I'm gonna build myself a Turbo /6!

I need help on how to do it, what I need and what to do with it.

How much should I build the motor, how should I build it up, what cam/compression etc.

I already have an '80 /6 that is in my '80 Diplomat (it's a solid cam BTW) and I have a Turbo unit from a '86 2.2 Dodge Shadow.

The vehicle IS going to have Multi Point EFI also. Fuel control only.

My max budget is $2000. Is it possible?

Give my your plans people!

Thanks!

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"It's flattering to have you name in print, but not you fingers." Red Green

Hi,

I think that it is doable. I am going down this road myself, but am stuck with fixing the suspension and steering first. ( My car wandered so bad as to be almost undrivable.)

You need to look into Megasquirt. It is a homemade EFI computer that many have used for turbo engines. There are a few other people on this list who have gotten it to work with their slants. Perhaps one of them could even post his maps on the website here.

Here are some links:
http://www.megasquirt.info/
http://www.msefi.com

You will want to work up a custom intake and exhaust manifold, to support the injectors and the throttle body, as well as the turbo. This looks to be the hardest part of the fabrication efforts.

Good luck, and let us know how it is coming!

Greg

You'll need to watch your budget closely, but I think this is possible. I estimate I spent around $1,200 on my carbed turbo setup, which is going to be switched to EFI, and I think the EFI swap is likely to be cheaper. On your budget, about the only viable EFI controller is a Megasquirt. This can be modified to control spark, too - I'm planning to use that approach myself. Your budget may not have enough to combine the turbo project with a rebuild, though. I would use a relatively mild street cam for this project - turbos don't like long duration, high overlap cams.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

I'm sure you know that this is not a trivial task. But, it is not that difficult either. From my experience it is about the same degree of difficulty as installing an aftermarket AC. I would recommend that you use a turbo from an '84-'85 3.8L turbo Buick instead of the 2.2L turbo that you have.
If you start with my EFI article ( http://slantsix.org/articles/dibiase_ef ... ersion.htm ), then all you will need to do is substitute turbo injectors from an '84-'87 turbo Buick and the MAF from an '84-'85 turbo Buick ( http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/forumd ... forumid=24 ). The nice thing about this turbo is that you will not need to modify your exhaust manifold at all and only need to make an aluminum plate to adapt the turbo to your intake manifold. (Of course you will have to modify the intake for the EFI)
There is no need to modify your engine and you should have no problem staying well within your budget. Also, when you have your turbo plan on ditching your muffler and just use a straight pipe with a dual Monza resonator on the end. You'll love the sound! And, I just passed the Massachusetts state inspection without a problem.
For a picture of the turbo see: http://hometown.aol.com/bbobbias/page1.html
Bob D
PS. I no longer use the IAC or accumulator described in the article.

I had no Idea thats how the 3.8 Turbo mounted!!!

Man that the way I'm going!!!!

Thanks so much!!!!!


Now all I have to do is find one for under $500.

I used an '84-'85 3.8L turbo. The '86-'87 mounts differently because it used an intercooler. (Here is a picture of an '86-'87: http://www.geocities.com/cx366464/front.html )
If you go to http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/forumd ... forumid=24 you will find stock '84-'85 turbos listed occasionally. Here is one that was listed a while back to give you an idea of the typical cost.
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showth ... +and+turbo
Be sure that the turbo you buy has the exhaust elbow although you can get it separately if you have to for around $30. You will probably have to get the turbo to intake adapter separately. These also are occasionally listed for sale or you could try the parts wanted forum at www.turbobuick.com .
Bob D

Thanks again Bob!

So I need a Turbo from an '84-'85 and try to get it with the exhaust side elbow, right?

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"It's flattering to have you name in print, but not you fingers." Red Green

Yes, if you want to go the way that I did. You'll also need a wastegate actuator and will have to reconfigure its bracket from the stock position to fit on top of the SL6. (Be sure to get a wastegate actuator that is adjustable). Plan to do some fabricating for the wastegate actuator bracket, a turbo mounting bracket and intake manifold adaptor plate, the "up" and "down" exhaust pipes, and the oil supply and oil return lines. It is probably easier to get an '84-'85 turbo throttle body right from the beginning. I used the one from a naturally asperated 3.8L that I ran before I installed the turbo. It works fine but I had to fab another adaptor plate to fit it to the turbo. As you can see there is a lot of work here but the results are fantastic. Good luck!
Bob D

Thanks again and.....uh again Bob!!!

I guess I have some parts hunting to do.

The reson to use the GN TB is to eliminate the need to make a adapter to mount the Turbo to the TB?

Then all I have to do is mount the TB to my intake!

Would a Aluminum 2bbl Super Six Intake work?

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"It's flattering to have you name in print, but not you fingers." Red Green

This is a "draw-thru" set-up so the turbo mounts on the intake manifold and then the throttle body mounts on it. (On the front if you look at the picture.)
Bob D

Ahhhhh! I see.

It's just the picture on the guys page had me a little worried.


But I was wondering about the 2bb intake flowing enough.


Did you get my PM? I can get all the parts I need from that guy.

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"It's flattering to have you name in print, but not you fingers." Red Green

I put afermarket AC on my car in a matter of weeks. It took me six months to put EFI and turbo on the slant. I would start with the EFI. Just start looking up EFI web sites and read all you can. Bob's EFI article is a great starting point. EFI simplifies the turbo construction. I used a Buick GN turbo aslo, from an intercooled one, and it all works well. Having the unit factory designed for your size engine makes it work very nicely as a finished project. Minimal turbo lag, and just the right size for the engine to make 8-10 lbs of boost with ease. I also used the Mega Squirt, which is working out very well. You could do as Bob did though, and just use an OEM Buick ECU.

Vader,
I was referring to the turbo project alone. It did take me much longer than a few weeks to do the AC though. I had to get the lines re-made once! I guess it depends on how many mistakes you make and I made a few!

Wagon,
One thing I forgot to mention in the PM, but did mention earlier here, is that you will want to get the Buick turbo to intake adapter. You will then adapt it to the SL6 intake. Also, I found it easier to use the end of the Buick downpipe that attaches to the turbo and then weld my fabricated downpipe to it. This also has a separate flange and spring loaded bolts. There is also a metal donut gasket used where the up-pipe attaches to the turbo. Maybe the guy will send these items but if not you should try to get them.
Bob D

Go to www.turbominivan.com for some good advice on adjusting wastegate control. I followed the instructions and installed a "grainger" valve on my shelby z daytona and it worked perfectly it allows you to adjust a non adjustable wastegate up to around 20 psi. Have fun with your project.

Has anyone ever put a TBI on a draw through turbo?
using a carb adapter on the early buick setup?

Can anyone think of a reason this wouldn't work?

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It is easier to REACT,
than it is to THINK!

Middy.