383 Turbo Build
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
383 Turbo Build
I am debating a few different build options for this winter to replace my tired 350 TPI.
1) 383 or 396 with TPIS Mini Ram setup with a good cam but street driven. Keeping the 4+3 setup.
2) The most expensive, Ls1/2, T56.
3) Building a lower compression stroker going with something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Small-Block-Chevy-Twin-Turbo-kit-22-PCS-750HP-SBC-Chevrolet-Camaro-Trans-AM-/251161721779?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1988%7CModel%3ACorvette&hash=item3a7a67bbb3&vxp=mtr
1) 383 or 396 with TPIS Mini Ram setup with a good cam but street driven. Keeping the 4+3 setup.
2) The most expensive, Ls1/2, T56.
3) Building a lower compression stroker going with something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Small-Block-Chevy-Twin-Turbo-kit-22-PCS-750HP-SBC-Chevrolet-Camaro-Trans-AM-/251161721779?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1988%7CModel%3ACorvette&hash=item3a7a67bbb3&vxp=mtr
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 534
Turbo kits for the C4s usually end up being a lot of R&D due to the fact that it's very hard to find a kit that comes close to being what you need as a starting point. C5s and C6 kits are the rage but still require some fabrication. Most of the C4 guys are proud of their turbo Vettes because they literally had to engineer the entire kit. It's easy to be lured in by the ebay special kits but year after year I see the same kits just sitting up there for sale.
Black88Z51 ran a 421 in front of a 4+3 for a little while as a temporary trans. 4 speed section is stout but would probably easy to smoke the friction packs in the OD if it engages while you are on it with the extra power and you kind of need it if you want to cruise around without constant high rpm noise. I like the T56 route as well.
Black88Z51 ran a 421 in front of a 4+3 for a little while as a temporary trans. 4 speed section is stout but would probably easy to smoke the friction packs in the OD if it engages while you are on it with the extra power and you kind of need it if you want to cruise around without constant high rpm noise. I like the T56 route as well.
Last edited by 1985 Corvette; Oct 25, 2013 at 02:05 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 31
From: Reno Nevada
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh PA
Turbo builds done right are not cheap...
No ebay type kit is gonna offer you the items you need. Its all gonna be custom one off. And you better be good at doing alittle fabrication or else its gonna get expensive quick
How much power you want? A 383-396 build can do 550 on a pretty healthy setup. Good ls2 can do the same. For abit more money, shp block 400 can get you over 600.
Turbo build is cakewalk to do 600-800 and remain street worthy but alot harder to keep trans and rear alive with all that power
No ebay type kit is gonna offer you the items you need. Its all gonna be custom one off. And you better be good at doing alittle fabrication or else its gonna get expensive quick
How much power you want? A 383-396 build can do 550 on a pretty healthy setup. Good ls2 can do the same. For abit more money, shp block 400 can get you over 600.
Turbo build is cakewalk to do 600-800 and remain street worthy but alot harder to keep trans and rear alive with all that power
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
I have a freind who has an 89 Callaway Aerobody (twin turbo). He recently replaced his turbos. He had to have special cast mounting flange adapters for the turbos (which are no longer available) made up because the clearance was so tight. A universal kit definitely would be a lot of work and a lot of stuff unusable.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
The kits uses T4 Turbo's, and it claims it fits the 1988 Corvette but hood modification is needed. I just happened to check Ebay to see what was selling, I would not purchase that kit with out doing my homework first...
I would love to upgrade to LS, but I think the cost will be too great replacing the transmission and LS style engine.
I would love to upgrade to LS, but I think the cost will be too great replacing the transmission and LS style engine.