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The boy and I are working on a 64 Nova wagon with a factory 230 engine. Factory rated at 155 HP. It still has the 1 BBL carb and runs nice.
The next thing to do to it is install one of those draw thru turbo setups from a 79-83 Buick V6 3.8 Regal. They use a Quadrajet and feed the engine thru a smallish 3 bolt flange. We are making a bolt on adaptor to mount the turbo setup to the stock 2 bolt carb flange. Then reclock the turbo and make a nice U pipe to hook to the stock exhaust manifold and a nice downpipe.
This is about the easiest Turbo setup there is out there. I pick them up at swapmeets fairly cheap.




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Looks like that will be the perfect "sleeper". Make sure you do an install thread about it.



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I started a build with one of those on a 292 several years ago. It was going to have TBI and a Megasquirt. The thread is still here but all of the pictures are gone. All the parts are still around somewhere mixed in with the other unfinished projects. Yours should be a lot of fun to drive.


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they should be good and cheap at the swap meets 'cause nobody else would want one --too small for practically any V-8--only other Buick turbo V-6ers and us nutty Inliners would even pay it a second look--maybe they should just pay us to haul it off for them!

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To my understanding Is they are set-up for about 6psi. But can Put out as mush as 12. maybe ?? a little more?? It has been to long since I dug into the one I have and asked Question about it when I first got it.


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Cut the end off the factory waste gate link and make it adjustable.

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Originally Posted By: panic
Cut the end off the factory waste gate link and make it adjustable.


Seen that done. I may just find one of these combos to go on my 153" Chevy II engine!


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You'll probably get another few psi from up-sizing the turbine discharge. I did some work on a (then new) Riviera factory turbo V6 40 years ago and it was surprising quiet with the entire muffler system disconnected.

The net result from a smaller engine may be difficult to estimate. The smaller number of cylinders tends to make the turbine wheel work a bit harder: more time between the bangs. OTOH, smaller engine makes less exhaust gas and the A/R will be a bit loose.

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There were a few versions of this turbo setup.
1. Most popular or widely used is the Buick 3.8 V6 setup. It has a .42 AR. Used from 1978 or 79- 1983

2. Less common. 1980-81 Pontiac V8 301 Trans Am Turbo. Has a AR of .60.

They look very similar. The Pontiacs have the AR marked inside the 3 bolt plenum for the intake flange. Pontiacs also used a Solid pipe for the oil drain that is about 6" long.

Almost done making a adaptor to easily bolt this up to a stock intake.


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I threw a "Best offer" at one of these on evil-bay and won it!! I wonder how it'll work with my hopped up 153" four banger.

Mine is the 3.8 setup and uses a Q-Jet carb. Do you reckon I can get my NASCAR 390 Holley to work with it or do I need a larger carb??

Last edited by Blackwater; 08/30/17 09:39 AM.

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tlowe!! Will you have an adapter to fit a Holley 4bbl??


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Blackwater,
I am planning on a holley adaptor. After much studying of the ones I have, some machine work would need to be done to the carb plenum to keep the height down.
Is yours coming with a carb?


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What I actually have is a turbo assembly from a '79 231" Buick regal that needs rebuilding. The carb plenum is for a Q-jet and it is from another car. I was planning on just adapting it to the existing steel tube manifold I built for the rat rod. There is no carburetor with the unit I'm getting. Height is NOT an issue! The car has no hood and as it is now, the carb is in direct line of sight at eye level out the windshield already.

After further exploration, I think I may modify the intake portion of my Intake/header assy. to better accommodate the turbo. I don't know if my Holley NASCAR 390, (This is NOT like the regular 390. It is a double pumper with big accelerator pumps, mechanical secondary, no vacuum ports of any kind, and a secondary metering plate with jets, and provision for secondary power valve.) will be capable of feeding the turbo setup. It is the carb I'm using now with my fabricated intake.


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I've spoken to a couple of local Turbo Specialists. Neither of them could confirm or deny that the NASCAR 390 Holley would work. The guy that was most willing to give info said he thought it might work but that it might restrict boost at higher RPM.

I'm still looking for any advice that some of you here might have to give. The project is still a little ways off in the future, (Like maybe this winter) but ANY help would be greatly appreciated.


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Not my specialty, but the NASCAR probably has the largest PVCR of the 4 390s, which is what you're going to need for high CFM flow as a draw-through. If this isn't big enough you're limited to really big main jets to get your A/F into a good place.
IMHO the smaller CFM will restrict boost but it won't shut off, just more vacuum @ WOT than the original Q-J.

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Thanks, panic!! I was unable to get the Q-Jet for this setup, so I'm wanting to try the 390 first. I DO have another Q-Jet, but it's for a N/A 350 V8 that I have for my son's Camaro.

It's only a 175 cid stroked Nova 4banger. I've had a really good head built and ported with lumps and screw in studs and i was looking at around 9.0:1 static compression. The car is light, (2300 lbs.) and with a 700R4 and a 3.50:1 gear and 26" tall tires.

Ain't looking to counter rotate the earth. I just wanna' make it a little more sporty.


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With the draw through turbo setup, it won't care what carb you use. Unless one is used the size of a straw.

Your car is quite abit heavier than mine. It weighs 1550. 153/ 5 speed. Mine will burn the tires. The old banjo rear doesn't think it is fun though.


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Thanks Tom!! That's kinda what I was hoping.

The car lost some weight this summer with me being laid up. It was weighed with me in it and I've lost 30 lbs. since the foot surgery!! laugh laugh


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