hot air hybrid

[81 elky]

Greetings all, this is my first post. I have an 81 El Camino with the slug 229cid V6 and burned up TH350. I ran across an 84 t type hot air car and bought it for almost nothing, thinking it would be an easy swap. It was only then I found this site and after reading some of the posts it would seem I made a mistake buying a hot air version instead of a later intercooled one, but it's what I have. I don't plan on any racing, just a streeter. In researching parts I found lots of 86/87 applications, but not too much for an 84. I plan on an engine rebuild, however I would like to upgrade some things while I am at it. Can anyone direct me to a parts source fot hot air? Downpipe, fuel pump that will fit the stock El Camino tank, that sort of thing? This is my first turbo motor. Perhaps I would just be better off with a small block? Any estimates on cost? Any and all help would be greatly apprecisted.

[turbofish38]

Engine internals are the same as a IC car. The only big difference is that the deck of the hot air block is .030 taller because of the steel shim head gaskets. There is DP thread in the HA forum over at www.turbobuick.com . Grab yourself the fuel tank and sending unit from an 86-87 ElCamino with the 4.3 TBI motor. The tank isn't really necessary but it is built for FI and has the internal baffle. Use a Walbro 340 pump in place of the stocker. Watch out. There are two tank sizes. One is 18 gals and there is an optional 22 gal. Well you know the old saying. If you have to ask than you cant afford to do it. The more resources at your disposal you have the cheaper it is.

[brad_padgett]

Having been there and in the process of finishing my car you really need to define your goals and how much you want to spend. A stock 84/85 TTYPE runs a 15.0 quarter. If this suits your needs then go for it. Otherwise it gets expensive really quick if you want to go faster. Brad

[81 elky]

Thanks for the replies. As I noted before, I am new to turbo Buicks. Is the downpipe the same as an 86/87? Could I use an external fuel pump as opposed to changing out the tank (it's less than 7 months old)? What does the term 'hot wire' mean relative to the fuel pump? I have read to upgrade to the 86/87 computer due to better chip selection. Where are these available? Most of the aftermarket stuff I've seen is for the IC cars. Can anyone recomend a vendor? I tried to locate ATF ( i think that's them) but the site is blank after I followed the link.

[Keller]

- Downpipes are different between 84/85 and 86/87
- External fuel pump is possible, but and EFI car needs the to have a return to the tank, and usually a sealed system. So things get complicated. Willing to modify your system that much?
- 'Hot wire' is an external wiring upgrade to the inadequate stock electric fuel pump wiring system in the TR's. If you go external and wire it yourself, there is no concern.
- Cars with the 86/87 ECM - 1227148 - http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/ecms...87ecmlist.html
- See our vendors list. However, there are more vendors, and many listed need to be updated.
- ATR is out of business.

[81 elky]

Thanks for the help Scott. I'm afraid that even though I live in the greater Houston area (where you would think parts opportunities abound), I'm seeing a lot of blank stares when I inquire about a hot air downpipe. I have reviewed the vendor list, maybe I missed something. I'll check again. Thanks for the input

[81 elky]

Well, I took the engine down today and I'm sorry to say that it's junk. Full of water, one piston replaced on the odd bank and a blown head gasket on the even side, complete with a score between 2 and 4 . I am intriged by the concept though so maybe I'll start looking for a complete IC motor. Thanks for the responses to all concerned. I was able to salvage the tranny.

[81 elky]

Just in case anyone is following this thread, I'm happy to say that I was able to find an 87 I/C drive train from the evaporator to the rearend. Stay tuned for further developments, and thanks Trey/madf1man. I expect rear tire wear to become an issue soon.