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Straight 6 buildup question please....

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JOEL_TX

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a friend who has been looking for a good Nova project car for a few months now, but he doesnt' have alot of cash to spend(wife/2kids),and if any of you have noticed here recently, Novas are starting to bring good money now like Chevelles and Camaros.Sooooooo, we were looking around on Ebay and whatnot and started talking about buying a Chevy II 64-66 with a straight 6 in it and adding a turbo just to do something different.....

Do you guys think a straight 6 can handle a turbo without having to throw a ton of money into it?What problems might we face in trying to do this?And, does anyone know where we can go to get more info on doing this?I think it would be a hoot if we could pull it off and have a decent running car.TIA-Joel
 
#2 ·
What kinda power are you seeking and what type of turbo setup? I see no reason a nice t3 couldn't add a bit of kick to that ole inline 6 for a budget price... although you have to figure out your fuel and timing management. Fuel injection would be ideal, but expensive.

You could look into a draw through or push through setup with a carb, but each have their own costs and advantages/drawbacks. In the end if you want budget... drop in a 350 small block with a carb and drive the wheels off it. It will most likely cost less then a turbo six and be alot less of a headache to deal with.
 
#3 ·
Dunno about hood clearance, but I think you could prolly take the turbo, throttle body, and computer/wire harness off a hotair GN/T-type. You'd have to fabricate all the plumbing.........maybe even an intake to accept the injectors.

Prolly be easier to find a wrecked T-type and swap the whole engine.
 
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#4 ·
I have seen guys using turbos from thunderbird turbo coupes (lots of fords in the boneyard
Image
) they seem to work well you would have to do some fabrication, as stated by others. Do a search on turbo projects on the net shuold find some good info.
 
#5 ·
I've done several I6 turbos including a '64 Nova. If someone has a way to post pics, I'll show you how simple it actually is. They don't need injection, but if you are thinking of using a stock engine with cast pistons, you'll need to limit power to around 200hp or so. With forged pistons, you can increase boost levels and make an easy 300hp with either the 230 or 250.

The '64 Nova had a forged piston 250 in it and ran 102mph 1/4 miles although we were unable to fit a large enough street tire on it to get it out of the low 14s and into the 13s.
 
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Discussion starter · #6 ·
Thanks for all the input so far everyone.

Greybeard- can you email me some pics of the turbo setups you're talking about?I know I could just go out and get a 350 or a turbo GN setup and whatnot like everyone's suggested, but We are more interested in doing a straight 6 setup using the stock motor.Spending money on the pistons and all the usual rebuild parts is OK, we just don't want to have to spend "crazy money" for this thing.
 
#7 ·
I would like pics of a Turbo 6 set up also. I have a worn out 230 out back that could put a grin on my face with a Turbo set up in the future.
 
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#8 ·
I've got a lot going on this afternoon so I'll put together some pics and explainations of a "how to" and send them this evening late. Expect them in the morning mail.

One should be able to duplicate the set-up I'll show you for $500 and a couple days.

Anyone wanting this just "ping" my e-mail, subject "Turbo".

mantle@hilo.net
 
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#9 ·
I built up a 292 Chevy six in 1971. Had 4 barrel, 3/4 Isky cam, and headers. Nothing sounds as cool as a cammed straight 6 with headers on it. I could pull the front wheels off the ground on the street with this 1965 Van. Got more tail in that van than I have sense. lol :cool:
 
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#11 ·
Are you guys getting the pics? Any questions?
 
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Greybeard
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