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Still got a little clean up to do.
This project started 2 years ago. Well actually it probably started when I first bought my 1990 NA 4 years ago. In fact my first post on TT.net was ALMOST “Can you convert a non turbo to a turbo?” LOL
So anyway for 2 years my car was fine and happy as an NA with an exhaust, intake, and wheels. Then the itch got real bad! So I started looking for a busted engine that I could rebuild. (Rebuilding an engine has always been a goal in my life.) I found a TT motor out of a ’92 that had a blown head gasket and was just sitting at a shop. So for another 2 years I took apart that engine, cleaned it, ported it, refreshed it… etc.
Then we come to last January. I had finally saved up enough money for everything else I was going to need aside from what was already in the engine. (Wiseco pistons, ARP studs all over, new valve train) So I pulled my car into the garage and stuck her on stands for the last 3 months while I work on it nights and weekends.
You’ll never learn more about the Z motor then if you rebuild and convert the thing yourself. After endless trips to NAPA and Baxter auto parts, and lots and lots of money sent to COZ and Z1, I finally got the rebuilt TT motor back in the car.
I had to redo the power steering return line to get around the new intercooler piping and radiator. The A/C lines had to be “modified” ;) to fit. And that’s how the whole project went. One thing after another things had to be assembled, removed, re-assembled, until I finally got things to fit and figured out the order that they’re supposed to go in.
I think the ’90 NA is the version that is most different then all others. My car already had pre drilled holes for the A/C condenser and half of the intercooler piping already had the holes drilled and tapped, or nut welded on the back side. The holes for the oil cooler bracket were already there also.
So per the NA-TT conversion faq guid...
Yes it can be done and
Yes it does cost alot. (but it's worth it)
Thanks to everybody who has pics posted on their websites, they’ve helped a lot! Thanks to everybody who replied to any post I had. Even Bernie pitched in. But most the time it was just “search.” LOL Special thanks to TT.net and all it’s members that make it what it is. And someday maybe when I figure out how the search thing works, I won’t be stuck in “stage 2” anymore. -Wes (Oregon) For list of mods, see my profile
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My .02 cents on the NA -> TT Conversion and my experience - 
