Ideas/Help - '92 Lebaron 3.0 V6 Convt Turbo Build

[NeverLow]

Will be editing post as advice comes in
Will be posting pics as progress is made

Hey guys, I am brand new on here, so I am sorry if there is already another build topic on this. But I want to turbo my '92 Lebaron 3.0 V6 Convt. I have a 2nd identical 3.0 out of a minivan that I am going to break down and rebuild for this project. I have a bunch of ideas on how I am going to go about this, but it is my first Mopar build, and its one nobody seems to have really done. There has been some research and speculation, and the failing of the Daytona IROC which would have had this set up. I only want to push about 10lbs and have about 300bhp. I do NOT want to run nitrous either. I am not trying to fly around, just want it to be a quick little daily driver.

I got this car for free in trade, and just about everything done to it so far has been free or by trade as well. In total, I have had this car for a year and a half, and besides regular maintenance, I have less than $1000 in this car. It has over 200k on it, but I don't know how much because my ODO stopped. The engine is still running strong, but when it blows up, I would like to keep the car and have some fun with it. These are the ideas/plans/current mods I have for the vehicle. Will post pictures of all soon. Any help, advice, changes, or connections anybody else that you suggest that can help with is greatly appreciated. Hope you guys like it!!

'92 Lebaron LX Convertible (J-Body) V6 TUЯ3.0 Project
(Besides all aftermarket modifications, steps are constantly being made to better the car to make it seem BRAND NEW, such as fixing the body, fixing up interior and exterior panels to new factory, etc)

Interior:

• Reupholster seats from leather to cloth (2 tone Black & red w/hair resistant backing) - (Shue In Customs) done
• Reupholster armrest - (Shue In Customs)
• New black molded carpet - $150
• Headliner black w/red stitching - (Shue In Customs)
• Int. Bulbs changed to white LED - (The Dark Side) done
• Analog gauge cluster w/boost gauge - $100 <----- Pending (j4278h)
• Custom gauge pods/cluster (ATF, Wideband)
• ​Black 5 speed center console w/boot - $75 <---- Pending (spoolinhard)
• Black carpet for center console - $70 <---- Pending (martin kohler)

Electronics:

• Eclipse Headunit - (The Dark Side) done
• (2) 4” Image Dynamics Coaxial (Dash) - (The Dark Side) done
• (2) Kicker 6.5” Woofers (Doors) - (The Dark Side) done
• Eclipse 4 channel amp - (The Dark Side) done
• (2) Sundown E8 v.3’s (fiberglassed into rear panels) (The Dark Side)
• Audiopipe mini monoblock amp (The Dark Side)
• Hardwired android charger & apple charger - (The Dark Side) done
• Hardwired Cobra radar detector - (The Dark Side) done
• Push button start - (The Dark Side) done
• Keyless Entry/Remote Start - (The Dark Side) done

Exterior:

• 5% Sides & back window, 40% windshield tint - (The Dark Side) done
• Flat black paint w/antenna & 3rd brake light delete, debadge/pinstripe, wheels - done
• New Black Haartz Stayfast Canvas Top w/back glass/defrost <---- Temporary fix - Black PlastiDip
• Black mesh grill top & bottom - (The Dark Side) done
• Converted to dual HL to single projectors w/55W 6k Bi-Xenon HID - (The Dark Side) done
• Single LED projector running lights - (The Dark Side) done
• Clear front markers w/LED projector switchbacks - (The Dark Side)
• Tag light changed to white LED - (The Dark Side) done
• CREE high power projector reverse bulbs - (The Dark Side) done
• Shaved door handles w/poppers & keypad entry - $500

Performance (New Motor Build - Mitsubishi 6G72 12V SOHC)

