84 re-build. Need help

[brianmcc23]

I have been doing some extensive reading on these forums on what to do with the motor now that it is out. It sounds like I need a 86/87 ecm and chip, new turbo, headers and lager up and down tubes. Should I stick with stock intake or replace? Where can I find all these items? Is there a company out there that makes a re-build kit or should you do it by pieces such as cam, crank etc.. ? I am very green when it comes to the GN's. I bought this car off of ebay " that runs great" NOT! Anyway any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jerryl]

I have been doing some extensive reading on these forums on what to do with the motor now that it is out.

It sounds like I need a 86/87 ecm and chip, new turbo, headers and lager up and down tubes. Should I stick with stock intake or replace? Where can I find all these items? Is there a company out there that makes a re-build kit or should you do it by pieces such as cam, crank etc.. ? I am very green when it comes to the GN's. I bought this car off of ebay " that runs great" NOT!

Welcome to the "Dark world of TR's". I am sure you are very versed but why do you feel a rebuild is required?

Either way, you should determine your goals first and work backwards form there. That way you only get to purchase the parts one time. Some parts are recommended for upgrade but not required depending on your goal. As far as parts ...... You pretty much have to piece parts together for pricing or purchase all your parts from one TR vendor. Depending on your time availability (do it yourself), your goal and budget you may either purchase a complete short/longblock or piece it together yourself. Anyone in this community will be glad to assist and give advice.

PS:
Where are you located?

 

[brianmcc23]

we got the car on Saturday and drove it a little bit and their was an obvious problem. No turbo kick in and very low on power. Very rough idle. We got it home and puled all plugs. Right front on turbo side (not sure on firing order) was completely soaked with oil. So we pulled motor and we are going to go ahead and freshin' up while it is out. My goals for the car is to make a fast strong running car that will last. I have no desire to take it to the track and run low quarter times, but definately do not want to get beat by some junk mustang on the street either. I have acces to a machine shop and have very good help to get anything done. We race stock cars and have extensive knowledge on samll block chevy's but are very green on these motors. we just want to do it right and it appears that you guys have all done your homework and are very sharp when it comes to these cars. The car shows about 91k miles. It appears that whomever had the car made an attempt to make it nice but in other places let it go. I am game for anything you guys suggest. Just lay it on me and I'll trust your judgement. Thanks, Brian
I am located in Southern IL. Right across the river from St. Louis. about 15 miles.

 

[Jerryl]

........ I have no desire to take it to the track and run low quarter times, but definately do not want to get beat by some junk mustang on the street either. ....... I am located in Southern IL. Right across the river from St. Louis. about 15 miles.

Not trying to be an @$$ but, as you already know, there will be a BIG difference in the set-up between 14, 13, 12 and 11 sec. If you are shooting for 12-13 seconds, it is pretty straightforward. 11 and 10's have been done but we will wait for the experts to chime in. Also, BE SURE to look up the links on www.gnttype.org.http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/recipes/recipepage.html
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/engine/enginepage.html
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174627


There are a few St. Louis guys in your area who can help.

 

[Bat]

For get the chevy stuff

Jerryl is right there are some good TR people close to you. When it comes to the buick motors the chevy rules DON'T apply. Chevy setups can be loose but, buicks need to be tight and there's not a lot of room for error. Use the carpenter's rule measure twice or three times cut once. You might put up a post on general tech to find guys close to you. I knew of one guy Dan Smith but, haven't heard or seem him in the last two years. I would see him in Bowling Green. He owned a 84 that was a rebuilt wreck he converted to the 86-87 setup. He use to be a shop teacher somewhere in St Louis but, I'm not sure where.