Turbo in my Lumina... What do i need?

BlackdOutLuminaSS · January 15, 2005, 09:01:13 PM

Mainly i know that i could simply just get everything that's different from my stock 3.1. But i know there has to be more to it then just that. So am also looking for what i would need as far as computer and internal parts wise. Because i want this to work right and i dont want to dramatically-- or at all really-- want to decrease the life of my engine. So what parts can i upgrade in order to successfully increase or maintain engine life and make this conversion simple.
ThanX alot.

no1kicker · January 15, 2005, 11:55:40 PM

Search

There have been many posts about this topic. A search should give you all the details. Welcome to the board.

Prospeeder · January 16, 2005, 12:03:27 AM

i was gonna say the same thing, lol, but i thought it might be rude

BlackdOutLuminaSS · January 16, 2005, 12:05:42 AM

:roll: im more then sure there are plenty of posts that can get rid of the basic questions that i have, but as far as advice and going with the best possible option and considering horsepower time and money, i would still like your option about the whole rebuilding idea based against just selling my extra 3.1 and getting a SC 3800 series II. Im just attempting to be different then just getting the norm. Because i know this engine is capable of alot more then GM released it with already just with the short time i have been researching this specific engine.
thanx i'll also look around while you post your opinion.
i'd appreciate all of your help. :wink:

BlackdOutLuminaSS · January 16, 2005, 12:27:13 AM

i have a spare 1991-1992 Lumina engine, that's mainly why i am asking about just what parts to get while i have it out and availble to take apart and put in the high performance internals. Because im not looking for a pure track car or a car that'll just be sh!t out in like 15-30k miles. I just want the most reilable engine i can build with great power and an engine that i can run with out feeling guilty.
Just let me know.
BTW the search option sucks what am i searching for? Conversion from basic 3.1? TGP swap or what?

Prospeeder · January 16, 2005, 12:31:18 AM

yea, search sucks on this board, u type somthing, and u get NOTHING close to what ur looking for most of the time

BlackdOutLuminaSS · January 16, 2005, 12:35:19 AM

Just in general what do you think of what i am trying to do with my spare 3.1? Does it sound possible to rebuild the engine strong enough to withstand me running it daily and still remain reliable?

TurboGTU · January 16, 2005, 02:52:11 AM

Inspect..rering the engine, new bearings, HV oil pump, port and polish heads, fresh stock cam and lifters or aftermarket blower/turbo friendly cam.
Grab S10 passenger side exhaust manafold from a 2.8 and modify the bolt holes to fit the aluminum head.
Get some stainless steel pipe from a pipe supplier or muffler shop and have them make a x-over pipe (search for x-over or crossover pipe for pics or ideas).
Electrical wise...mount IAT sensor anywhere behind the TB, buy 2bar map sensor off a TGP, Turbo Grand am/sunbird or syclone/typhoon. Buy jeffs chips or buy a memcal from the dealer for a 90 TGP.

Email me at TurboGTU@gmail.com for pics or more qs if you have anymore.

BlackdOutLuminaSS · January 16, 2005, 12:18:15 PM

That's exactly what i needed, but as far as reliabillity and total cost should i carry out with this project if i dont want to spend to much over $500? Remember i already have the 3.1.

idbeast · January 16, 2005, 12:50:28 PM

You are going to be really pressed to do this for $500 or less, Turbo, crossover pipe and downpipe alone will run you that if not more.

no1kicker · January 16, 2005, 12:57:13 PM

You might get lucky and find a complete engine at a JY or something. That would be the easiest. But yeah, buying the individual parts alone is expensive.

BlackdOutLuminaSS · January 16, 2005, 01:15:35 PM

well considering that i want to take advantage of the fact that i have an extra engine to take apart and do right. SO guess the little extra money will be worth it in the long run in the reliablillity department. Im looking for around 260hp. with what i want so would the original 3.1 be able to provide me with these numbers and handle my reliabillity expectations by just putting in the 3.1T internal parts? Or would i have to completely rebuilt like im thinking i would?

TurboGTU · January 18, 2005, 01:01:56 AM

260 at the crank is good. At whees it so so reliablility with a untouched engine with such high mileage. Its an insurance and reliablility to freshen up a used, old engine.
If your lucky..and find a complate TGP turbo setup for cheap ..a 500 budget cap will do. BUt I highly doubt it. Your going to have to piece this seup up together for a while. Buy turbo..then wait for funds from work..thens buy pipes and get x-over made...wait...then funds again..then intercooler...wait..ect. This is how my brother and I get our cars together. If you had the money...you'd just get it done by next week.

skalor · January 18, 2005, 10:16:02 AM

Give me $800 and you can take my turbo lumina? The body has seen better days, but it's runs good. I the inspection just recently ran out as I was expecting to part the car as the engine is the only thing worth anything in the car. It has a TGP engine/trans, so it's not a regular 3.1 with a turbo.

BlackdOutLuminaSS · January 18, 2005, 02:39:09 PM

Quote from: TurboGTU260 at the crank is good. At whees it so so reliablility with a untouched engine with such high mileage. Its an insurance and reliablility to freshen up a used, old engine.
If your lucky..and find a complate TGP turbo setup for cheap ..a 500 budget cap will do. BUt I highly doubt it. Your going to have to piece this seup up together for a while. Buy turbo..then wait for funds from work..thens buy pipes and get x-over made...wait...then funds again..then intercooler...wait..ect. This is how my brother and I get our cars together. If you had the money...you'd just get it done by next week.

YEa that's the method i would go, but i would at least want to build one part of the engine (internals) and then put the engine in the car. then the rest would be a day at a time never taking my car off the road for more then a day at a time. But i say i want to replace the crank and pistons anyway because i know i dont want to feel guilty for taking off running in the 4000s. Because i konw the extra power will be more torque on the crank. I want to over build to guarantee the dependabillity, but if you dont think it's important. I'd get a cam. Are the rockers, lifter and all that fine?
Just tryin to make sure to go the right route.