turbo t/a?

[81turboman]

Hey guys. I have an 81 turbo bird and I wanted to know if anyone knows where I can find info on the turbocharger

[tabahr]

Welcome to the forum!! Here is a good link to check out for turbo t/a info. That engine's turbo is technologically similar to Buicks turbo setup, so the folks there are a good source of help.
http://www.flash.net/~rjgeorge/transam.htm

Check out the message forum there and look at the performance specs, or you could call them "lack of" performance specs. 1/4 mile in 17 seconds at 80 mph!? 0-60 in 9 seconds!?

Sorry to say that 301turbo engine was a disaster. In my opinion, don't waste your money trying to make it perform. It was actually number one on Hot Rod Magazines list of the top 10 WORST V8 engines ever built. My cousin used to have one. My quad4 Buick could out run it. He tried to make it a bit stronger, but after total failure, he sold it. He had a dodge daytona as a winter car at the time, and it was faster than his f-body

I would recommend selling the car, or swap out the 301 with a 400 or 455.

I know this sounds harsh, but that particular engine was just a dismal performer. I'm not trying to flame, there is just no way around it.
Save yourself the headache, and get rid of the motor. Don't even try messing with the turbo, it might help a little, but not significantly.

[azkkn]

why not just build a strong, low compression 327? the thing would wind up to high rpm's if you use teh right stuff, still be turbo, and be fun at the same time. yoou could even do it up so it looked stock under the hood, and when you see some one who thinks its a dog, bet em some money on a friendly race.

[Joe 1320]

Welcome to the board. I had a few of the late 70's, early 80's T/As. My 70 had a N/A 301 that I pulled and dropped in a nitroused 455. My 80 turbo eventually ran well when I replaced the 301 with a 350 (pontiac). The main reason is the lack of performance parts available for the 301. Unfortunately, the only parts that are common with the other pontiac motors are the valve covers. I did manage to get the N/A 301 into the high 12s with a 125 HP shot of nitrous, but after a few rebuilds I gave up on the motor. The main problem with the turbo 301 is going to be breathing. There are no aftermarket intakes, the heads are small and don't breathe well, by the time the turbo spools and gives enough flow the heads are starting to choke it off. Besides that, the oiling system is a little weak and it is easy to spin a bearing. IMHO, I would leave it stock and go restored. Enjoy the handling and looks. If you want performance, pull the motor, secure it to a crate and store it wrapped in plastic. Then drop in a performance engine of your choice. One day I'm going to get around to one of those again and drop in a turbo 3.8 from a Grand National.

[81turboman]

Thanks for the help guys. I just bought the car about two months ago. I thought it was kinda funny that pontiac only made it for two years. I'm not to serious about making it fast. I've got a 69 bird with a BUILT big block 400. I bought the T/A to save the pocket book on gas! You guys know how that goes.

[Joe 1320]

Actually, the 301 was around a few more years than that. It was designed to be lighter weight and with a few mods could actually be fairly fuel effecient for it's day. A true dual exhaust helps considerably. If you do want to pep it up a little, there are a few easy mods. Block the heat crossover in the intake manifold with thin sheets of stainless steel, true duals with turbo mufflers, an advance recurve kit, and a adjustable vacuum advance pod. If you aren't concerned with emissions, lose the cat too. That was a HUGE restriction back then.