Now I understand why they pull the turbos

[Mr T Type]

I have been fighting this car for months!! I can say I am sick of it!! Now I understand why people yank the turbo engines and plug in a sbc. I have a 80 monte with the factory Turbo engine that the previous owner has overhauled but never finished. So I took on the chore and man am I regretting it. It idles ok, but when I put it in gear and and step on the brake while also the gas, it pops and tries to die. Also when I am giving it WOT should the waste gate be moving? I have never seen mine move. I have checked and rechecked the timing also have hooked vacuum line the best I can. Exhaust is new. Any turbo buick mechanics close to nm? Jeez..........

 

[HAFROD]

I'm pretty knowledgeable on the 86-87 intercooled Buicks. Never messed with a hot air car. I had one do what your describing and it had blown an intercooler hose. I know they are different but could it be sucking air somewhere?

 

[Texas82GP]

If you're not over there already consider joining the turbo buick forum.

 

[Mr T Type]

I have reached out to turbo Buick but have not had any replies. I have been looking for air leaks with carb cleaner but haven't had any luck.

 

[81cutlass]

Im probably the most knowledgeable non SFI turbo buick guy here.

AJ (dr. frankestein) on the beforeblack section on turbobuick.com is really good with them, I think he was down to the 10's with his setup in a Luv but he is rarely on anymore.

Have you checked this site out?
http://beforeblack.net/

Do Everything cleanup related here.
http://beforeblack.net/tnotes.htm

Step 1- Check your timing. Do you have the factory spark retard box? It may be pulling timing if you have 87 in it and not running right.
Step 2- What shape are you plugs and wires in? I run NGK UR5's. THey are good, mine likes it.
3-Get a boost gauge if you dont have one. Don't trust the turbo lights, it should make 5-7psi or so. If it doesnt look into the wastegate but see if its making boost while driving at cruising speed.
4- Does it run bad from a 50mph roll? Don't worry about brake boosting it yet, get it running well driving around. Cruise from 50 and
5-Carb stuff. Is the filter replaced? Are the secondaries opening? The coughing from idle sounds like a fuel air or spark issue. If the spark is good and secondaries are opening its fuel related (probably)
6- Power enrichment control valve (PECV). Mine never worked right. Its job is to fuel the carb to the air density post turbo. Mine runs way lean with it connected. It will be a port below the fuel inlet. Disconnect the vac line from the carb and plug it. The rubber diaphram inside, it sits right in the middle of the intake, will crumble and back feed/suck fuel and air alternatively between the carb and intake.

I hate to see a carbturbo car cut apart from people asking for help and not getting it so get that stuff done and report back. 🙂

 

[Mr T Type]

1. I have used premium fuel from day one
2. Filter in carb is new
3. Plugs are UR4GP
4. Can not get car to run and drive past 5mph
5. For some reason the monte Carlos didn't come with any boost gauge at all.
My problem is I didn't rebuild the engine so I'm not sure how everything came apart or what enhancements were done. Also I have vacuum ports plugged that don't know what to do with. Will the waste gate move at all while giving it gas in park?
I will plug the mentioned vacuum port and report back in a few

 

[Turbo Zach]

I feel your pain! I have mine running pretty good, but still have a few issues. I think these cars always will have some issues, pretty primitive technology. First thing you need is a boost gauge! A vacuum and boost in one gauge work well. You don't need a gauge that goes over 20 psi, because you will never get there on this setup. You do not build boost until the engine is under a load, so you will not see your waist gate move. With the four barrels open under hard acceleration I get up to 7 psi of boost. At 70 mph I run about -3 to 3 psi boost depending on if I'm on the throttle or not. Hope this helps some. I have thought about putting a throttle body fuel injection on mine.

 

[Mr T Type]

Ran car with port plugged. Running real rich and won't idle on its own. But on the positive when power braking carb was not popping. No power but not popping.

 

[Mr T Type]

I feel your pain! I have mine running pretty good, but still have a few issues. I think these cars always will have some issues, pretty primitive technology. First thing you need is a boost gauge! A vacuum and boost in one gauge work well. You don't need a gauge that goes over 20 psi, because you will never get there on this setup. You do not build boost until the engine is under a load, so you will not see your waist gate move. With the four barrels open under hard acceleration I get up to 7 psi of boost. At 70 mph I run about -3 to 3 psi boost depending on if I'm on the throttle or not. Hope this helps some. I have thought about putting a throttle body fuel injection on mine.

Thanks Zach, I think getting a boost gauge is next on the list.

 

[Turbo Zach]

I don't remember, is your carb rebuilt? Is the carb original one? Turbo engines take a different carb. Has a special acelerator pump and tuned for the engine.