Rebuild...

[RedFive]

Yes, I know it has already been covered, and I've been reading for half an hour. But since I have a Calculus test I should be studying for, I'd really just like some direct answers, since a search doesn't always provide that.

 

So I found an L28et to drop in my '76. Bottom end has been rebuilt, everything else seems in good order It's from an 81 anniversary edition with an automatic (I'm assuming it'll bolt directly up to an '82 5 speed, right??). He's going to give me two "mass air flow meters," manifolds, etc...but the turbo needs to be rebuilt since the shaft bearings have excessive play.

 

So since I've never taken a turbo apart before and don't know much about their internals and such...I'm thinking of the following three options. Rebuild it myself and see if I can screw it up. Send in the core and get a rebuilt one. Or figure out how do to the T3/T4 conversion that I seem to be hearing about so much.

 

But I can't seem to find what kind of prices are involved. I read anywhere from $100-250 for a rebuild kit, yet somewhere else I read $300 for sending it in and getting a rebuilt one. And I have no idea what an upgraded/hybrid unit would cost me.

 

I'm a college student, so I don't have too many tools in the garage to fabricate things, nor too much money. However, just like everybody else, I want performance. What I will be able to afford will depend on how much I can talk the owner of the engine down from $500. Does $500 seem reasonable for the information I've detailed?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Logan

[280Zone]

There is a place here in Phoenix that has a great reputation for rebuilding turbos. Here is a link.

http://www.desertzassociation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=233&highlight=tractor

[RedFive]

Great, thanks!

[Pyro]

The stock turbo works great until 14 psi of boost. No need to upgrade the turbo if you just what to add a little more boost. In fact, your car will be slower with a t3/t4 if you run the stock boost due to the slower spool up of the hybrid turbo. Plus the hybrid turbo will require some fabrication to get it into the car and it doesn't seem like you have the means to install it. Therefore, I think you should just have the stock turbo rebuilt and turn the boost up to 10 psi. FYI, there is a huge difference in power from 7 psi to 10 psi. Then install an IC and go up another 2 psi. So, there is a lot more room to grow with the stock turbo.

 

First get the engine installed and working before trying to upgrade. You already have a lot on your plate with school and with the turbo conversion. Don't complicate it with a bigger turbo just yet.

 

Another thing.

The stock turbo cam works great with the stock turbo. Adding a hybrid turbo will reduce useable rpm range by 1000 rpm due to the later boost while still being limited to the same maximum rpm (cam dependant). A hybrid turbo really needs a bigger cam to maintain a wide power band. I made that mistake and found I needed to add a bigger cam for the bigger turbo. And in the end, I prefered the stock turbo and stock cam for a street car, go figure. I really miss the tire spinning torque at 2800 rpm's.

[RedFive]

Well, I talked him down to $300 bucks. Real nice guy, he just wants to see the engine in a car again.

 

Anyways, that sounds like some good advice Pyro. I hadn't even considered having to upgrade the cam along with the turbo. I think I'll leave it for a summer project and just rebuild the T3. Thanks.

 

Now I've just got to figure out how to get this engine from Phoenix up here to Northern Arizona...How heavy is it? And do you think I could fit it in the back of a Jeep Cherokee? Or should I put it on a trailer or in a pickup?

[280Zone]

To the local site http://www.desertzassociation.com post you need to transport the engine. We have members all over the state that might be able to help you out.

 

PS, you don't have to join the Club to join the message board and enjoy that benefit.