• Engine re-ring/rebuild kit - $250 (RPM Machine)
• Custom forged pistons/rods - $900 (Venolia)
• King DOHC Bearing Set - (3sx)
• 1G DSM OEM Connecting Rod/Head Bolts - <-------- Ne1 know where to find a new set?
• Stage1 Cams w/Comp Cam springs - $300 (Turbovanman)
• Custom Headers/Manifold, Down pipe, & Custom Ported/Flipped Intake - $1400 (Turbovanman/Shayne)
• HX35 turbo - $250 (used) (Turbovanman)
• External wastegate/BOV & Aurora ignition wires (8.5mm) - (Turbovanman)
• 3" Turbo-back exhaust w/Flat black dual tip muffler (Vibrant) - $150 <--- Have pipes
• MS2 v3.0 w/boost controller & Standalone Gauge Kit w/LC-1 & G5 Analog Gauge, MegaView II, & MegaSquirt Simulator - $950 (DIY)
• NGK Iridium IX spark plugs - $60/set
• Bosch 46# injectors - $160 (used) <----- Pending (Sundance6G72)
• New factory crank, valves, head bolts/studs - (3sx)
• TOGA high volume oil pump (12V, SOHC, V6) - $225
• Mishimoto catch can (Black) - $100
• Aeromotive 340 Stealth fuel pump - $175
• AEM billet adjustable fuel pressure regulator - $125
• Bosch high flow fuel filter - $50
• New 3/8 fuel lines & custom fuel rail <---- Looking for 80's fuel rail to modify for AFPR
• GATES 33488 180 Thermostat - $10 <----- Have for new motor
• 58mm Throttle Body <---- Pending (j4278h)
• Precision front mount Intercooler - $300
• Custom intercooler piping w/clamps
• Powder coated/painted black - block, intake manifold/plenum, cold side of turbo, intercooler & piping, valve covers
• All new bushings/mounts - $400 (polybushings.com)
• Misc. lines, piping, gaskets, hardware, etc

Transmission:

• A543 Trans (3.50 FD) - $250 <----- Pending (j4278h)
• Rebuilt A543 w/OBX LSD prepped and hardware - $1000 (Turbo Unleashed)
• 6 Puck Purple Plate Clutch - $425 (Turbo Unleashed)
• 5 spd conversion parts (shifter, cables, pedals,) - $100 (used) (lengel) <--- Have parts waiting for install
• B&M Short Throw Shifter & bushings - $150 (Forward Motion)
• ​M/T ECU Swap - $100 (used) <------ Pending (j4278h)

Suspension/Brakes:

• Suspension Techniques 1" lowering springs - $300 (Andy's Auto Sport)
• KYB front struts & mounts - $140/pair (PartsGeek)
• KYB gas adjust rear shocks - $80/pair (PartsGeek)
• Addco front sway bar - $210 (Andy's Auto Sport)
• Addco rear sway Bar - $170 (Andy's Auto Sport)
• Strut tower bar - $150 (TurbosUnleashed)
• 11" Big brake kit w/ABS -
  
  • ​New front knuckles - $ (NAPA)
  • New front hub assemblies w/non-press in bearing - $ (NAPA)
  • New propositioning valve - $ (NAPA)
    
  • New 24mm master cylinder - $ (NAPA - NMC M2534)
  • New rear backing plate - $ (NAPA)
  • New brake hoses - $ (NAPA)
  • ​Vented rotors - $ (R1 Concepts)
  • ​60mm Calipers (painted black) - $ (NAPA)
  • StopTech Pads - $ (R1 Concepts)

[turbovanman²]

Ok, we have quite a few threads floating around on this so I'll cliff note this, check out the 3.0L turbo section.

300 hp shouldn't be a big deal, GT35R, HX35, HE341/351, 60 trim is all capable of that.

Do a stock rebuild with custom forged pistons from Venolia or piston manufacter of choice. Stock crank and rods are fine, but ARP rod bolts and mains.

Intake mods to swap plenum around or custom.

Mounts from www.polybushings.com or our vendors-see vendor section.

Heads, just clean up and do a mild port job or leave alone.

I sell custom cams for the 3.0L and we offer headers which are probably the best out there-links to follow. I also sell wires, see sig.

Bigger injectors and a remote 1:1 fuel pressure reg, I don't think stock RT injectors will work.

255 fuel pump, Aeromotive or others over Walbro.

Custom cal by "www.boostbutton.com" and a aftermarket piggy back controller.

Forget the A604 for now, we are still trying to figure it out, so go 3 speed or 5 speed manual.

Adjustable cam sprockets are stupid money, I think only available in Australia.

