My near stock 87GN has oil in the intercooler up pipe. I guess this means the turbo oil seal is leaking. (Engine has a breather on the valve cover). I've seen some of the other inquiries on the site and assume Turbonetics can take care of "fixing" it for me. Here's my question. Is it best to just rebuild the stocker or could I get an upgrade with slightly more power offering WITHOUT CHANGING ANYTHING ELSE. The car is street only and 93 octane only. I don't wqnt to lower my gas mileage or affect street performance under normal driving conditions, but like any car guy, I'd like to go faster if I can. I assume that the stock unit is TBO348. I'm new at this, so my information is llimited. If an upgrade is the way to go, which one should I pursue? Also, can the intercooler be "boiled" out at a radiator shop or is this a solvent washout job? Any suggestions are appreciated.
turbo rebuild or upgrade?
- Thread starter ORayK
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FastRegalWE2
Wish I had another Buick!
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WIth a turbo upgrade, you are going to need at least an upgraded fuel pump. Stock one is almost maxed with the stock turbo. A hotwire kit for the fuel pump, a Scnmaster or some way to monitor for KNOCK. Some 42.5# injectors and a chip to match. And I think also an adjustable fuel pressure regulator.
Im sure others will chime in that know much more than I.
Im sure others will chime in that know much more than I.
I would say upgrade your turbo. A TA-49 sounds right up your way. I would advise fuel pump, injectors, chip and scan master. It sounds like a lot but if you think about it, all of these mods are un-seen to the naked eye, so if your going for a stock look this will work. Also a boost controller so you can run more boost. I think this will give you what you are looking for.
do you have a boost gauge? reason im asking is i have a te44 with the same problem as oil in the up pipe.i found some play idk whats considered too much, but i figure any is too much. reason why im asking is even fully tightened down (wastegate) i only see 7 psi. Is this another sign of bad turbo?
How much play? Your right too much play is bad, but there is always some play (very little when everything is fresh). Start small, no need to spend money right away, check waste gate lines, make sure actuator is good, check to make sure turbo is good.
If there are score marks on the housing depending on how bad they are your turbo maybe no good. If you can post pics that would help, but if the housing is scored chances are the wheel has marks on it too, thus causing a bad wheel, again depending on how bad the damage is. I WOULD NOT RUN THE CAR WHAT SO EVER.
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