envelope, and my thinking they just want to enjoy what is easily and affordably available.
With 600 HP at the rear wheels, this car is an awesome street performer if traction is there to handle it.
As far as cams and other engine parts, we have for years used our specific grinds and other parts to obtain max HP on various class cars which have set many records, but where are the racers now doing that?
With all the active board members, how many have even taken their car to the track, much less have been in active competition? Sorry, that interest is just not there any longer.
Of the many turbo Buick owners I communicate with every day from around the country, and Canada, it is very seldom that max performance is discussed, what they want is reliability at their performance level on the street.
There are still many passionate turbo Buick owners, but their goal is not all HP, but a fun performance car that has "mystique" where ever they go, and that satisfies their ego!
