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Turbo or Super?

intrigue98 said:
I think you are running a Tim King trans right? I'm assuming he is referring to how turbo'd vehicles typically make more power, and depending on the size/AR of the turbo the power hits harder and puts more strain on the transmission. That's where I am assuming he is talking about the "wear and tear." I can speak for myself that I have about 4-5k of parts for my trans alone with my turbo build.
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Power is power it shouldn't matter how it's created. So a 300hp turbo setup is going to cause as much "stress" as a 300hp S/C setup.

I could maybe see someone argue that a S/C puts more stress since it's instant compared to a lag a turbo system may have.
 


txslow6 said:
I could maybe see someone argue that a S/C puts more stress since it's instant compared to a lag a turbo system may have.
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Ditto, only resonable doubt I would have as well...it's more of a "shock" than a turbo that slowly spools and eases into the power than the insta-nolagcrazyness of a Roots blower.
 
nitrous is better than either. Allows you to pick and choose when you want the power. Ask any REAL drag racer, nitrous is the best by far.
 


I'd like to do one of these in the future... Subscribed to see how this plays out. I too have a daily driver that wants more giddyup. 2002 GT stock as of now.
 


bluegtp91 said:
Weakest 3800?

It's an L36, not a L26.

Turbo build cheaper than a Top Swap? Maybe if you have the parts in your garage, but 99.9% of people don't.
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A full top swap involves at least 3x the parts you have to track down..


heads/injectors/tensioner bracket/alternator bracket/balancer/fuel rail/supercharger/throttle body/belts/tensioner/idler pulley/belt/gaskets/map sensor/pcm/LIM.

At that point you still need a 1 mod to keep even a 3.8 pulley happy.. headers/rockers/cam/intercooler

Having done both quite a few times.. I can easily say that a turbo is easier and cheaper than a top swap... Even more so on a 04-06 car.
 
for you, maybe. most people that can't source their own parts will have a hard time beating a $500 top swap. i also dont believe that you can 'safely' run a turbo setup on a stock valvetrain without basically running low boost. low boost for a turbo setup seems like a waste of time to me, but ive never been in a turbo 3800 car either so i could be very wrong. for anyone looking for <350whp i dont see the issue with building a stock heads m90 setup.
 
Bio248 said:
i also dont believe that you can 'safely' run a turbo setup on a stock valvetrain without basically running low boost. low boost for a turbo setup seems like a waste of time to me, but ive never been in a turbo 3800 car either so i could be very wrong.
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What do you consider low boost? I'm running 12 PSI on 200K factory valve train minus the modded 1.9 rockers and putting down 350whp. That's not including the extra power I just gained by adding the ported LIM, HVIII, and ported TB. :th_winking:
 
Well, I don't see anyone making 350 FWHP on a bone stock valvetrain even with upgraded springs on low boost...and low boost meaning 6-8~ psi non-intercooled, bolt-on Z3. MAYBE 300...maybe. I'd guess more along the lines of 280 WHP if the transmission is in good shape...or am I wrong?

And Scott, the only mod you really need to keep a 3.8" happy is a stock timing map for a 97-03 car with headers...and maybe a ported blower/TB/LIM since you're there. Not that hard. I can source an entire top swap for less than $500...most likely gaskets included. So, unless you can say you can go to the classifieds or buy an entire turbo setup in a junkyard...it isn't happening for most people for under a grand at the least, so like I've said in the past...enough with the half asses pricing and misinformation you're giving the people that don't understand the platform.

Stick to your ZR1 pooping Fiero, thanks.
 


You can easily make 350whp on stock springs/rockers... I ran 11.2@126 on stock springs....

Considering I have done both of these setups MANY times, and I dont think you have done either of them.. I would say I have at least some room for an educated opinon to offer.

You cant buy an entire turbo setup in a junkyard... but you also cant just buy headers from a junkyard... In terms of headers vs turbo hotside goes... you wouldnt have much more than a $50 ebay order in for your turbo flanges vs a minimum $200 ebay order for headers.
 
LOL, I've top swapped guy.

It's cheap.

Turbo...isn't. Unless you have the way to fabricate your own parts or you have them lying around, you aren't getting it done for the price of a $500 top swap.
 
i have to attest to the top swap being cheaper. although i have done neither i have done my research. if you look around you can find a full top swap for what, 600-800 bucks? i see close to nobody whos done turbo builds for that cheap.

as to the OP i would also suggest doing a top swap. it'll be more reliable in the long run IMO
 
*insert claim of $500 turbo jobber*

*insert claim of $300 turbo jobber*

Point is:

If you can fab, go turbo.

If you cannot and dont have someone who will work for beer, go M90.

Either way, you're not asking much from the engine.
 
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