Koni shocks and struts are no longer available, FWD performance is putting something together or make something up yourself.

That's the bulk of it.

http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/sh...m-manifolds-or

http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/sh...FIC-Discussion

[3.0LeBaron]

yeah i think i am the only one stupid enough to keep the a604 only because it's what i have

[turbovanman²]

yeah i think i am the only one stupid enough to keep the a604 only because it's what i have

Not stupid, the biggest problem is controlling it, we are working on it, but until we figure it out, the only auto option is the 3 speed, highway rpm sucks but with a V6, you can gear it low due to the nice down low torque, so that helps, plus if you use LU, then that's even better.

[NeverLow]

What do you mean by swap plenum or custom?

What injectors do you suggest?

Does boost button.com do the piggy back controller as well?

I will check into the bushings. Are there any turbos any suggest over others? opinions?

And I am pretty sure I am keeping the A604. I don't really have access to a 3 speed and don't feel like going through the hassle of a 5spd.

[RoadWarrior222]

Some people like to turn their plenum around 180 because they think stuff fits better that way.

boostbutton seems to still be in the early development stages of 3.0 stuff, but that's probably because no-one so far has thrown money at him.

[NeverLow]

Are there any benefits besides fitment to flipping the plenum 180?

[turbovanman²]

What do you mean by swap plenum or custom?

What injectors do you suggest?

Does boost button.com do the piggy back controller as well?

I will check into the bushings. Are there any turbos any suggest over others? opinions?

And I am pretty sure I am keeping the A604. I don't really have access to a 3 speed and don't feel like going through the hassle of a 5spd.

You have turn the plenum around otherwise it hits the turbo.

Check the other threads for advice on the injectors.

Boostbutton will remove limiters etc so you can boost it, but he hasn't got a turbo code yet. One of the links has the controller you need.

What I listed will work, don't require much fab, can be bought for a good price, even the GT35R.

604, you'll spend alot upgrading it and most likely won't last long,. 3 speeds are dime a dozen and a direct bolt in.

[NeverLow]

Thanks, i will continue to add new updates and any other questions i have

[RoadWarrior222]

I was just thinking about the A604 problem, there was that guy supposed to have a "bang bang" race controller for them, I wonder if you can rig that to take over at say 1/4 to 1/3 throttle, so you can mosey around on the stock program, then when you punch it, it switches over... When I say "bang bang" it was believed that the clutches were not modulated for smooth (and grindy heat generating) shifts, but just slammed straight in (Which feels harsher, but stops them burning away with higher power)

[MC#4]

Sounds like the making of a good project. I'd like to see some more turbo 3.0's. I would suggest reading through the build threads of others who have done it. Just about every question you could have has been answered here at some point. I've been reading through the forums almost every night for over a year now and still learn new things all the time.

I would really suggest swapping to a 5 speed. Its pretty easy and makes a world of difference in a daily driver.

Forged pistons would be great but cost and turnaround time make it a difficult choice.

The turbos turbovanman suggested should fit your goals from what I've read.

Not sure about the underdrive pulley, imho the money could be spent better elsewhere for a DD.

3" catback exhaust is available from Turbos Unleashed and I think forward motion and maybe even FWD performance. You'll have to modify the downpipe or just make one yourself though.

Megasquirt is the top choice for engine management around here. I haven't looked into much yet.

Just a couple tips there.

[NeverLow]

Sounds like the making of a good project. I'd like to see some more turbo 3.0's. I would suggest reading through the build threads of others who have done it. Just about every question you could have has been answered here at some point. I've been reading through the forums almost every night for over a year now and still learn new things all the time.

I would really suggest swapping to a 5 speed. Its pretty easy and makes a world of difference in a daily driver.

Forged pistons would be great but cost and turnaround time make it a difficult choice.

The turbos turbovanman suggested should fit your goals from what I've read.

Not sure about the underdrive pulley, imho the money could be spent better elsewhere for a DD.

3" catback exhaust is available from Turbos Unleashed and I think forward motion and maybe even FWD performance. You'll have to modify the downpipe or just make one yourself though.

Megasquirt is the top choice for engine management around here. I haven't looked into much yet.

