1987 Buick Turbo Turbocharger Install - Power Trip

Finally! Here's the completed engine bay after several long weeks of thrashing at Ron's Custom Auto-Junior installed final items like spark plug wires, serpentine belt, TB/TV cable, wastegate rod, etc. A few notes: since the Be Cool radiator was thicker than the stock one, the neck stuck out more-Hueffman suggested cutting the upper radiator hose so it would line up better, which worked-we didn't have to get an angle boss for the IAC either, the Big Mouth kit cleared no problem and looks killer! Champion's new fuel rails were a first run that didn't work with my fuel pressure regulator; we put the stock rail back on for now, and Champion has sent an updated set of rails for a later install. Junior had a bit of trouble lining up the downpipe with the turbo, so he made a stud set. The extra wires up by the vacuum brake booster are Powermaster connections that I asked Casper's to retain, in case I ever went back to that brake system. Finally, Classic Tube's original replacement turbo feed line was installed for now; this will be changed over to PTE's remote filter setup to protect the turbo.

With this V-6 ready to rumble,...        read full caption With this V-6 ready to rumble, I need to be sure that it gets enough fuel-time to install a double-pumper. I grab a jack and put pressure on the fuel tank, unbolt the tank straps, and lower the tank a foot or so.	The fuel line clamps and lines...        read full caption The fuel line clamps and lines are removed.	With the tank loose, the jack...        read full caption With the tank loose, the jack is lowered and the tank is put on the floor. Although I have a hotwired Walbro 307 in here, it won't provide enough fuel for the new combo, so I tap off the retaining ring and remove the pump assembly. I take this time to thoroughly clean out the fuel tank, as it doesn't take much debris to ruin a fuel system.
GMHTP has used Racetronix...        read full caption GMHTP has used Racetronix fuel systems in several projects recently, with outstanding results. So when it came time to give the Buick more fuel, I contacted Jack. Although he didn't stock a double-pumper setup, he was willing to create one for this project, using a stock sending unit, that would run one fuel pump under normal conditions, and kick on both pumps when the boost comes up. Here's the pump setup going into the tank.	The double-pumper-loaded with...        read full caption The double-pumper-loaded with two Walbro GSS340M pumps-is carefully slipped into the tank, and the retaining ring is slipped on and tapped into place.	A great aspect of Racetronix...        read full caption A great aspect of Racetronix fuel systems is the fact that they are truly plug-n-play. With the pump connection made and the rubber lines reinstalled and tightened, the tank is jacked back up and the connectors, relays and grounds are connected and mounted-the red relay is mounted to the driver side tank strap bolt, the blue goes on the passenger side, the plug connects to the factory harness. Silicone and a thorough set of instructions are included for the install.
The nylon loom is run through...        read full caption The nylon loom is run through the frame and to the front of the Buick, where a hobbs switch mounts in the engine bay to kick on the second fuel pump under boost, and the power feed and a fuse holder attach to the back of the alternator. With the fuel system hot wired and Racetronix's injector harness installed, these crucial components are sure to get the voltage they need to operate at peak performance. This well-thought-out fuel system will be as quiet as my previous one, but supply enough fuel for 10s all day long.	That's all for this month...        read full caption That's all for this month folks. Once we get XFI installed and up and running, we'll be calling on Cal Hartline to tune his engine for not only crazy horsepower and torque, but docile street manners, too. This is starting to get good-be sure to check out this Buick build next time.