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3800 turbo build

13K views 47 replies 4 participants last post by  Loumatt  
#1 ·
i have a 3800 series 2 S/C out of a Pontiac Bonneville SSEI .going into my little brothers 97 lesabre. swap seems straight forward both 97 and H-body. i have the Z3 turbo kit, reconditioned heads 90# springs ,350 fuel pump ,60# injectors 1.9 rocker arms, shift kit and front powerlog,the kit requires i keep the rear manifold for the wastegate set up but the stock manifold is tiny and im assuming sucks. ZZP doesnt make a rear power log or any rear exaust pieces for the
H-body what should i do? leaving the block stock im thinking mid 400's to the wheels should be a reachable goal. has anybody done anything close to this? Im i missing something i dont see? Any feedback would be good all keep you guys updated on the build thank you
 
#28 ·
You still need to address the PCV passages similarly on an L36/L26, because it's on all 3800's (you had an L36 Series 2 if it's the plastic one, so I don't suggest going that route if you don't have to.

Later on, maybe shop for an L26 upper/lower intake at the yard, and prep it more (block TB coolant passages, port side coolant path, maybe gasket-match ports, etc.)

Same path descriptions as M90 version above.
Image
 
#29 ·
Thank you Dave between the diagram and your explanation I think I got it tap and plug the hole in the throttle body and RTV the PVC tube in the supercharger casing. Only part I'm confused on is that bigger hole in the throttle body by the blade just stuff it with RTV or if I tap and plug the smaller hole I don't have to mess with the bigger hole by the blade?
 
#30 ·
For the PCV valve, just sacrifice the valve and pack RTV in the top of it, and place it back in there.

For the TB, that path goes from that rear hole forward, then turns up to access the main bore just ahead of the blade. Just find the best way you want to plug that path with the simplest, cleanest method you have access to do.
 
#33 ·
PCV looks great, just be sure to reinstall with spring like stock, so that o-ring has pressure to stay sealed underneath.

They have 90deg fittings for that, although not the best for your primary sensor (usually used to get rear sensors to read less when using a hi-flow or no cat).

Maybe consider trying it in the original spot, if it fits, or else you may need to get that fabrication done.
 
#34 ·
Hell ya Dave coming in with the save like always thank you man. I'm done installing the turbo kit. pipes and oil to the turbo its fully installed.I found some 90 degree adapters on Amazon auto parts stores don't have em asked around they said because of emissions IDK what they can't sell em. I think you solved my issue thou. I'm on the fuel pump now and on the 97 H-Body the basters at GM thought it would be a great idea not to put a fuel pump door/access have to drop the tank and the pump has metal lines running in and out of it I cut out the pump now I'm wondering how to splice this canister into lesabre
Image
 
#35 ·
Emailed ZZP and to my surprise there going to exchange that venturi pump for the non venturi so I don't have to swap canisters made my day.Already measured on the Bonneville so I know exactly we're to cut the door on the lesabre that way I can just pull the canister out of the tank and knock it out while it's all connected in the back seats that way I avoid undoing all the metal lines that are impossible to get to unless you drop the tank all the interior is out of it it bare metal back there I thought the fuel pump would be easier like in the regal just a big headache
 
#36 ·
Horrible day got the engine 100% vacuum lines turbo stuff, sensors etc turned it on with no radiator it was running super nice sounds so mean and beefy was jumping up and down with joy. My radiator comes in so I mount it all up add coolant and turn the car on agian instantly miss fires and blows out clouds of white smoke from the turbo. Thinking I messed up on the head gaskets don't know yet beyond sad and upset right now I was so close.
 
#37 ·
i have a 3800 series 2 S/C out of a Pontiac Bonneville SSEI .going into my little brothers 97 lesabre. swap seems straight forward both 97 and H-body. i have the Z3 turbo kit, reconditioned heads 90# springs ,350 fuel pump ,60# injectors 1.9 rocker arms, shift kit and front powerlog,the kit requires i keep the rear manifold for the wastegate set up but the stock manifold is tiny and im assuming sucks. ZZP doesnt make a rear power log or any rear exaust pieces for the
H-body what should i do? leaving the block stock im thinking mid 400's to the wheels should be a reachable goal. has anybody done anything close to this? Im i missing something i dont see? Any feedback would be good all keep you guys updated on the build thank you
I ported my factory manifolds with great results. Used Air die grinder with steel burr bit, took about 30 minutes each header, wasn't difficult
 
#38 ·
Dave need your help man. Is there a coolant passage in the throttle body or intake manifold I needed to plug? Why would the turbo be getting coolant through it? Is the vacuum of the turbo sucking in coolant from some port or passage I didn't cover/plug? Please hit me up big dog.
 
#39 ·
There's the TB ports that go thru the LIM/UIM next to the EGR port that tend to leak past their o-rings. I always try to plug them by tapping for 1/4" NPT pipe plugs that have allen sockets (brass in pic below).

Being close to the EGR tube causes the gasket and UIM to warp, enabling leaks in this area. An L26 aluminum UIM helps, but all items in that zone should be deleted for best results.

Image

(Supercharged example I found quick, but same ports.)

You should also open up the side cap to improve the coolant passage between front and back heads, especially when plugging the TB passages.

Image

(This guy went a little overboard, but you get the idea.)
 
#40 ·
Thank you David thought something happened to you good to hear from you. I'm going to pull the turbo off and turn it on see if it still burns coolant if it doesn't I know it's the turbo pulling in the coolant. you have my email right? Any way I could get you to email me your phone number so I can call get this figured out
 
#41 ·
My email is same name at gmail, if you want to get into your specifics more (didn't go anywhere, I'm the most active guy here the past couple years to keep the platform active, you just didn't ask questions while stating things in recent posts).

