Turbo on a 3.8 in a 1985 Cutlass Supreme Brougham

[85cut420]

I recently got me a 1985 Cutlass Supreme Brougham with an original 100K and some good money put into it. My only problem is how damn slow the thing is. It has the 3.8 liter Buick "gas saver" 110 hp motor. My V6 Camry feels like a Ferrari compared to the Cutty. The guy I got it from upgraded the intake and added a Flowmaster with no cats, so it sounds like a V8 but accelerates like a stock Corolla. I found a turbo kit at a junkyard, and the guy swears it will fit. It is on a wrecked 1986 Regal. He only wants $100 for it.

My only problem is: My 3.8 is carbureted. In my research, I found that in '84, the turbo got a fuel injection. and had it ever since. So is the junkyard dude trying to pull a fast one on me, or will it really fit? If it will easily bolt on, I'll do it, but I will not be doing two full weekends' work and buying new parts.

Another question regarding the turbo: Will I have to change any internals? IDK if the motor can handle double the output with stock internals. There is plenty of new stuff under the hood, but I'm not sure it'll hold up if I just slap a turbo on.

 

[chevy2480]

The internals on a turbo buick are different pistons, crankshaft etc. Also block would have to be drilled for oil return. While some parts are the same if you simply bolt a 86 turbo setup on it you will just blow holes through the pistons and trash the motor. A $100 for a true 86 setup is a steal though that is if its complete. Also you would need all wireing under dash and hood computer sensors etc because 86 is fuel injected. Fuel tank exhaust manifolds. There is a lot needed.

 

[gto nate]

Will it bolt on? probably gonna say no. It could probably be made to fit pretty easy tho. I would see if the wrecking yard has the complete engine, and wire harness. You can allways mod a holley carb. to work for blow thru turbo charge apps. or buy a quick fuel one, or a demon that is already prep. for blow thru apps. there are a few thing you will need to look into before you slap a turbo on there tho. make sure the fuel system is up to the task, as carb. engines run at a much lower fuel pressure than that of a fuel injected motor. On the cheap, I think you would be better off with a standard old school Chevy small block, try to shoot for one that has some vortec heads, as those are some of the best factory castings out there. And ALL of those engines run a factory roller cam.

 

[85cut420]

Well sounds like it would be too much work and money. I am not a mechanic, I can change some plugs or rebuild a carb, but I'm not mechanically inclined to the point of overhauling my motor to fit the turbo. I was just wondering if I could double my HP for around a hundred bucks. A used built 307 runs about $700-$1000 around here, which sounds in tune with all the mods I would have to do to my 6 to fit that turbo. Knowing that junkyard dude, he meant 100 just for the turbo itself, he will charge me extra for any additional hardware, plus I would need to have some things done by my mechanic as I'm sure there would be some stuff IDK how to do. I bought the car as a toy, just to make it nice for little $, I'll just concentrate on that. But if these Civics get on my nerves enough because of my Flowmaster's burble, I'll probably just end up swapping in a 307.

Thanks for the helpful replies yall.

 

[oldiejams]

its probably going to expensive get a good result from just getting the turbo on. if not more people would do it.

i have an 85 cutlass and I'm taking the 231 out.

 

[87z16]

i owned a 79 turbo regal. like was said there are some differences in the block and internals. the major difference is the compression ratio. u need no more then 8:1 or else u can break a piston. the non turbos had i beleive 8.5:1 or 9 i dont remember exactly. on my 2nd of my 3 rebuilds of that engine the machine shop gave me the larger pistons and a few months later, once i was able to beat on her a bit. i limped home with a bunch of white smoke behind me. sure most of the parts bolt on but do u want to take the risk?? plus if its for a carbed car and u gotta change the intake & exhaust manifolds (due to the ducting of exhaust gases) and do computer stuff for the FI and then u gotta change the gas tank and fuel pump. non FI cars do not have baffles in the tank. does seem like alot of work.

save ursef all that work and get an 8 they have MUCH more torque and ull get more bang for the buck and u can modify it easier and arent as limited. sure engine transmission and driveshaft will prob need updating but if u get the 307 that is factory so u can get the parts from a junkyard or person on this board. sure 307 arent great but itll be a start for you.

the turbo regals prior to 87 are not real low end cars. mine was carbed and off the line a pure slug but top end seemed unlimited. if u ask me i wouldnt do this swap UNLESS i was doing the enitre motor swap. but this will add a question to the equation, how is the new engine??

 

[Wile E]

Here's a early '80s carb'd (yep thats a q-jet) turbo Monte 3.8 I posted about earlier, does not sound like they are worth all the hassle to mess with.