Racing or not? If racing, forget about it. It's a major rebuild. Otherwise....
Which turbo, carburetor or SFI? Intercooled or not?
Factory stock or not? If factory stock, the '86-'87 intercooled SFI version might be a bit much, but anything earlier has no more power than a late model non-turbo 3800. '84-'85 is 200 hp, going down as you work back through years. So any '85 or earlier factory setup is unlikely to stress the non-turbo "VIN A" long block. What you are hearing assumes mods for more power and a lot of flat-out racing.
The only internal differences are in the crank (rolled fillet rod journals for turbo) and pistons. People have used the non-turbo crank in racing applications with no issues. Nobody uses any factory piston, turbo or non-turbo, in a racing application. Differences between the pistons are more complicated to explain, but unless you want to race I don't think even the pistons would be an issue. Aftermarket forged pistons would bring cheap peace of mind, especially with a bigger aftermarket turbo.
The turbo used a higher-pressure spring in the oil pump, which is easy to install. They used the same valve springs, so it's just a question of are they worn out.
OOPS, I forgot, last edit I swear: What year is the non-turbo motor you have? It does make a difference on some questions.
Another last edit: Everything in this post ASSUMES you have the 3.8L Buick V6. There was also the 3.8L Chevy V6, which has nothing in common whatsoever with the Buick except owners who want more.
Which turbo, carburetor or SFI? Intercooled or not?
Factory stock or not? If factory stock, the '86-'87 intercooled SFI version might be a bit much, but anything earlier has no more power than a late model non-turbo 3800. '84-'85 is 200 hp, going down as you work back through years. So any '85 or earlier factory setup is unlikely to stress the non-turbo "VIN A" long block. What you are hearing assumes mods for more power and a lot of flat-out racing.
The only internal differences are in the crank (rolled fillet rod journals for turbo) and pistons. People have used the non-turbo crank in racing applications with no issues. Nobody uses any factory piston, turbo or non-turbo, in a racing application. Differences between the pistons are more complicated to explain, but unless you want to race I don't think even the pistons would be an issue. Aftermarket forged pistons would bring cheap peace of mind, especially with a bigger aftermarket turbo.
The turbo used a higher-pressure spring in the oil pump, which is easy to install. They used the same valve springs, so it's just a question of are they worn out.
OOPS, I forgot, last edit I swear: What year is the non-turbo motor you have? It does make a difference on some questions.
Another last edit: Everything in this post ASSUMES you have the 3.8L Buick V6. There was also the 3.8L Chevy V6, which has nothing in common whatsoever with the Buick except owners who want more.
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