Reatta's Prototype 245 hp Turbo

[Howard]

Here is goes, a test to see if I can make this new feature work. Much has been discussed in this forum about turbo engines and such. Well, Buick thought about it as well. I have attached (we'll see if this works) a photo of a prototype, 245 HP turbo engine derived for the Regal Grand National. It was turned 90 degrees to drive the rear wheels. A reworked underpan accomodates the transmission, driveshaft, and differential. Alas, it was not to be. I bet the Buick engineers had some fun however. The photo is from the Automobile Quarterly article that was discussed at great length last November. Howard

[mhoumard]

Very nice job Howard. And the motion monitor in the lower right corner of the photo works too.

FYI, I did get around to posting the Motor Trend Reatta test on the Automobile Quarterly thread which at the moment is on Page 11 of this site. There is also a Car & Driver article by Tony Assanza I placed there discussing all of these Reatta factory specials.

[2seater]

Thanks for posting this Howard. I stuck the photo in my editing software and lightened it up but the turbo is still hidden, as a mater of fact it looks normally aspirated. It doesn't look to be intercooled although that may be hidden also. It also looks like the anti lock was sacrificed to make room and that rear crossover looks to be from a 3800. Cool <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest trofeo73]

Wow, I bet that would have sold more reattas! Hell, maybee alot of other GM personal luxury cars for that matter. My roomates mark IIIV is a blast to drive, 280 hp, rwd, shift kit from hell, free flowing exhaust, and CAI; does some awsome burnouts and out runs many "fast" cars. I still beat him in a friends 98 eldorado though! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I am running the exhaust under the engine for my turbo project. I just want to see if it will work. I know that ground clearance will be tight....... I don't even car if I blow it up, (trans or engine) but I would rather not. I am going to buy a second car soon anyway.

[billbuickgs]

In a 30 page booklet call "Inside Buick-spring 1989" , it shows the turbo charged front wheel drive Reatta in the guard rail at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix . The reporter driving had no idea of the power and how to control that power with front wheel drive. It also shows my choice, a rear wheel drive turbo charged REATTA with a bubble in the hood and the turbo charged GN engine in the ESTATE WAGON. Mike Doble with the GNX project has a full page "A special group builds special cars " Don't remember who gave it to me.

Bill

[2seater]

I found the photo so interesting I sent it on to a friend with a turbo Regal. He says it looks to be the correct block and said he could see where the turbo oil drain hole is plugged (I can't see it). He also noticed it does have the cam sensor like the older 3.8's but the valve covers are different, which look like his '93 3300 engine in his Century? I wonder if they did the same thing with the heads as they supposedly did with the '89 turbo Trans Am? They used later model ones which are more compact for clearance. Sorry to wax on about this but it is of great interest to me. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[BuickCollector]

Any other photos of factory turbocharged Reattas?

I've always wanted to see one.

[BUICK RACER]

I've got one or two from when the car was at the GS Nationals. Also some of the wagon, will have to find them and scan not sure when I will get to it, but will try soon!