North American Turbocoupe Organization



Driving impressions from a rookie owner
DrBob Offline
Member
#1
Well I have owned the TC for just over 24 hours now and so I certainly am no expert at this car and probably won't ever be; however, I have been driving it as much as I could today and I must admit it is a fun car to drive. My wife had not ridden it in until this evening and she said "I bet it rides great" and my response was "no it rides and drives just like my 'Vette". After I got her in the car and took her on a curvy road she agreed. Actually the car is a little more fun to drive on curves than the 'Vette - maybe because I know I can carry my kids if need be so I can enjoy it anytime. [Image: wink.gif]

My only "gripe" is the slow boost build up. Slow in terms of a second or two but nevertheless the power at take off isn't instaneous like in the 'Vette but it is good when it kicks in.

I told my wife that this was one of the most fun cars I have had in a while - especially given the cheap price. In other words lots of bang for the buck. I have always liked the TC for their styling - now I love it for it's driving fun.

I think it may be time to find another one and put a 5.0 or 5.8 in it - I can imagine that would be great fun.

BOB

[This message has been edited by DrBob (edited 07-06-2002).]
Bob

88 TC, 5 speed, Medium Canyon Red, charcoal interior, all options except moonroof, added K&N filter.

I waited 15 years to buy a TC - now I know what I missed all those years!!!
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Dan E Offline
Posting Freak
#2
Install a Boost Control Solinoid (BCS) Bypass Valve like a Ric Gillis Valve. You will see a noticable improvement in lag time to spool up and can also up your boost pressure. However with a stock IHI turbo I wouldn't pass 16-18 lbs of boost MAX !

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Dan Eaves
88TC 5spd, Crower 5.5" Sportsman Rods, Short Wiseco Pistons bored .030" Over, Ported Head with Polished Combustion Chambers, Gutted & Polished Upper, Ported & Polished Lower, Polished T/B, Ported E6, SVO T3 .63AR Turbo, Bosch Bypass Valve, 3" DP w/No Cat, 2 1/2" DynoMax single cat back w/DynoMax Super Turbo Muffler, RR Cam, K&N in Fenderwell, Gillis Boost Valve, Centerforce I Clutch, Removed A/C, Polished Wheels, Polished Valve Cover, Polished Crank and W/P Pulleys, Walbro 255LPH HP Pump, Kirban Adj FPR, and the DAMN Heater Core is new too !

NATO MEMBER (Vice Chairman...if it's a vice...I deal with it)
Dan Eaves
88TC 5spd Vermillion Red, Polished...everything...
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#3
Now that your hooked, see the article "Beginners Mods for HP" The 3 main mods will increase HP and each in their own way will give you more boost and/or bring the boost threshold down in the rpm range. The air filter and boost valve alone can get you 20 to 30 HP. Where else you going to get that for $100?

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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
"The nice thing about each new day is nobody ever used it before" Barnaby Jones
88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm
Pete Dunham


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GaryS#2 Offline
Posting Freak
#4
I agree, crank the boost, let er breathe and she will spool up right away.
If you like it now, you will be selling the Vette after some mods.
Grocery Getter/Rice Cooker.
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Glenn 88TC Offline
Posting Freak
#5
The 2.3 can definitely be made to run a new Vette. The look you get when you prove that it is only a 2.3 after beating a vette or newer Camaro, TA or Stang is great. I never get tired of those moments.

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Glenn 88TC
current mods: ported & polished big valve head(1.89/1.59), ranger roller, custom upper and ported lower intakes, t3/t4 turbo, powerstroke intercooler mounted full sized, 60mm throttle body, 42lb. injectors, MSD 6al, MSD Launch Control, K&N filter, Walboro 255 pump, Kirban adj. fuel reg., ATR header, full 3" exhaust with Dynomax Ultraflow muffler, Star stage III ceramic clutch, Tiny Avenger bleed valve, Weld Draglites with M/T ET Street 26x11.5/15
NO TC and NO headaches.
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DrBob Offline
Member
#6
Well I don't know if I will get to the point where I would be willing to part with the 'Vette unless I can figure out how to make a TC convertible but otherwise I agree the car does remind me a bunch of it except I actually sit up in it and don't feel so crowded.

I checked out the "Beginners Mod" page and I have already done one thing - the K&N is on it's way - should be here Monday. My only concern about up-in the boost is what effect it will have on an engine with 110K miles? My only other experience with turbochargers is in my Powerstrke dually and of course being a diesel I am sure it is lots different (however with a performance chip in it I must admit it moves along pretty good for a four door, 4 wheel drive tank !) I want extra HP but not at the expense of having to build the engine any sooner than I have to.

BOB
Bob

88 TC, 5 speed, Medium Canyon Red, charcoal interior, all options except moonroof, added K&N filter.

I waited 15 years to buy a TC - now I know what I missed all those years!!!
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#7
If it's been cared for, at 110K it's just well broken in. You are not going to hurt anything by running 17-18 psi

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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
"The nice thing about each new day is nobody ever used it before" Barnaby Jones
88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm
Pete Dunham


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