Buick 3.8Turbo SWAP???

[MadTurboBuick]

Hello, I just picked up a 1969 Opel GT and I plan on doing a Buick Turbo 3.8L engine swap from a GrandNational.Im aware that this isnt going to be an easy swap but I was just wondering if anyone out there has any good insight on this swap.Any relivant web sites would be good too.I dont want to build a drag car, I want this to be a cornering car. Chassis setup? Brakes?Sub frame connectors or complete tube chassis? Rear end? Im debating on using the 200R4 trans the 3.8 came with or converting it to a 5/6 speed manual trans.I look forward to hearing what the opel world thinks. Thanks

[baz]

hi welcome to the site


have a read of ron's ( namba 209 ) willit thread , should help you

http://www.opelgt.com/forums/engine-...it-update.html

there are more threads from the start but that one should wet your appetite

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by MadTurboBuick Hello, I just picked up a 1969 Opel GT and I plan on doing a Buick Turbo 3.8L engine swap from a GrandNational.Im aware that this isnt going to be an easy swap but I was just wondering if anyone out there has any good insight on this swap.Any relivant web sites would be good too.I dont want to build a drag car, I want this to be a cornering car. Chassis setup? Brakes?Sub frame connectors or complete tube chassis? Rear end? Im debating on using the 200R4 trans the 3.8 came with or converting it to a 5/6 speed manual trans.I look forward to hearing what the opel world thinks. Thanks

Why not try an easier swap, put the GN motor into a Manta or an Ascona? There are several people on this site that want to see this done. Besides, there's more room under the hood of a Manta/Ascona

[MadTurboBuick]

Originally Posted by BQS4 Why not try an easier swap, put the GN motor into a Manta or an Ascona? There are several people on this site that want to see this done. Besides, there's more room under the hood of a Manta/Ascona

I understand it would be more difficult in a GT, but I just love the styling of them.Im not afraid to tackle big fabrication jobs.I think it would be sweet to be one of the few that took on this challenge.I guess i just like to be diffrent...So many people put SBC V8's in them.I think sence Buick had a part in these from the begining its only right it has a Buick engine.

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by MadTurboBuick Hello, I just picked up a 1969 Opel GT and I plan on doing a Buick Turbo 3.8L engine swap from a GrandNational.Im aware that this isnt going to be an easy swap but I was just wondering if anyone out there has any good insight on this swap.Any relivant web sites would be good too.I dont want to build a drag car, I want this to be a cornering car. Chassis setup? Brakes?Sub frame connectors or complete tube chassis? Rear end? Im debating on using the 200R4 trans the 3.8 came with or converting it to a 5/6 speed manual trans.I look forward to hearing what the opel world thinks. Thanks

I can honestly say that it can be done, I had a '72 GT with a 3.8L and drove the car 10 years without problems. I believe there is a complete thread on my car somewhere in here.

And you are wrong, it is an easy 1 week swap if you know what to do.

[blancojp]

And this is the thread.

http://www.opelgt.com/forums/engine-...v-6-72-gt.html

[opelnut10]

Originally Posted by MadTurboBuick I understand it would be more difficult in a GT, but I just love the styling of them.Im not afraid to tackle big fabrication jobs.I think it would be sweet to be one of the few that took on this challenge.I guess i just like to be diffrent...So many people put SBC V8's in them.I think sence Buick had a part in these from the begining its only right it has a Buick engine.

I am glad you are not scared of fabrication, because you will get plenty undertaking that swap. First and foremost you will need to fabricate a new front frame snout and go to a strut/ coil over front suspention. You will have no inner fender panels unless you fab up some, you will have to tie the frame togather and fab up a rear clip and suspension because the 3.8 turbo will make very short work of the Opel rear end. Next you can go to work on fabing up a floor and transmission tunnel to acommadate the larger transmission and driveshaft you will need to use, and lastly you will need some sort of traction device (I recommend a four link with coil overs) and on and on. Then you can start fabing up the motor mounts, transmission mount and other thousand things needed to make this project roadworthy and go around a corner without something awful happening (tired yet). In other words this is a very involved deal that will take a very long time and requires a lot of tools and knowledge, good luck on your endevor.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by BQS4 Why not try an easier swap, put the GN motor into a Manta or an Ascona? There are several people on this site that want to see this done. Besides, there's more room under the hood of a Manta/Ascona

Thats the end goal Down the line if i get a manta. Originally i wanted a GT, but a Manta seems to be in the cards for me.

[kwilford]

Here is a link to an old site with a Buick V6 Turbo in a GT, that I don't think has been updated for almost 10 years, but has some useful pics

Todd Benson's '71 Opel GT Project (Page 1)

[MadTurboBuick]

Originally Posted by kwilford Here is a link to an old site with a Buick V6 Turbo in a GT, that I don't think has been updated for almost 10 years, but has some useful pics Todd Benson's '71 Opel GT Project (Page 1)

WOW...Thats a good link you sent..Thanks alot,it answers alot of questions...I gotta figure out a way to get more room for a clutch pedal after the tunnel mod.

[MadTurboBuick]

I was thinking.."how can I make this thing carve corners?" Has anyone done an independant rear suspension on a GT?? Or will I be better off with a ford 8.8" with a 4 link? I was also wondering if anyone has had any luck with the "Jegster" tube kit?

[Phoenix]

IRS

You might want to checkout Ricky Slade's photo gallery.

[MadTurboBuick]

That pic of the complete frame is AWSOME,Thats the direction im going in. Im pretty sure Im going to have enough work ahead of me as it is, so I think the solid rear end is the way to go.

[Phoenix]

Also, you might want to look at this thread for coil overs.