Just a couple of retarded questions...

[Sweet-85']

Ok, so now that I'm getting close to being done on my 84 Cutlass build, I need to start thinking about the truck. Just because I like to be different, I was thinking about doing a turbo 2.8 build, that and it would bolt to my current drivetrain w/o mods. It would be a blow-thru carb set-up with low boost (maybe 10psi max), because I don't like vehicle computers lol. How feasable is this and what parts would I need? I was also toying with the idea of a 2.3t build, but as far as I know that would require a computer to run ... Can it be made to work efficently w/o a computer? Also, can it be made to bolt to my current trans with an adapter? Thanks in advance.

 

[Davis]

Why the computer hate? They really aren't that bad. Maybe it's time to learn a new trick?

 

[Sweet-85']

Why the computer hate? They really aren't that bad. Maybe it's time to learn a new trick?

Yeah, but my truck has the 2.8, which is carbed, which means running everything brand new for the computer etc., keep in mind this is my DD and can't be out of commission too long.

 

[Jason]

Yeah, but my truck has the 2.8, which is carbed, which means running everything brand new for the computer etc., keep in mind this is my DD and can't be out of commission too long.

If that's true, I wouldn't bother. It WILL be down for a while if you are doing it right.

 

[Sweet-85']

If that's true, I wouldn't bother. It WILL be down for a while if you are doing it right.

Well I was planning on getting a seperate engine block, building it outside the truck, and swapping it in when ready. I could probably stomach driving the cutlass to work for a week. (I live 3 miles from work)

 

[Davis]

It's definitely possible.

Here is what I would do were I hell bent on turboing a carbed 2.8.

1- Get rid of the stock carb. I'd get a 2bbl set up for blow thru turbo. I don't know if a holley style 2bbl fits on that manifold, if not, I'd get a new one or modify the stock one to work.

2- Either flip the stock exhaust manifolds (if possible) or build log style headers out of schedule 40 handrail elbows and tees. I'd bring the exhaust forward and run both banks into a single .48 housing t3 turbo.

3- I'd definitely run an intercooler.

4- Feed oil from oil pressure sender, and return to oil pan.

5- I'd get a wideband O2 sensor installed.

6- Possibly run H20/Methanol injection (don't worry, no computer needed) triggered at 3 psi or so.

 

[RacinNdrummin]

To add to what Davis said:

Absolutely run an intercooler!

Use a holley 350 2bbl, block the EGR port on the EGR spacer. Rip all of the EEC stuff out of the truck. Get a duraspark setup, open up the distributor and find a 10 or 12 degree advance plate, so you can run about 10* base and have about 20-22* total advance.

Put the 350 on the engine before you turbo it so you can get the jetting right, and when you turbo it, to get it fine tuned in, you can either A) drill out the power valve holes till you get it right (lots of expirementing) or B) drill out the power valve holes and tap them for motorcycle carb pilot jets, so that you can get the right enrichment for boost.

Put a hose barb on the backside of the fuel pump housing and run it to the carb hat not the manifold, because you will lose around 1 pound of reference if you reference it to the manifold.

the 2.8 should be able to handle 10#'s no prob, and would be a pretty cool setup. You could get a decent amount of power for very little money.

-Wideband 02 for sure, dont skimp here
-Use a dodge .42/.48 from the JY
-find a used holley 350
-flip manifolds
-get a good carb hat/gasket

Hurry up, im interested in seeing how this works out.

 

[dangerranger83]

Me too, mine is TBI but I want to see a turbo 2.8 now.

 

[mini274]

Ebay sells the turbo carb hats for fairly cheap it just the fact of a 2 bbl thats gonna be tricky

 

[RacinNdrummin]

2bbl isnt any more tricky than a 4bbl...

 

[mini274]

2bbl isnt any more tricky than a 4bbl...

i was talking about finding a carb hat for it

 

[Davis]

Me too, mine is TBI but I want to see a turbo 2.8 now.

Shouldn't be hard. Your computer is Speed Density, right?

Take all the advice given for the other setup, except the part about the carb. Instead, get an FMU (Fuel Management Unit) also known as a rising rate fuel pressure regulator. I usually consider FMUs to be a bandaid rather than a real solution, but they can work. I know a kid in town running a Chrysler 3.0 turbo in the 11s using an FMU and stock ECU.

 

[dangerranger83]

I dont know what mine is all I know is that it has a constant fuel pressure but when the rpm's get up to a certian number the injectors go from opening and closing to staying open and and as the rpm's increase/throttle opens up more the injectors open up more. Its basiclly reading off the distrubutor and the TPS. ATM its getting to much fuel so its like a diesel going down the road and its not being driven.

My TBI is off an 84 3.8 liter Thunderbird if that helps. A turbo 2.8 would be an awsome thing but ATM I would like it to run a little better then go from there. I have to many projects lined up for the truck to even think about a turbo on it...for now.

I see alot of guys on here talk about putting a turbo on their 2.8 but thats as far as it ever goes. I mean 4.0 would probably be easier and yeild more power but I would try the turbo 2.8 if I could.

 

[Davis]

That would make it an Alpha-N system. Alpha means throttle angle and N is for number of engine revolutions (just the same as saying RPM). I'm pretty sure you could use an FMU on Alpha-N as well. Does it have a MAP sensor?

Tuning your system could be a little tricky, since you probably can't tune the computer. You would just have to play with TPS position and fuel pressure.

 

[RacinNdrummin]

i was talking about finding a carb hat for it

Holley 2bbl hat size is the same as 4bbl.