Just a couple tips there.

Thanks, i know everything is on here somewhere, just takes so long to find EVERYTHING you need. Thats why it helps to ask advice too.

It seems I am going to lead towards the 5 speed vs the 3 speed. Also, I think I am going to go with the GT35R. I was looking into some of those already, and that one seems to be best bang for your buck.

Why would't you suggest the under drive pulley for a DD?

I want to go 2.5" turbo back exhaust tho, keep it a little quieter. Trying to talk to the site vendors about that. I am not to keen on Forward Motion tho after emailing with them and just looking through a lot of this. They seem to be like the Best Buy of this area. Not bashing, just seem to want to give you everything you don't need.

[MC#4]

Thanks, i know everything is on here somewhere, just takes so long to find EVERYTHING you need. Thats why it helps to ask advice too.

It seems I am going to lead towards the 5 speed vs the 3 speed. Also, I think I am going to go with the GT35R. I was looking into some of those already, and that one seems to be best bang for your buck.

Why would't you suggest the under drive pulley for a DD?

I want to go 2.5" turbo back exhaust tho, keep it a little quieter. Trying to talk to the site vendors about that. I am not to keen on Forward Motion tho after emailing with them and just looking through a lot of this. They seem to be like the Best Buy of this area. Not bashing, just seem to want to give you everything you don't need.

$180 for a pulley that frees up a couple HP and dims your lights at night isn't for me. I don't think I'd bother to run one if I got it for free.

I think a turbo 3.0 would be happier with a 3" exhaust. You should be able to get away with 2.5 though on a DD. I ordered my 3" from TU and I'm not too impressed with their service. They wanted $75 to ship it although they did agree to cut the one section to fit a smaller box for $45 (still too much I think) I ordered it 9/6 and don't have it yet. Due here friday.

Have you considered a new clutch? A stocker won't last long under boost. TU has some well reviewed clutches and they get drop shipped from the manufacturer. I had mine in about 10 days.

OBX LSD should be considered as well. A stock 3.0 will have traction issues with street tires.

[NeverLow]

$180 for a pulley that frees up a couple HP and dims your lights at night isn't for me. I don't think I'd bother to run one if I got it for free.

I think a turbo 3.0 would be happier with a 3" exhaust. You should be able to get away with 2.5 though on a DD. I ordered my 3" from TU and I'm not too impressed with their service. They wanted $75 to ship it although they did agree to cut the one section to fit a smaller box for $45 (still too much I think) I ordered it 9/6 and don't have it yet. Due here friday.

Have you considered a new clutch? A stocker won't last long under boost. TU has some well reviewed clutches and they get drop shipped from the manufacturer. I had mine in about 10 days.

OBX LSD should be considered as well. A stock 3.0 will have traction issues with street tires.

Yeah, I am going to go with the 3" turbo back. I am talking with TU as well as FWD. Turbovanman is hopefully going to do my manifold, so hopefully we can all work together to get a functioning down pipe which seems to be the only piece no one has ready.

I have an automatic now, but when I convert to 5spd (which seems like what I am going to do), I will have a nice clutch and flywheel as well. Need to start researching that next. As well as the LSD.

[turbovanman²]

Yeah, I am going to go with the 3" turbo back. I am talking with TU as well as FWD. Turbovanman is hopefully going to do my manifold, so hopefully we can all work together to get a functioning down pipe which seems to be the only piece no one has ready.

I have an automatic now, but when I convert to 5spd (which seems like what I am going to do), I will have a nice clutch and flywheel as well. Need to start researching that next. As well as the LSD.

TU's purple plate and 4 or 6 puck disc will easily hold. Stock flywheel is more than adequate.

DP will be custom which we can do also, then as I posted in my other thread, any vendor 2.5 or 3" system will work. 3" will work nicely with a 5 speed.

The OBX LSD is a cheaper unit and works well, I can't kill one yet, which as you hang around here more, is saying alot, TU carry's those and he modify's them so they are more reliable-out of the box leaves something to be desired.

[MC#4]

Yeah, I am going to go with the 3" turbo back. I am talking with TU as well as FWD. Turbovanman is hopefully going to do my manifold, so hopefully we can all work together to get a functioning down pipe which seems to be the only piece no one has ready.