The turbo isn't really going to be the draw, more likely the intake vacuum draws it and sends it thru the engine and out the exhaust, which passes thru the turbo hot side.
 
#42 ·
Well Damn Dave my bad it was just an expression big dog. Was happy to hear from you that's all. So what your saying is pull the intake manifold off and plug those holes? That's probably were the coolant is coming from? because it's warped there due to the EGR? (If that's the case and it is warped shouldn't I just get a new one?)Also you said previously i should delete the EGR but I have it hooked up to the rear exhaust manifold and that will be a Bitch to get at while in the car pull out the motor agian? Or I'm I over thinking it here. I know you're going to reply with do whatever I think is right but that gets me coolant in the turbo. What would you do from here. Also I Pulled the spark plugs out and cranked on the motor a few times no coolant came out the holes so I'm guessing the gaskets are installed correctly. ( Was thinking head or intake gaskets) need to pull the turbo to confirm.
 
#43 ·
You are all about pulling the turbo for some reason. Coolant doesn't run to the turbo, unless you have a ball-bearing center section with coolant ports. Anything going thru the turbo is because something is not right at the engine.

EGR takes 5min to get off, and you ignored the supplier who gave you the parts to block it when you were installing. A 10mm Gearwrench or 1/4 drive ratchet will get back there to unbolt it (you may have to add some leverage to crack it loose, and possibly pull downpipe to get space).

You asked a bunch of questions I answered already, regarding plugging the coolant passages, and I suggest you use appropriate decision making to determine what to replace if warped. Diving into engine work means you're signing up for some decision making, and only so.much input from others can be applied, since we can only hear part of the situation on the other side of the screen.
 
#44 ·
First off Dave don't know what your problem is all of a sudden. Not everyone knows 3800's up and down in and out like you that's why we're here trying to learn. This is my first time really doing anything like this that is what all of my "questions" are about I know you answered them I'm just a little lost in translation regardless Thanks for the input all leave you alone .
 
#45 ·
As someone who gets info from the biggest 3800 vendor, and echo'd suggestion with reasons from a 3800-based forum, you still installed the EGR on a turbo setup. That doesn't indicate someone who's looking for input, moreso just wanting to display their project (which is fine) and validate their choices already made.

You're free to do what you want, it's your car. You asked what parts might cause coolant issues, it's most likely intake manifold-related due to the reasons already discussed. If you need to re-read that, and think out loud to get it, cool. Immediately replying to re-state things you clearly comprehended (but didn't want to agree with) doesn't do anything to advance your troubleshooting.

Have you unbolted the UIM to look at the o-rings, yet? Have you done anything physically since I posted those images of exactly what I was talking about? My reply was carefully built as I Googled basic terms to get the images, and put them with descriptions of what I was saying. Any further words wouldn't have additional info until you take some steps to inspect/work on it more.
 
#46 ·
Here you go again Mr self righteous.Yes I left the EGR on only because the damn turbo kit instructions said my set up didn't need to remove it for my specific kit.by the time I realized what the EGR was (thank you by the way) it was all bolted up in the car .Like I have said multiple times I'm no mechanic/pro when it comes to my car just trying to learn. Not looking for validation been looking for answers from day one. It's my day off that's what the "immediate" responses are about. Have the fuel rails/injectors out supercharger case and throttle body off O-rings look fine working on getting the manifold off so I can tap and plug the holes thanks.
 
#47 ·
Related to your project:. Continue posting pics of your steps, and maybe we catch something in the corner of our eyes.

Off-topic:
Bud, I post here simply to keep the lights on in the community. If I didn't want to help, I wouldn't spend 5-10-15min digging up clear photos and scratching my brain while deciphering posts/questions for what's going on. I took the day off, too, and also check here randomly (almost) daily with the New button, to make sure people aren't hearing crickets.

There's only a couple sites left for this stuff, and most members haven't experienced the full cycle of 3800 mods/reasons/issues/etc., so I try to dig thru my 20yrs of cobwebs to ensure people get some budget-friendly fun out of these cars while they last. People tend to get into 3800's nowadays because they can't afford something more modern/faster that's got more aftermarket options. We all have our excuses of "unique" or "challenge" and so on, but we all have an honest story behind why we have a 15-25yr old family sedan and decided to throw a couple parts at it for giggles. Barking at another person at this level does nothing to advance it, and will discourage you more than anything.
 
#48 ·
Off-topic:
Bud, I post here simply to keep the lights on in the community. If I didn't want to help, I wouldn't spend 5-10-15min digging up clear photos and scratching my brain while deciphering posts/questions for what's going on. I took the day off, too, and also check here randomly (almost) daily with the New button, to make sure people aren't hearing crickets.

There's only a couple sites left for this stuff, and most members haven't experienced the full cycle of 3800 mods/reasons/issues/etc., so I try to dig thru my 20yrs of cobwebs to ensure people get some budget-friendly fun out of these cars while they last. People tend to get into 3800's nowadays because they can't afford something more modern/faster that's got more aftermarket options. We all have our excuses of "unique" or "challenge" and so on, but we all have an honest story behind why we have a 15-25yr old family sedan and decided to throw a couple parts at it for giggles. Barking at another person at this level does nothing to advance it, and will discourage you more than anything.
Dezldave 961-
A newbie here with a message of thanks and gratitude for the time and effort you and other 3800 veterans put forward offering valuable insight and experience.
Much appreciated.