I saw somewhere that we can use the v6 3.8L Camaro intake and heads. Looking at this for a viable turbo build for my 2002 Monte Carlo SS. Got 261k on the odometer.

Current Build list:
ZZP Headers
Down Pipe
Fenderwell Intake tube
1.0 Tune
Bride Shifter Handle

 

Not sure what gain the 3.8 Camaro/Firebird heads would give. My assumption is they are the same as all L36 heads (unless someone knows differently). But yes, the upper and lower intake can be used. Keep in mind, it re-positions the throttle body and thermostat to the right side of the car, instead of the left. You have to adapt for that situation (among a few other topics). I have seen at least one guy pay to have a upper/lower intake imported from an Australian Holden L36 for his turbo build. Definitely options available.

A lot of people have done turbo builds with the stock plastic intake or even the aluminum L26 intake. I don't know much about building turbo setups, so I am curious, what is the attraction to the Camaro intake?

 

As Maniac said, heads are the same power wise, don't bother there as there's zero benefit. Realistically don't touch the heads at all unless its a max effort turbo build (and if it is a max effort build, then go with matching max effort porting). But bang for the buck for heads on a turbo are about as bad as it gets.

The Intake can be used, but its also more of a high end type of mod. The regular bolt on turbo kits (that work with a normal stock intake) can make really good power (up to the limits of a good 4t65 these days). Theres certianly benefits to a passenger side intake setup but are you really shooting for that much power?

Keep in mind you'll have to fab your own cold side post IC piping as none of the kits have piping for that. Its also not just bolting on the intake - you need to do other modifications to make it work (IIRC the coil pack bracket is in the way, and the factory inlet of the manifold will be right into the fuse box on some W bodies unless you cut and reweld the manifold neck to angle it). Plus obviously rerunning the tb cable and several electronics, and the upper radiator hose.

Yikes, that's really up there. I love stock bottom ends, but Id be leery of pushing that too much further if you're thinking of a hardcore turbo build.

I'm sure you're aware, but all of that stuff has to come off for a turbo.

Also curious, have you ever dynod before/ after with those headers? People don't generally run headers NA since the S&S were discontinued and I don't think I've ever seen someone run ZZPs NA before.


A couple things-
1. It really simplifies piping / the intercooler. Without it you either need a IC with the in and out on the same side (which greatly limits options) or you've got to loop the outlet back in a big U shape to get it back to the drivers side (like the ZZP turbo kits do).

2. It makes turbo fitment easier when going with a big aftermarket turbo (by not having to snake the intake tubing around it)