Where could you find a turbo charger for a 1997 Pontiac Firebird with a 3800 series 2 engine?

Answer 1

No aftermarket company currently makes a turbo kit for any late model v6 F-bodys. A guy names Tiago designed and built a prototype system for both with incredibly results (340hp on the 3.4 and over 380hp (untuned) with boost leaks on the 3.8, but both were prototypes of a personally owned company that has not been marketed yet). To build one yourself you'll first need access to good pipe bending and welding equipment. Youll need to fabricate a Y-pipe that runs back to the engine bay where you can weld a flange for both the turbo and the wastegate. Youll also need to fabricate a custom downpipe that runs from the turbo to the exhaust system. As far as the intercooler is concerned, because the best way to take advantage of 3.8 liters of displacement is to use turbo whose A/R trim is between 55 and 65, and you dont need to run boost over 7psi, an intercooler is totally necessary. The best way to position it is actually horizontally between the back of the front bumper and the radiator (so that it points down and the plastic underbody spoiler actually scoops air INTO the intercooler and gives it a very sleeper look). The rest is simple: weld a blowoff valve onto the IC piping and run the piping to the turbo and the other side to the MAF/TB in the front of the car. Logistically, its not that hard to make one, but fabricating an entire custom exhaust system is what becomes the true challenge. Keeping it simple is one thing, but making it the right size so you dont have to do tons of other upgrades like fuel delivery and ignition is another. If you have the means, money, and will do develop your own custom system; do it to it, with tuning and some down time, turbo 3.8s are meaner than any old stang or vettes around and to lift the hood is to put them to shame. -jay (avatar2390@hotmail.com)