Hmmm...things to ponder...

pacodiablo · March 3, 2003

I was aimlessly thinking about what could be done with an S-10 and a 3.8 Turbo from a T-Type or GN (I would get it from a wrecked or damaged car - I would not mess with a perfectly good GN) Buick. There should be plenty of room in the S-10 for one of these engines, and being that both vehicles are RWD, there should be no problems there either. But, what about the transmission? Would it fit where the old S-10 trans went? And, has anyone ever modified a Buick console to fit in an S-10, or would it be easier to just stick to a column shift? I know I could just get a Syclone, but those are hard to find and this would be a fun project if I ever got the time and money to carry it out...

95whtZR2 · March 3, 2003

What kind of cars are you refering to? I know the new Buick Regals can come with the 3.8 supercharged, but I thought they were FWD ??? It would be pretty cool, and unique-I think.

Tom

pacodiablo · March 3, 2003

I am talking about the Turbo Buicks that were made pre-88 (or 87, I could be wrong), they were RWD turbos...

Here is an example...

BTW - the S-10 I would use would be a first gen one...

Shadowfax · March 4, 2003

Or find a wrecked Sy or Ty and pull the turboed 4.3 for them (I think they were 4.3s ?) put it in a 1st gen. Sounds like a cool project either way if you get around to it. I know one day in the future after I buy my next new truck, I would like to take my 03 Xtreme and drop a v8 in it, turbo it, and do some rear indy suspension work under the rear, and some other goodies.

95whtZR2 · March 4, 2003

Sounds like a cool project Paco, good luck if you ever do it...

Shadowfox- I may be entirely wrong, but why would GM decide to put AWD on the Ty/Sy if it didn't need it? I realize you didn't say this, but by taking the engine out of a wrecked one might as well take the AWD system out too. My point is, is that I assume the reason GM put the AWD on them is because you couldn't get traction without it- too much power, so by taking the engine and putting it in a RWD truck, then you probably would not get any traction, and then if you put a TC 350 in a RWD s10, you would not get any traction. SO instead of the indy susp. for the rear, get the AWD system out of a Ty/Sy also Anyway you go, I would have to give you props for something like you are describing...

Tom

Shadowfax · March 4, 2003

Hey if goes fast, handles good, AWD or RWD, and is GM its all good.

I reccomended the 4.3 turboed from the sy/ty because it would be the closest "direct bolt in" you could acheive with minimal resistance for a first gen, and have the desired turboed project. Heck I agree though, if I found a wrecked one I'd yank the AWD if it was still intact

As for my truck, when I do put a v8 in it, Im thinking LS1 backed up by a 6 speed tranny and the rear end from something other than the one I have now

95whtZR2 · March 5, 2003

Sounds good

Are you saying to just pull the turbo off or the whole engine? The reason I ask is I believe they did some internal stuff as well, and maybe a different intake ??? But if I ever get some money, a Ty/Sy is definately gonna be sitting in my driveway, and I will probably put some special stuff on her extra

Tom

Wingnut · March 5, 2003

If you find a wrecked Syclone, or Typhoon that the AWD, motor, and tranny are still good. Chances are, you would be better off learning some body/frame repair, and fixing it. Not pulling all that stuff off, and trying to figure out a way of shoe-horning it into a different vehicle.

To me it just makes more sense to leave it in the original package. Just fix the wrapper.

But if three times the work is what you are about then go ahead.

Now pulling one out of a GN, or a Type T...Thats another matter. You would probably have to pull a lot more than just the engine/trannny to make it gogo.

Just buy a 350 Crate engine, and squeeze it in. Cheaper in the long run just from parts availability. None of that pesky emissions stuff either.

Just my 2c.

Would be nice to see a 2WD S-10 with the ponies of a Syclone though. Liquid tire as soon as you release the brake.

Shadowfax · March 5, 2003

Sounds good

Are you saying to just pull the turbo off or the whole engine? The reason I ask is I believe they did some internal stuff as well, and maybe a different intake ??? But if I ever get some money, a Ty/Sy is definately gonna be sitting in my driveway, and I will probably put some special stuff on her extra

Tom

Im saying just swap the motor, completley to a still standing S-10 First gen Frame. They have the same frame and etc, just a different engine and an AWD drivetrain layout is the big difference between the regular run of the mill first gen and the SY/TY's. That and they had a different Automatic tranny too I beleive.

But its his project, not mine lol. I got a whole total different thing I wanna do to my x in 2 or 3 years

NJTy180 · March 8, 2003

ok, here is my $1.50, cause my talk is expensive.

Your idea of the 3.8L Turbo Buick GN motor is a good one. Its been done many times before, even the 1989 Prototype syclone had the same setup. The Buick 3.8T was around for a long time, there a numerous products and parts out there for it, and fairly inexpensive too. They are backed by a BOP TH200R4. This combo make a good choice for doing a 2WD pickup swap, and has a very good HP to Weight ratio, and the money you save can be put into the rear suspension for traction.

The "SyTy" 4.3L swap. First of all, good luck finding one in a junkyard, and even better luck finding one intact, and BEST luck to you finding one that the owner of the yard isnt gonna rape your pockets for and maybe a few other things

The comment about "GM doing AWD for a reason" is true, they did do it for a reason. SyTys are among the quickest truck or even car when it comes to 0-60 times, thats why they are known as the stop light killers, however there are drawbacks. It takes more HP to make those wheels turn than a 2WD. You give up a major weight disadvantage (my Ty weighs in at 3850lbs) and of course, this setup can only be done on a 4WD chassis. Also keep in mind that even though SyTys are killer on the street, top end is very lacking, and many SyTy guys have gone to 2WD on the 9 second trucks. Oh yeah, along with the motor and tranny and T-case, ur also gonna have to grab the wiring harness, ECM, and almost everything off the firewall (relays and such).

Last but not least is the small block chevy swap. Cheap, tons of parts, kits, motors, but everyone and their grandmother has one.

Basically it comes down to what you really want. Do you want a more unique vehicle? Do you want a street machine? Do you just want a fun sunday toy? or do you want an all out track vehicle. Figure that out, then make your desicion. Personally, I like the 3.8L idea.......but then again, who says you cant put a caddy northstar motor in a truck

peace, im outta here.