I was at the annual big swap meet they have around here and I found a turbo off of an old turbo Thunderbird. I checked, and there's no shaft endplay, and it still spun freely, so I picked it up for $90, which I hear is a pretty good deal.

Anyway, now I'm getting ready to turbocharge my 2.8 instead of getting a 3.4 tdc, and I have a few questions.

1. I'm planning on running an intercooler off of a Thunderbird as well, does anyone know if I can safely run 8-10 pounds of intercooled boost on a stock 2.8?

2. I was thinking about using Denis Lagura's engine computer when I installed the turbo. Is this a good setup that performs well out of the box?

3. What size fuel injectors should I run?

4. My clutch needs to be replaced anyway, so what kind of aftermarket street clutch can I get that will hold the extra horsepower that I'm going to be making?

5. What kind of blow off valve and wastegate should I use?

If there's anything else I need to know when doing this modification, let me know.

[This message has been edited by jim123185 (edited 02-08-2004).]

1. You are pushing it with 8-10. Probably won't last too long. Don't worry though, in the meantime you can buy a 3.4 and get it rebuilt for a turbo setup.

2. Not sure, talk to Dennis, he knows his stuff.

3. I would imagine 30lb with that kind of boost, again ask Dennis.

4. There are a bunch of different clutches out there. A lot of people swear by V8 Archies. I heard WCF has a nice one now too.

5. There was a recent thread about the turbo XS BOV, so that might be worth looking in to.

You will probably need an upgraded fuel pump as well, the corvette LT1 pump is a perfect fit.

Are you designing your own kit or buying Dennis'?

I'm going to design my own kit, since that option is more within my price range, and I can get material pretty cheap. I do have the option of getting a free 2.8 out of a camaro that has a blown head gasket, so I might start building that up in the meantime. Do they make forged low compression pistons for a 2.8? I've also heard of being able to use small journal SBC rods in a 60* engine. Anyway, I just sent an email to Dennis, thanks for the information.

1> yes - that is the most you want to run with stock motor
2> dont know, but I will be using the same - let me know
3> 19# injectors
4> dunno
5> the Thunderbird turbocharger has a built in wastegate - thats that funny arm on it. this is also how you will adjust the max boost. I think as it sits, you wont get over 7#'s boost

Well I just found out that the turbo I bought wasn't actually a Garret T3 like I had originally thought, but its a different turbo that was also used on the Thunderbirds. Its a little smaller than the T3, but I'm going to see how it works anyway. It does have the same bolt pattern as a T3, so it should be really easy to change if it doesn't work out. I think its a Warner Ishi, at least that's what's written all over it. Does anyone else here on the forum have any experience with this turbo?