will adding turbo affect reliability?

[this is america bytch]

I have the 3800 series 3.8L v6 and I wanna add a twin turbo but I heard it sacrifices the reliability of the car, I wouldn't wanna shorten the lifespan of my camaro, is this true?

[97rs4life]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

yes it is true for the most part. Also good luck with the TT, only one person talked about doing it and disappeared so I dunno if they ever finished it.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

it was me, and yea single turbo it is!

dont waste you time with a TT setup, your head gasket or pisotns are bound to fail, why help that process along with TT.

[98 3.8]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

it was me, and yea single turbo it is!

dont waste you time with a TT setup, your head gasket or pisotns are bound to fail, why help that process along with TT.

I don't know that having TTs is gonna make you more likely to blow your engine than having a single turbo...but I DO know that the guy who started this topic better not try modifying his car because it doesn't sound like he knows what he's doing.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

I don't know that having TTs is gonna make you more likely to blow your engine than having a single turbo...but I DO know that the guy who started this topic better not try modifying his car because it doesn't sound like he knows what he's doing.

well I am assuming he is planning a car with at best cold air and exhaust, TT on that would be much more likely to **** something up than with a single turbo.

And secondly yea, not a clue really. People this si is buying a turbo and fabbing up some pipes.....OOOOHHHHH NO. Heres a list of what you will need to make this turbo come true, and this is just for you strip down basic turbo install good for only 7 psi or so.

First off a turbo, and no ebay turbo a REAL turbo.
Wastegate ( if it isnt internally wastegated
boost controller
boost gauge
colder plugs
piping
Inter cooler
V-band clamps
Blow off Valve
PCV modification
oil feed and return lines
T-fittings
turbo flanges
new fuel injectors or FMU
New fuel pump

and with that you will have your basic turbo set up.

[Fbody3400]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

He said FMU

[this is america bytch]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

yea you're right I work so i'll pay someone to do it for me, and it sounds like a lot of work, maybe its easier to just upgrade, I really want a ws6 trans am

[UDLOSE98]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

evertyhing you need will cost you at least $3000 (used), so base your decision on that.

[airattack111]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

Of course it will affect reliability.... that's a no brainer

[CDNFB]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

Your reliability will be determined by the amount of time the engine is operated at boost and the amount of boost that you have dialed in.

For example: 6 psi used sparingly = nominal reduction in reliability
15 psi constant use (lots of high speed oval racing or always racing light to light) = major reduction in reliability

This doesn't only apply to forced induction applications. This example works for any mods applied to an engine to gain HP.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

Your reliability will be determined by the amount of time the engine is operated at boost and the amount of boost that you have dialed in.

For example: 6 psi used sparingly = nominal reduction in reliability
15 psi constant use (lots of high speed oval racing or always racing light to light) = major reduction in reliability

This doesn't only apply to forced induction applications. This example works for any mods applied to an engine to gain HP.

ehhh, some mods are directly to improve reliability tho, IE CAI, Exhaust, Plugs, wires, coils, stuff like that will benifit your motor.

others like cam and stuff will effect it.

[CDNFB]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

Well, some mods that install higher quality things like plugs, wires, coils, etc.. that don't typically increase HP can increase reliability.

But mods that increase HP have an absolute impact on reliability and engine longevity.

HP is stress

Any additional stresses imparted on the engine will result in more wear.

Small HP additions = small increase in stress = small increases in wear rates. Large HP additions = large increase in stess = larger increase in wear rates.

This is depending if you use the HP that you gained. For example you can install a forced induction system and not have it affect your reliability or ultimate engine life by not running the engine hard enough to use it. Then you can argue that your engine with the system installed is just as reliable and long lived as the stock engine.

I remember reading in a GM performance guide for the 2.8 l 60 degree V6 that the proven life or duration of the engine in stock form was like 100,000 miles at constant full throttle, and the Can-am modified engine at 600 hp was 2 hours! I think this illustrates the reliability concept perfectly.

[slow6]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

UDLOSE98, I would definately say that adding a CAI will reduce reliability a very small amount(by itself). But I agree with everything else you said!

CDNFB, I would say a turbo would reduce reliability no matter what. Even at small boost levels. The air pushed into your engine is gonna be hot right? which will slowly damage gaskets right?
correct me if I'm wrong!

These clevite 77 bearings I have are guaranteed for 300k

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

UDLOSE98, I would definately say that adding a CAI will reduce reliability a very small amount(by itself). But I agree with everything else you said!

CDNFB, I would say a turbo would reduce reliability no matter what. Even at small boost levels. The air pushed into your engine is gonna be hot right? which will slowly damage gaskets right?
correct me if I'm wrong!

These clevite 77 bearings I have are guaranteed for 300k

I would be willing to be that any bearing would last 300K if it also got oil and wasn't operated under extreme conditions.
If any bearing fails, its usually an oiling problem, not the bearing just spontaneously crapping out.

[CDNFB]

Re: will adding turbo affect reliability?

The air pushed into your engine is gonna be hot right? which will slowly damage gaskets right?

Depends on your setup. Intercooler and meth inject can offset hot boosted air. (I guess NOX would too!!)

And that brings up the point of proper embodiment of mods to mitigate or minimize reliablily issues. I can argue that a 3800 properly built for reasonable boost applications can last just as long as the stock engine. But ultimately the practice of applying engine build strategies to manage and contain HP gets overrun in the pursuit of more HP. HP gains can be had (some methods easier than others) that overpower the built capability of any motor. There is yet to be built a motor that can't be blown up by someone looking for more!