Does any body have any information on these 3.8 carbureted turbos are they hard to maintain tune? Do they have a computer?
They are no harder to maintain or tune than any other engine out there. the early ones ('78, '79, '80 49 state) had no computer for mixture control or spark timing control. they did have a detonation sensor that retarded ignition timing if detonation was sensed. The "box" was on the fan shroud. In '81 ('80 California) the feedback carbs were installed and the computer also controlled spark timing.
Much of the engine management was done with vacuum controls, so hoses must be in good shape. An electronic timing control worked with a knock sensor to take care of the distributor. It was a stand-alone system, no central computer like on new cars. Carbs became computer-controlled I believe in 1982. For daily-driver use, the 84-up fuel injected cars would be a better choice. The carb cars will require more work to get them dialed in but are still fun to drive.
I am currently pulling an entire factory setup from an 83 T-type..it does have an ECM in the same location as the later EFI cars, an O2 sensor, and a TON of hoses and emissions crap. You can barely see the motor under all of that stuff... I am taking pictures of this one as I take it apart. I am planning to off the whole business on Ebay but figure the pics and notes will help others with this setup.