I have an automatic now, but when I convert to 5spd (which seems like what I am going to do), I will have a nice clutch and flywheel as well. Need to start researching that next. As well as the LSD.

Not to take anything at all away from turbovanman and shayne, but you can't talk about turbo 3.0 manifolds without mentioning ed kelly. He's got 2 designs that have been proven over the years for a fair price. KMperformance is his website.


Just a few quick tips on the LSD.

OBX unit runs about $400ish. Needs prepped before service. (new bolts/washers/chase threads etc.) Quality has improved over the years and this may not be as critical as it once was.
Quaife makes one too for $1000ish OEM for SRT-4's No prep needed.
OBX is a cheap knockoff of the quife unit.
TU offers prep service to fix OBX flaws for $75. I read somewhere that no one has broken a TU prepped OBX.
You will need new differential bearings to install either one. Timken set 11. $12 or so.
You will need sonnax shim kit to set preload properly. $13

[turbovanman²]

Not to take anything at all away from turbovanman and shayne, but you can't talk about turbo 3.0 manifolds without mentioning ed kelly. He's got 2 designs that have been proven over the years for a fair price. KMperformance is his website.

Shhh,

[NeverLow]

TU's purple plate and 4 or 6 puck disc will easily hold. Stock flywheel is more than adequate.

DP will be custom which we can do also, then as I posted in my other thread, any vendor 2.5 or 3" system will work. 3" will work nicely with a 5 speed.

The OBX LSD is a cheaper unit and works well, I can't kill one yet, which as you hang around here more, is saying alot, TU carry's those and he modify's them so they are more reliable-out of the box leaves something to be desired.

So you will do the turbo manifold and down pipe, then I can get the rest through vendor. Wonderful. Then I shall await you pricing on that.

OBX LSD looks good too! And I think I would go with the 6 puck since it is going to be a DD. Now I just gotta find a a543 laying around so I can rebuild it too!

---------- Post added at 06:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:50 PM ----------

Not to take anything at all away from turbovanman and shayne, but you can't talk about turbo 3.0 manifolds without mentioning ed kelly. He's got 2 designs that have been proven over the years for a fair price. KMperformance is his website.


Just a few quick tips on the LSD.

OBX unit runs about $400ish. Needs prepped before service. (new bolts/washers/chase threads etc.) Quality has improved over the years and this may not be as critical as it once was.
Quaife makes one too for $1000ish OEM for SRT-4's No prep needed.
OBX is a cheap knockoff of the quife unit.
TU offers prep service to fix OBX flaws for $75. I read somewhere that no one has broken a TU prepped OBX.
You will need new differential bearings to install either one. Timken set 11. $12 or so.
You will need sonnax shim kit to set preload properly. $13

I am going to look into both, but will probably go with the OBX just to save some cash. As long as I have TU prep it, should be alright.

As far as the manifolds go, I am looking through Eds site now, and I see his 2 types. Are there certain benefits/downsides to each type?

Turbovanman - how were u planning to do yours? similar to either of Eds? or did you have a new design you were trying? Because I am open to all ideas. Trying to make this different from any other out there.

[MC#4]

So you will do the turbo manifold and down pipe, then I can get the rest through vendor. Wonderful. Then I shall await you pricing on that.

OBX LSD looks good too! And I think I would go with the 6 puck since it is going to be a DD. Now I just gotta find a a543 laying around so I can rebuild it too!

I snagged the purple plate 6 puck combo but haven't driven on it yet. Should be a good match for your plans as well. Jory had an a543 for sale on the other site for dirty cheap up in NY not too long ago, might still have it.

Awesome page detailing the swap. http://3.0spirit.tripod.com/5speed.html

[NeverLow]

I snagged the purple plate 6 puck combo but haven't driven on it yet. Should be a good match for your plans as well. Jory had an a543 for sale on the other site for dirty cheap up in NY not too long ago, might still have it.

Awesome page detailing the swap. http://3.0spirit.tripod.com/5speed.html

Yeah, I have that page for the swap. Just gotta find the trans and pedals