http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...pic.php?t=8302

I really believe the series 1 and the older 3.8l engines can benefit from a turbo option please help me make this a reality for the older Bonneville that can benefit greatly from such a kit. This would keep this car on the map in my opinion. I already have a transaxle that can handle at least 500hp and I am sure we can squeeze 400 out of this engine with a turbo.

I know the numbers are small but with your help we can get 8 people together to make it happen.

I am also interested in anyone who can provide any differences within the years 1987-1991. I need to be sure of this information and I do not know as much as some of the forum participants. I am also interested in other cars that may cross over like the Buick * that are identical in engine bay and displacement.


Ty

There have been a number of FWD turbo 3800s built (know of one on a Trofeo and another on a Reatta with a 5 speed Getrag but suspect that a 92-94 Park Avenue supercharger would be a cleaner installation.

Biggest problem is adapting an ECM/PROM for the boosted condtion (stock MAF tops out at 170 gm/sec and can break 225 easily with boost and the "C" engine does not need boost-retard on the spark). Wonder if you could use a GN ECM.

The computer issue can be taken care of we actually have that part covered. I agree I have seen many kits made but they are one off product and the quality varies. The company we use makes a top quality unit and it will be a kit. This way its average buyer friendly and is backed with top quality workmanship.


I look at it this way.

Every time a kit is custom made it is a one off product and really does not help the car or the market for the car. I believe a group effort will take the car further and once one kit is made and mapped properly it is far more beneficial to all interested. The 1987-91 Bonneville and other olds and Buick’* that cross are purchased for fairly little to no money and all usually encounter several thousands of dollars of product and maintenance. I would like to make the car able to boost a turbo option pushing the owner’* availability of options much further. 250-300hp is not out of the question and this would be a reasonable hp range for a 3000 -4000.00 investment.

The market for the domestics especially the old H body cars is LAME and other than Domestic performance no one company really cares. Really, people laugh. I figure if there are 8 people interested I already have a reputable company committed to help.

To be honest I don’t really care about my take and like with the springs I just want to make it happen.

I know there will be interest if I offer free Turbos to everyone but I need to get together those who are seriously interested in building there car. Currently there is no reason because there are no products that offer real performance so guys like Tim Smooth are left with a nice looking car but no capability to compete with the newer H body or W body. This means they are left to the side when the owner is finally ready to step up. I have a line for two-3 months to get on the list for one build most likely the newer H body and the opening for more builds will not happen for another 4 months after that due to bookings for several other high dollar cars.


Ty

Orlando, Florida eh? yeah I quess outta the few thousand trofeo and reattas built about 80% went there...
serously when my dad was ordering the trofeo in my sig it was the only one at a dealership... in florida... in 92... very expensive car 30,000 US... in 92... then a week after they shipped the car GM called and said there was one on victoria island.
turbo eh?


those little reattas go like snot... my car is 3300lbs the reatts probably... 2800? same engine

Actually the Reatta weighs in at about 3300 lbs, almost the same as the Bonne. I suspect this was deliberate - if the same weight class as the Bonne and LeSabre/Park Ave then it could use the same EPA certification.

The trouble with a 50% jump in power is that the 440T4 aka 4T60 trans is marginal already, a 4T65(E) or 4T80 (Cad) would also be necessary. On the Bonne, cooling would probably not be a problem but Reattas are a bit marginal already.

lol are you serous? that little tight car and the big 4 door bonneville weigh the same? maybe the convertable... but id be suprised if it was over 3000

I am not sure if you have seen the growth in the 4t60-e market and the options.
It happens to be my store where the product is available but ask anyone who has been here since the beginning of this forum and they can vouch I have been pursuing the perfect 4t60-e among many other products for these cars. 500hp is not a problem now that we offer an actual True posi limited slip. We also offer a hardened input shaft. Well and a 4t60-e HD unit that is very well built. We have even surpassed ASG now and gone further with the internals. Torson units will be next.

If you need proper drop springs let me know. If I am right you have a single rear leaf like the Torfeo.

Ty

Do know that the 440T4 aka 4T60 trans was continually improved from 87 through 1990. In 91 the 4T60(E) came out so have no dobt the "E" was a much better transmission than in my '88.

Also a limited slip would help with the worst thing you can do to a transmission - axle tramp.

Personally prefer to stay naturally aspirated & be able to run on 87 PON gas for my street cars. If were going to build something for max speed, it would be my Fiero, is much lighter and is true mid-engined with rear drive.

Am interested if you found a way to lower the rear of a single leaf car (Bonne, Reatta).

Yes the Fiero is a fun car and with Archie’* v8 swap and the new (not yet arrived) 6 speed Getrag you would have the capability of spinning more than the current 450hp.

Also Domestic performance is working with Heldmotersports to add the Fiero line to the store. Finally Held has a new owner and really great goals for the Fiero and well a few other projects.

Rear spring,

As it sits you can lower your rear leaf with a few mounting adjustments but the final solution is more involved and without the right number of people interested we cant go any further. It is a fun rear suspension though. I was so surprised the first time I found a buggy leaf on the rear of a 1990 GM. It is similar to the system used on the 1/4 elliptical suspensions for trail buggies (4X4’*).

Gm is always ahead just sometimes they place the technology in the wrong place.
Just ask will about his 4 wheel steering Bonneville.

Ty

Not new, transverse rear leaf appeared in the '63 'vette and monoplate in '67 Camaro (bad idea there - terminal axle tramp). Reatta folk have found the same thing - can play with mounts a bit but no effective way to lower the inch or so it really wants.

What is this about an AWS Bonneville ? Lately have noticed my wife'* car tends to act oddly on moderate right handers at 40-50 mph, feels like the rear end is moving out. Quick look did not show anything obvious.