Every Turbo Regal produced came with an automatic transmission, power steering and brake , air conditioning, many had cruise control and most were heavily optioned with additional conveniences . If that isn't enough, they respond extraordinarily to low investment bolt on performance modifications .

The " Turbo Regal Original Drive train Performance Recipe " focuses on modifications that give the biggest performance gain for the buck while preserving every aspect of the Turbo Regal's original comfort , economy , handling , and excellent street manners . Following the " Recipe " , it is possible to produce a 10.90 second quarter mile machine for under $8,500 in modifications (including $1,500 in extra wheels & tires and a scan tool) that compromises nothing to the original model and that can be driven anywhere comfortably and economically by anyone . "Recipe" cars are also designed to for excellent performance without slicks and racing fuel giving up less than a second in quarter mile performance in street trim .

Most of the modifications selected for the "Recipe" have been developed and refined by the collaborative efforts of the members of the Buick faithful of the Gran Sport Club of America . As a word of caution, special attention to detail is required in order to push the Turbo Regal's original Drive train to its full potential . Extracting up to 500 horsepower from a fully cast iron 231 V6 with 2 bolt mains and 8 bolt heads and putting that power effectively to the ground through a THM 200-4R transmission connected to a 10 bolt rear end pushing a 3500 pound car and keeping it all together is a challenge . Tweaking a Turbo Regal is not for your average slap parts on and mash the accelerator hot rodder . Turbo Regals are truly phenomenal machines that respond incredibly to well thought out and carefully applied performance modifications .

• Use 10/30 regular engine oil or 5/50 synthetic oil for added protection
• Type F transmission fluid slips less and can be mixed with others
• Radiators form deposits and need to be professionally cleaned often for maximum efficiency
• R43TS spark plugs are good for 20 lb. boost ; AC - R42TS for > 20lbs
• Champion Auto stocks AC - CR ( commercial grade ) spark plugs for a reasonable price- Gap spark plugs @ .035"; don't spend money on gimmick plugs
• Western Auto stocks top quality Filko spark plug wires for a very reasonable price
• K-Mart stocks AC fuel filters for a reasonable price
• Run at least 1/4 tank ( 5gallons ) of gas to prevent fuel starvation under WOT
• Ken Mosher's TurboLink is a very cost efficient scanner if you own a laptop
• OTC's scan well if you can't locate a cheap used laptop
• Western Auto stocks top quality B and M transmission Supercoolers
• Squeeze fuel regulator 1/16" in a vise for 4 additional lbs. pressure
• Use a plastic T to connect boost gauge into vacuum port above # 6 fuel injector
• Thread wastegate actuator rod and install fitting for adjustability (see archives)
• Walker super turbos are good mufflers and ultra flows are best for quiet flow
• 2 1/2" dual exhaust is a little louder and more efficient than 2 1/4"
• K and N cone 9" or 14" cone air filters are cleanable & efficient
• Cold air induction systems provide a little power & help muffle inlet air noise
• Load right air bag with 5 to 15 lbs. air & left bag with 3 to 5 lbs.
• P275-50-15 tires fit in wheel opening on stock 7" rims
• Goodrich drag radials are hard to beat for limited street/strip use
• 7/8" brake cylinders for a manual brake S-10 Chevy allow more spoolup
• Proper bleeding is critical to successful brake & line lock operation
• Burnouts are very difficult with larger rear brake cylinders & no line lock
• Mickey Thompson 10x26" slicks fit well & work good down to low 11s / high 10s
• Run approximately 12 to 14 lbs. air in 10x26" slicks
• 4 1/8" backspace works well on a 8" wheel ; 4 3/8" on an 8.5" wheel
• For a clean look with 10x28" slicks , notch outside frame 3/4" & increase wheel backspace 1/2"
• Run approximately 10 to 12 lbs. air in 10x28" slicks
• One XP in tank pump is simple, quiet, & good for low 11s/high 10s
• 1 to 2 gallons remain when tank is emptied at fuel rail which dilutes added high octane fuel
• Stay with stock turbo housings for quick spool up (TA49, TA61, TA62)
• TA 49 turbo is stock appearing & works excellent with stock torque converter
• Terry Houston downpipe is efficient & incorporates stock wastegate actuator
• ATR downpipe uses external wastegate which allows driver boost adjustment
• Porting of all wastegate holes is critical for solid boost control
• Intercooler & 1/2 with enlarged inlet neck is efficient & stock appearing
• Six 009 injectors idle & run smooth as stock & are good for low 11s / high 10
• Fuel delivery should maintain setting w/o vacuum plus boost pressure @ WOT
• Adjust fuel pressure for .71 to .79 O2 volts & 0 to 5 degrees retard @ WOT
• Stock exhaust manifolds can be ported for 50% of headers performance gain
• ATR headers are efficient & soften the exhaust tone
• Red Armstrong chips are extremely well tested for manners as well as performance
• Do not shave heads or port chambers any more than absolutely necessary
• Larger stainless valves provide little power over stock valves on 3.8's
• Thoughtful , careful home porting can be very cost effective
• Changing cam along with porting project saves a lot of labor and expense
• Don't go much larger than 205 duration @ .050" with lockup torque converter
• Always degree camshaft to insure cam is ground per specifications
• Roll bars can be installed with swing outs & removable crossbar for ease of entry
• Camlock safety harnesses are much easier to use
• TA61 turbo is stock appearing & works OK with stock torque converter