Turbo on stock 350 experiences?

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by JayZee88, Mar 15, 2020.

  1. JayZee88

    JayZee88 Well-Known Member

    Ive read that the Buick 350 is a very stout V8 and heard of guys running turbos with a stock motor. Our bone stock 69 Skylarks 350 has very little wear and runs very strong. I am wondering what yall have experienced when running modest boost in a stock 350. I have a idea of running 5 to 8 lbs for a little more grunt.
     
    300sbb_overkill likes this.
  2. RIVI1379

    RIVI1379 Well-Known Member

    It’s been some time but I think someone had manifolds and the better part of a kit made...was a 350 Buick in a 70’s Camaro I believe
     
  3. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    If the V6 can take 22 lbs of boost with eaze with race gas or alky injection, Im sure the 350 can take it, same block design....deep skirt;)
     
    RIVI1379 likes this.
  4. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Yes this has been done many times. We took a stock smogger 350 that dynod at 170 hp to the crank and it did 350 hp on 7 psi with no intercooler. We did a mild 9:1 350 that did 460 hp to the wheels with no exotic parts and not ported heads, low boost. We also did a 7.8:1 350 on boost with home ported heads and it was 450 hp to the wheels.
     
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  5. JayZee88

    JayZee88 Well-Known Member

    I found a stock turbo set up from a 1981 monte carlo for sale dirt cheap with a rebuilt turbo. Its set up to run a factory q jet and wonder if this would be a great start for a factory looking turbo set up if Buick would have had it for the 350 in 1969. Its a M11 turbo. Anyone have any insight if this would work for a 350? complete from carb mounting plate to turbo, wastegate, etc
     
  6. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Hi, no I would not use that draw through turbo setup at all. Just use a GT-45 turbo and a CSU blow through carb and done.
     
  7. techg8

    techg8 The BS GS

    I mocked up a draw thru setup onto a buick 350. I used a 2 barrel 350 intake and made an adapter plate out of 1/4" plate to attach the turbo setup.

    The turbo was from a 301 trans am if I remember correctly. I've still got it here sonewhere.

    Even w a draw thru setup You're still looking at fabricating an exhaust manifold, or doing a lot of exhaust plumbing to make it work.

    Boost referencing the power piston on a qjet takes some work too. The buick turbo 6 qjets from the late 70s have the right provision for that. Or you could just go with fixed jets.

    I think it would be great to try. I never got around to finishing the job. I'd love to see it work.

    Yes the turbo is too small, no it's not the best way to add a turbo. But cool?...absolutely! And unique.

    Why not try it especially if you're not looking to make tons of boost
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  8. jay3000

    jay3000 RIP 1-16-21

    :D DSCF0035.JPG
     
    Houmark likes this.
  9. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Blow thru single turbo , custom carb. 5-6 psi should be a great setup. Get alittle more torque converter. At least 2400 small block rated. Get an air fuel meter. You need to know when its running lean so you can jet up carb. Or get a boost enabled fuel injection.
    But will easily feel like a big block under hood. When boost comes up so does the torque output. An oil cooler might be a decent idea .
     
  10. techg8

    techg8 The BS GS

    Found it.
    Still need to fabricate a pass side manifold. The plan was to keep the drivers side 350 manifold and pipe its exhaust under the motor to the backside of the custom passenger manifold.

    From the front of the pass manifold, pipe to the turbo inlet.

    20200322_124548.jpg
     
    MrSony, alec296 and Mark Demko like this.
  11. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    This is a fellow in Puerto Rico who’s been successfully running this car for 10 years. Is basically a stock rebuild with trw forged pistons. I did t remember the dyno numbers but it’s over 600 hp:

     
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  12. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    My old car. 460 hp and 450 TQ at the tires. pretty much stock engine with trw forged pistons

     
    300sbb_overkill likes this.
  13. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

  14. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Bummer, I clicked on the vid and thought I was gonna see a pass down the track, not a burnout in a trailer park.
     
    techg8 likes this.
  15. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    he has lots of racing videos on his channel. It’s been running low 11s for 13 years without a rebuild. Not a fancy engine
     
  16. 300sbb_overkill

    300sbb_overkill WWG1WGA. MAGA

  17. DauntlessSB92

    DauntlessSB92 Addicted to Buick

    Ken,

    Did you continue on with that 301 draw through adapter? I am looking to pickup an Electra with a Buick 350 and have been trying to think of what direction I want to go for a turbo. I like the "period correct" look of the draw through setup.
     
    techg8 likes this.
  18. techg8

    techg8 The BS GS


    No, it's still sitting on the shop floor. I did rebuild the turbo and had it balanced by Gpop Shop.

    If you want to give it a shot give me a call or email. I'd love to see it get some use!
     
    DauntlessSB92 likes this.
  19. DauntlessSB92

    DauntlessSB92 Addicted to Buick

    I'll definitely be in touch Ken, the car I looked at today was way rougher than I expected but if I can get the seller down in price I'll try and make the car a test bed of sorts. I just really like the idea of a factory appearing turbo v8, even if it isn't the most efficient way to go about making power.
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2024
    techg8 likes this.

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