Found out yesterday why my 89 Pontiac Sunbird GT was billowing white smoke out the tail pipe. On my turbo, the entire turbine wheel is missing as well as the oil seal on the exhaust side!! Apparently, according to the guy at the turbo shop, this is a common problem on old school factory T-2 turbos.

So, it's time to upgrade! A small T-3 turbo is going on the car! I should have it by no later than mid week, and maybe by next weekend my car will be back up on the road!

My goals are 160-180 whp. Factory power is rated at 160 hp and 165 ft lbs with 7 psi of boost. So, I figure with a more efficient turbo, 12-13 psi, 2 1/5" turbo back exhaust, and a cold air intake I should be there. Later down the road, I'll be experimenting with either propane or water injection, maybe an intercooler after that!

 

Good luck! smile.gif

 

Do you mean you don't even have an intercooler already?

Before increasing any boost you gotta watch for the fuel and some sort of intercooling is much highly recommended. I'm sure you know that. wink

 

No intercooler = engine might go PING!