Thread: 301 Turbo Engine

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Anything can be done, it all boils down to how much money you are willing to spend, or should spend logically. I would think with any system out there you are going to look at a minimum outlay of $ 3000.00. Is that reasonable on a '78 Bonneville, even if it is very low milage? Only you and your pocketbook can answer that question.

Another issue is that when you start adding power boosters, it stresses other components. I know you aren't looking to run this down the quarter mile, but you have to remember this engine is now 28 years old, and seals and parts start to deteriorate simply from age. I drive an '84 LTD that just turned 60,000 miles, and it is really clean. But I see some things starting to crack and become brittle just from time.

A turbo would be the way to go IMO, but any setup you find (if there is even one made for this application) is going to be pricey, I think. You might consider installing slightly lower (numerically higher) gears in the rear end. These will give you better hill climbing ability and cost a whole lot less. You will get worse gas milage, though.


Don

You dont have a 301 Turbo. The 2 Barrel 135 HP engine is a 301 non-turbo. If it doesnt have a turbo-charger it is not worth anything. Unless it is a SE. If it is a non-turbo SE then it is rare.