My 3.1/3400 turbo project

[Chris88CL]

My other thread is kinda useless now because all the pics are down, so heres a link to my build thread on GMFwd.com

Im still posting pics, but the setup is complete aside from tuning....and I dont think I'll ever be DONE tuning it.

Its not show quality but its not too bad for being done in my backyard without a garage, compressor or any REAL tools.

GMFwd.com 3.1/3400 Hybrid Turbo Build thread

[Norm '88 GT]

I had to chuckle when you mention, "I dont think I'll ever be DONE tuning it." I think I spent most of the year and half tweaking and changing things as I learned. Each time you change air flow it is back to tuning.

[Guest]

ummm so no wastegate?

[Chris88CL]

Internal wastegate. I just need to finish fabricating the bracket to hold the actuator and diaphragm on.

[Jcrow]

What type and size tubing did you use to make the crossover pipe and the downpipe? (wall thickness) Regular steel?
Also, did welding the downpipe to the turbine outlet hold up? Did you MIG weld or stick weld it?
I heard there are problems welding cast iron.
Thank you, I am about to start building my turbo setup soon.

[Chris88CL]

The downpipe is welded to the wastegate housing, not directly to the turbine outlet. However, I still dont suggest welding the downpipe directly to the wastegate housing, it was just my only choice at the time. I couldnt find a flange and was fighting against time and the weather. The crossover is 2" in diameter mild steel. Not sure on the wall thickness but its pretty thick. Hopefully sometime soon I'll be welding up some headers for it instead. Again, Im just fighting the harsh canadian winter All welds are MIG.

[slick94prix]

However, I still dont suggest welding the downpipe directly to the wastegate housing, it was just my only choice at the time. I couldnt find a flange and was fighting against time and the weather.

Don't take this the wrong way, but you couldn't find someone to fab you up one real quick? I'm sure if you found a local machine shop, they wouldn't have charged you much for it.

[Chris88CL]

Why cant people just take me for my word when I say it was the only choice I had at the time? It was a sunday morning with like 18" of snow expected in a couple hours. It was my only option at the time. And so far its holding up great.