First post, I'm new to the turbo buick world and im here to act as a sponge to soak up some knowledge so here it goes....I'm looking for a replacement turbo for later on down the road so im researching now, What are your thoughts toward the Turbonetics GT-K series turbos? Is anyone currently running this model turbo? If so whats are both the smallest and largest turbos you guys would consider using for a stock setup? I mean could you run a turbonetics GT-K-450 but just on low boost? I read these turobs are good for 375-475hp. Or would a GT-K 500(450-550hp) be overdoing it? Are these more than just cool looking turbos cause I think they would compliment a GN very nicely with the black and red trim.
Thoughts toward Turbonetics GT-K series turbos?
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just plain john
El Camino a Go-Go!
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Most of the knowledgeable guys on here will tell you NOT to put a bigger turbo on as your first upgrade. Many here have gone fast on the stock turbo. Before you can realize the gains a bigger turbo can make, the rest of your combo needs to support it. I don't see any list of your supporting mods, but generally speaking they should include a fuel pump upgrade and supporting wiring (hot wired), an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, and most importantly a scan tool of some type (usually Scanmaster, they are TR specific). After that, an upgraded downpipe usually follows and then a better flowing exhaust. A larger turbo requires more fuel and therefore larger injectors. When these changes are made you might be suprised what the stock turbo can do. I would hazard a guess that a stock motor with a big turbo hung on it would only disappoint you, whereas a stock turbo with the supporting upgrades has proven itself many times over. Just ask Grumpy, he likes to tell that story. The tune is the secret. I see your a new guy, and with no offense intended, sometimes they get stars in their eyes. Optimize what you have first, then go bigger. Be sure to bring your wallet lolz. A crack habit is cheaper.
I completeley agree, its not my intentions for the turbo to be the first thing i upgrade, i was just curios if any body had any info on this line of turbos. I was leaning toward a cold ari intake and ls1 maf sensor for my first upgrades. Then 100lb valve springs, front mount intercooler then downpipe and exhaust.
First mod should be a scantool like the scanmaster2. This will let you know if there is an issue before you start swapping parts and pigeon hole yourself.
Next mod is to read read read and learn as much as you can before making any changes.
From there.. mod away.
HTH
Julio
Next mod is to read read read and learn as much as you can before making any changes.
From there.. mod away.
HTH
Julio
x2 on that section. I am new to turbo cars and I have been combing that section for a couple days learning a ton of good info.
williamsGN
'Horse sneeze' addict
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Scanmaster, fuel pump & hotwire (fuel system when new was marginal at best), K&N air cleaner, turbotweak chip (he'll burn one that'll work with future mods in mind).
then adjustable fuel pressure regulator, fuel press. gauge
next exhaust, followed by injectors, turbo, etc.
An audible knock sensor is a nice backup, many just stick with the scanmaster..... a boost gauge is not necessary with the stock turbo set up.
BTW I have had good luck with Turbonetics BB turbos - old T60-1 and now T61
then adjustable fuel pressure regulator, fuel press. gauge
next exhaust, followed by injectors, turbo, etc.
An audible knock sensor is a nice backup, many just stick with the scanmaster..... a boost gauge is not necessary with the stock turbo set up.
BTW I have had good luck with Turbonetics BB turbos - old T60-1 and now T61
like posted above but in my opinion the trans in these cars are never happy once the boost goes up well into the 20's with stickey tires even on the stock turbo.I disagree
A 30 dollar boost gauge can save you from a 5000 rebuild.
williamsGN
'Horse sneeze' addict
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Unless you mod the stock wastegate, it isn't going to go out of range of the stock gauge or 15 psi for that matter.
Granted the chip can be modified to do so, but then again, you are no longer dealing with a 'stock turbo setup'.
A boost gauge on an unmodded turbo setup is an unneeded 'first mod'
Granted the chip can be modified to do so, but then again, you are no longer dealing with a 'stock turbo setup'.
A boost gauge on an unmodded turbo setup is an unneeded 'first mod'
I know of at least three cars with stock turbo's that have way overboosted due to issues with rotted hoses, damaged actuators, etc.
Today is not Dec 1987 where cars are unmolested and nobody has tampered with them. If it was 1987 I would agree.
One of the above cars blew the hose of the turbo causing it to overboost.. The result was two damaged pistons, spun rod bearing, and a blown head gasket.
The stock turbo is more than capable of 30 psi boost in low gear.
This is why I disagreed and recommended the boost gauge. Especially to someone not knowledgeable with these cars. Buy it now or pay latter
Royal-T-Ltd
Well-Known Member
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Yep Besides the Before Mentioned Gauges .. .. i always double check ALL Vacuum lines, Spark Plugs and install a Fuel pump, hot-wire, etc........
ALWAYS DO THE BASICS FIRST.... Read, Read, Read..... learn your car and how to adjust/tune it - BEFORE You do any major mods
ALWAYS DO THE BASICS FIRST.... Read, Read, Read..... learn your car and how to adjust/tune it - BEFORE You do any major mods
williamsGN
'Horse sneeze' addict
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Make sure to get a fuel pressure, temperature, oil pressure, voltage, trans gauge, etc... I sure needed em on my TRs over the last 17 years, but then mine weren't STOCK.... I'll have to check into those boost gauges that save you from blowing a head gasket when the vacuum line blows, sounds great !
I reiterate, the stock system when functioning properly will not go over 15 psi, which is within the limits of the STOCK gauge, if your gauge is redlining you have a issue, not even a $60 autometer gauge is going to help you then.. but by all means, spend the 60 with another 30 for the A pillar mount.. that is way better money then getting yourself say, a hotwire kit
monitoring fuel pressure,afr,volts,boost is just a smart way to operate these vehicles period.how much is up to the comfort level of the user.if the original poster is asking about bigger turbo's,he is probably going to need gauges to monitor,and the usual supporting mods.i don't have a hotwire kit on my 10 sec gn but others do it just depends on the route the owner wishes to take.
