Hi guys, I'm new to this board. I guy I know with a SSEi Bonnie suggested I come here for assistance. I'm looking to purchase a 97 up GTP or Buick GS. I recently found a Buick GS and option and color wise it has everything I want. One of the problems I noticed with it is that it doesn't build any boost (no matter whether your at WOT or part throttle etc.). The car doesn't pull any better then a normally aspired 3.8L. When you do give it Full throttle the most boost you get is between .4 and .7 PSI (point4 to point7 PSI). I was hoping maybe you guys could give me any idea of what it might be and if It should still be a possible buyer or if I should pass it up based on this?

thanks

I guess first thign would be to check if the belt is on it (properly). After that it could be the bypass valve (bad or stuck open). Is there an SES light on?

I'm betting the boost control solonoid....and it'* a cheap fix. But don't go to the bank on this.

The SC itself is nearly bulletproof. If it weren't producing boost, you'd hear some really nasty noises, or see a belt removed.

If it'* spinning with the engine at idle, and you still can't get boost while driving, odds are 95% that it'* the BCS. (wastegate)

There is no SES light present. One question I have is when you say nasty noises, I'm assuming you mean loud, clank, boom, bang type noises. Because I did hear a slight grinding noise coming from the driverside, while you sit in the car driving or idling. But from under the hood it'* not noticeable at all. it'* kinda like the sound an alternator makes when the bearings start to go bad.

Other than SEVERE clank boom crash noises when a SC completely fails (never heard of it), the only common noise a SC makes is a slight rattle at idle when the coupler is starting to wear. Again, this is a minor thing. Safe to drive, cheap to fix.

Nail that grinding noise down. The Alternators are known for a failure in the rear bearing.

so, in other words, if the price is right, I shouldn't let this problem scare me away?

I didn't say that

Get them to replace the BCS......THEN buy the car if it'* ok! Unless you want to take the risk, and it is only a slight risk.

I am willing to bet the farm that it is normal. My SSEi and Dads Park Ave do it too, it scared the crap out of me the first time I heard it. It is the blades in the roots design making the noise, I bet its normal. I am used to it by now. I have a Roots gas meter at work that makes the same noise because it is the same design.

When you tromp on it can you hear the */C whine at WOT? Glad to see you could make it over, Thunder!

Jay

My blower makes no noise other than the whine.

Huh, I dont know what to say. I have heard 4 3800 */Cs make it. It isnt LOUD, but you can hear it around the intake. Its hard to descrube the noise, but it is the same noise the Roots gas meter at work makes. Im not too worried. The couplers on both 3800s in the family are good, I checked them myself.

Jay