[Project] 1991 Camaro RS - Turbo 3.1l Project

[C2YT]

Well as the title states, the 91' is getting a little faster for next summer. Maybe i will be able to pass minivans in a 55 zone... lol. I'll try to keep this thread updated as much as I can since there isn't a whole lot of information on these builds. Maybe it can help someone down the road.

Please keep negative comments to yourself, thanks!

List of work to do over the winter:
- Pull engine/transmission/AC
- Paint engine bay
- Clean/paint engine
- Install new 36# Injectors
- Install new transmission
- Fabricate log headers
- Install turbo/wastegate/BOV
- Mount Intercooler
- Run Downpipe
- Hook up oiling system
- Install rear end
- Upgrade front brakes
- Tune/Datalog

Parts already bought:

- Ebay GT3582r
- t3 Flange/gasket
- 38mm wastegate
- GM boost solenoid
- GM pig tail
- 3 Bar Map Sensor
- Oil fittings/lines
- CX Racing Intercooler kit
- 36# from Southbay Fuel Injectors
- 700r4
vette servo, boost valves, intermediate valves
- 2800 stall converter
- A/C delete box with blower
- Innovate LC-1 Wideband o2 sensor
- Moates Burn2
- Moates GP1 package
- OBD1 ALDL Cable

The car is also getting:
- 4th gen rear end with posi 3.73 gears, and a DTS Girdle (bought)
- 98-02 Front brakes
- Competition Engineering 3-way drag shocks (bought)
- Adj. panhard bar/other goodies

** STILL NEED TO BUY ** (If you happen to be selling any of this, please let me know!)
- Adj. panhard bar/other suspension goodies
- 2 inch lowering springs
- 2.8/3.1/3.4 header flanges
- Oil pan bung

I will be tuning the car myself with the help of a good friend. I will be tuning the stock 7730 using $59 (modified typhoon/syclone code). Ideally, my goal horsepower is 250 rwhp @ 7-8 psi. I think that is a solid mark and I wouldn't be surprised if I far surpass it. There isn't a whole lot of people who are doing this, but those that have taken the time and energy have gotten great results. I want to keep the car street friendly and reliable, I don't need anything crazy... just faster than the minivans that pass me!

I'm sure I'm forgetting somethings and I will come back through and update it later if I remember. Looking forward to sharing this project and hopefully seeing what it can do. If it blows up, well there is 10 other 3.1-3.4 engines in the junkyard 3 miles from my house. Thanks guys!

[bri2203]

Awesome project!
You have a lot of work to get accomplish this winter!

[C2YT]

[MENTION=709]bri2203[/MENTION], thank you! Hopefully it will keep me busy through the spring. It will be pretty cool when its all done, definitely something I will be proud of. Not a lot of people out there can point to their car and say "I did that."

[NullHead]

Sounds cool! I know I'll be keeping an eye on this thread

[ruckusz28]

Sounds awesome! Always been interested in the eBay turbo, but never wanted to take the plunge

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[C2YT]

Thanks guys, I will try to keep this as updated as i can. Probably buying the header flanges tonight.

[MENTION=3597]ruckusz28[/MENTION], I was pretty hesitant too. But looking over the part I was surprised and the quality and packaging. I do plan to upgrade to a better turbo down the road, but the price of a "name brand" turbo would cost me more than everything else i bought.

[jakes_GSXR]

Cool project, will be watching. Ever consider swapping rear ends in your 91' and 92'?

[MP81]

Thanks guys, I will try to keep this as updated as i can. Probably buying the header flanges tonight.

@ruckusz28, I was pretty hesitant too. But looking over the part I was surprised and the quality and packaging. I do plan to upgrade to a better turbo down the road, but the price of a "name brand" turbo would cost me more than everything else i bought.

The housings are usually solid - it's the internals that you'll eventually want to replace. If I recall, @Hugger Z did something similar. Or perhaps it was someone else. It was a while back, so I don't quite remember.

[C2YT]

Thanks for all the positive comments guys, I really appreciate it.
@jakes_GSXR I believe they are the exact same. Both have drums, 3.23 gears, and one wheel peel. I might have confused you in my signature, but the 92' still has the stock rear end in it. I have the iroc rear right next to my 4th gen one. Both are waiting to go in lol
@MP81 That is what I have heard too. I think you can get a name brand rebuild kit and change out the internals and it fixes the problem. Either way, running a good air filter will help keep crap out. I also plan to upgrade it down the road, this turbo was $185 so I couldn't go wrong even if it only lasts a summer. My friend who is helping me ran his for about 2 years of track abuse and driving around town, it finally gave out when something went through his filter at the track.

[01badbird]

Sweet build and GOOD LUCK with everything!!!

[DynoDave]

Sounds like a fun project John. I love seeing something different. Would be a great time to build a hybrid...3.1L with 3.4L heads. They breath a lot better.

[C2YT]

Thanks guys!
[MENTION=4659]DynoDave[/MENTION] I would love to do that, but for this winter I just want to see what the stock engine will do. Next winter I might look into a cam (delta 260 grind $110) and a little head work. But that's all up in the air, I just want to drive it and be faster than minivans lol

[Hugger Z]

The housings are usually solid - it's the internals that you'll eventually want to replace. If I recall, @Hugger Z did something similar. Or perhaps it was someone else. It was a while back, so I don't quite remember.

Yeah my APS kit was purported to come with Mitsubishi 20g turbo's. It was later found out that they were cheap chinese knockoffs. I got lucky and mine lasted 2yrs. Some guys didn't even make it out of their garage with them. Thankfully the knock-offs were dimensionally accurate. So when the seals started to wear and the turbo's smoked under boost, I found a set of replacement center sections for them. The new centers were true Mitsubishi center sections. They bolted & clamped up to all of the same parts, pipes, tubes, etc. And they spooled up faster than the originals and so far have lasted a lot longer.

[C2YT]

Great to hear, I really can't wait to see what my car will do. My expectations are pretty reasonable, but just any gain over 140hp is a gain! Lol

[DynoDave]

Yeah my APS kit was purported to come with Mitsubishi 20g turbo's. It was later found out that they were cheap chinese knockoffs. I got lucky and mine lasted 2yrs. Some guys didn't even make it out of their garage with them. Thankfully the knock-offs were dimensionally accurate. So when the seals started to wear and the turbo's smoked under boost, I found a set of replacement center sections for them. The new centers were true Mitsubishi center sections. They bolted & clamped up to all of the same parts, pipes, tubes, etc. And they spooled up faster than the originals and so far have lasted a lot longer.

I'm glad you mentioned this. I was wondering about new turbos at that price point.