I'm a big Z car fan, and recently came across a nice '83 turbo for $700. When it's running, there's a noticable hiss coming from the engine.. (around the fan belts). It idles weird... it stays right around 1500 RPM then just about stalls, then surges back.

When driving, there's almost a gap in fuel delivery, if you stomp on it(acclerate hard), the car almost dies, then "wham" you're kicked back in the seat. when driving gently, it does the same thing but it's almost not noticable.

The boost gauge doesn't work, but when the engine is reved you can hear the turbo spool nicely (no scary noises)

I do have some turbo experience but this will be my first experience with a Z. From what i figure there is a boost leak, which would explain why the gauge doesn't register any boost, but i'm not sure. I'm going to have the car inspected by a mechanic, to make sure there are no serious problems.

The guy selling it knows zip about cars, he bought it from a friend as a project, but after paying a mechanic to install a new clutch, cannot afford to have someone else restore the car for him.

mileage is 138k, no smoke, doesn't burn oil, new plugs, injectors look like they're original, air filter is new as well, no noticable exhaust leaks.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

Turbo cars are a bit harder to diagnose. All I can say right now is the engine and transmission as it sets is worth $700 or more.

 

Sounds like a vacuum leak. Since there's about 200 feet worth of vacuum lines under hood, I'd suggest following each one and inspecting their condition. If the hissing sound is coming from the #1 cylinder area, it could be a deteriorated intake/exhaust gasket (it's all one piece). The boost sensor is located on driver's side by the coil. There's a tiny ~2mm vacuum line that attaches to the black box. Check that out and replace that line and see if the gauge registers any vacuum/boost.

 

Thanks. The noise is coming from around the #1 cylinder, i'll check it out today..

cheers,
tyler