First off let me just say that I’m by no means an expert when it comes turbos. This is just a guide to help you get started and help shed some light in your quest for more power.
Don’t get the impression that you can slap a turbo kit and automatically make 700whp. You need to be realistic with your goals and as I always say, aim low so there is little to no disappointment.
What are the major components to the kits on the market?
Turbo
Turbo Crossover
Turbo Downpipe aka upper downpipe
BOV-Blow off Valve
Wastegate
Misc. stuff
Oil line for turbo (journal bearing)
Intercooler (optional but recommended)
Vacuum lines
Valve cover breather
Injectors
Fuel pump (optional but recommended)
Gaskets
S/C block off plate if supercharged
Couplers
180 tstat
PCM tune
Let’s look at the turbo kits available and some of their differences:
Cartuning
-Comes with a PT-61 (On center exhaust housing)
-Wastegate perch is bolted to the rear manifold
-2.5” stainless steel exhaust from turbo
-42lb injectors included
-LT1 MAF
-PCM included
*Bolts directly on the car with no modification unless you have a 97 Grand Prix
If you have a 97 the upper downpipe needs to be modified to clear your ABS. For some extra coin the vendor will do it for you.*
-Front powerlog from ZZP will bolt to this, but a rear will NOT
-Cartuning does offer a rear ported exhaust with the #6 primary turned
ZZP Z3 kit
-Also known as their budget turbo kit
-Borg Warner 56mm turbo
-LT1 MAF
-Powder coated intake pipes
-Wastegate perch is bolted to the rear manifold
-TIG welded 304 stainless steel crossover
-TIG welded 304 stainless steel 2.5" downpipe
-PCM included
-Must have/purchase a TOG lower downpipe or weld in short downpipe
-rear powerlog will not work
*If you have a 97 the upper downpipe needs to be modified to clear your ABS. For some extra coin the vendor will do it for you.*
ZZP Z7 kit
-Precision Turbo T61 turbo
-TIG welded 304 stainless steel crossover
-TIG welded 304 stainless steel 2.5" downpipe
-LT1 MAF
-Powder coated intake pipes
-PCM included
-Must have/purchase a TOG lower downpipe or weld in short downpipe
-Rear powerlog WILL work
*If you have a 97 the upper downpipe needs to be modified to clear your ABS. For some extra coin the vendor will do it for you.*
Stattama Kit
-Also known as I’m the baddest mofo sold
-T67 turbo
-Front and Rear 304 stainless powerlogs
-3 inch 304 stainless downpipe (97 owners will need to remove their ABS system)
-Intake pipes are powder coated
-Small diameter brake booster
-Boost controller included
-PCM included
Supporting Mods
NONE-You can bolt on the kit from any vendor and go
Coming from a S/C build?
Headers will NOT work (unless you have some super awesome fab skills and custom making your own kit).
Aftermarket Downpipe (i.e ZZP 3” dp) will need to be sold pending which kit is purchased.
Front Powerlog can be used and is a great mod in addition to any turbo kit.
Rear PEM is perfect for a CT or ZZP Z3 kit.
Catback exhaust will bolt up to all the kits.
Cam will depend on which one you have. I always recommend going with a turbo cam, however many have used their XP cam with success.
1.9 Rockers will work nicely with any turbo kit.
42# injectors will work, but it’s nice to have some cushion for growth when you are ready to mod further. If you haven’t upgraded over your stock GTP injectors look to 60#, unless considering E85 then move to 80#.
Throttle body any will work
LIM will work in stock form however some owners do open it up to allow more flow.
Intercooler should be sold as it won’t work with the turbo setup. ZZP did make a W2A core that went through the M90 case at one time, but it’s not showing on their website. With that being said some form of intercooler should be considered.
fuel pump is recommended. If you are looking to go turbo then you should at least consider it.
PCV will need to be blocked
M90 blockoff plate will be needed. Basically you remove the snout, take the rotor pack out, and then bolt this to the end of the M90 case.
M90 block off installed with CT kit:
Coming from a NA build?
Headers will NOT work (unless you have some super awesome fab skills and custom making your own kit).
Aftermarket Downpipe (i.e ZZP 3” dp) will need to be sold pending which kit is purchased.
Front Powerlog can be used and is a great mod in addition to any turbo kit.
Rear PEM is perfect for a CT or ZZP Z3 kit.
Catback exhaust will bolt up to all the kits.
Cam look to a turbo specific one.
Rockers will work nicely with any turbo kit.
42# injectors will work, but it’s nice to have some cushion for growth when you are ready to mod further. If you haven’t upgraded over your stock injectors look to 60#, unless considering E85 then move to 80#.
fuel pump is recommended. If you are looking to go turbo then you should at least consider it.
HVII/III work nicely with any turbo kit.
PCV will need to be blocked.
L36 topswap with CT KIT
Additional “Mods”
Boost Controller-No longer will you have to change wastegate springs to adjust how much boost you are pushing. Prices vary depending where you purchase.
A2A Intercooler-Cooler IAT=better tuning, increased power, increased boost can be purchased through a vendor or make your own using ebay.
Turbo Blanket-Keeps underhood temps down.
Nitrous-Nice way to cool the intake charge and would only require a tiny “pill” to accomplish.
Methanol-People have used with good success
Turbo Timer-Yes you can use them, but you can also just drive normally before you arrive to your destination, then leave it running for 20-30 seconds in the parking lot.
IC Spray bar I’ve seen mixed reviews. You can purchase them or build your own.
Tuning-The vendor's PCM are a great way to get started, but it's imperative at some point you do a custom tune tailored to your mods. This will ultimately give you the full benefit of going turbo.
Real World Results
N/A L67- 142whp-M90 block off, open cone intake, 2.5" dp, Intense Racing OG PCM, 18" wheels
TGP- 266whp- 10 PSI, intercooled CT kit PT 61, M90 block off, 2.5" exhaust, 42lb injectors, CT PCM, , L67 MAF, 42lb injectors, 18" wheels
TGP- 286whp- 11 PSI, Intercooled, CT kit PT 61, M90 block off, plog, 2.5" exhaust, LT1 MAF, ZZP PCM, 42lb injectors, Racetronix fp, 18" wheels
TGP- 346whp- 12 PSI, Intercooled, CT kit PT 61, M90 block off, plog, 2.5" exhaust, cutout, LT1 MAF, ZZP PCM, 42lb injectors, Racetronix fp, 1.9 rockers, 16" wheels
OTHER TURBO RESULTS
Greg Badass http://www.grandprixforums.net/resul...gtp-71448.html
284.6whp/413.1wtq @ 9.5 psi
343.3whp/514.4wtq @ 14 psi
mods-PT61 Intercooled CT KIT, Stattama ST2, L26 Intake, Crow Cam 105#, Manley Retainers, Racetronix Fuel Pump, 60# Injectors, NGK TR6 spark plugs, 180 t-stat, Stock exhaust, Dyno Brian tune
SepGT2-Other forum
339.2 WHP/358.6 WTQ @ 13 PSI
mods-ZZP Z7 Turbo Kit Turbonetics 62-1 turbo, 42.5# Injectors, LT1 MAF, 160 tstat, A/A IC, Ceramic 3inch DP and turbo cross over, Tial Blow off valve, 3 inch ZZP SS exhaust, ZZP Resonator, Stock mufflers, 3 inch cutout
