85 t type

[slik25]

im looking at an 85 t type and was wondering the differences in power between the hot air and intercooled motors? thoughts and feelings on the hot air turbos? ive always heard to skip and look for 86/87 but want to know the capabilities of the 85.

 

[charlief1]

In the last year a HA car has gone in the 10's, but it took a lot of work and understanding. They can be as fast as a large portion of the IC cars but are not as desired as the IC car because the IC cars can be made faster much easier. The HA cars are also rarer since there were less of them made, but not as desired to the collector.

 

[Jerryl]

im looking at an 85 t type and was wondering the differences in power between the hot air and intercooled motors? thoughts and feelings on the hot air turbos? ive always heard to skip and look for 86/87 but want to know the capabilities of the 85.

Oh boy, I am going to give this one a try.

The 86-87 are much more sought after because of the initial/stock power and set-up. Parts are readily available and plentiful. These also typically cost more to start with. These cars are the ones people typically talk about and there are much more of these on the road. These are the models for those who want to run 9’s and have patience, knowledge and $$$$$$.

The HA cars (84-85) are not as highly sought after, because they produce less power in stock form, and typically modified as well. If you like to “tinker” and build stuff, the HA cars are not bad, and have been in the teens. There are far less of these on the road, and many have been converted due to various reasons. These models are not for those who want to run 9’s and have no patience, knowledge or $$$$$.
The “Before Black” of “Carb’d” cars are even less sought after, and have a steeper slope to performance. There are some folks that do some neat development of these models. These are the underdogs of all the Buicks.

There are many opinions on each of the cars and while some are out to set records, others just want something nice and rare to cruise in. In the end, it the model you end up with depends on your realistic goal, abilities to work on the car, and budget. You will soon have everyone telling you what you “should have done”, or “should do”. No different than SBC guys telling you to replace that V6 with a SBC.

The key to YOUR decision is this: Don’t lie to yourself and/or to your wallet.
Good luck.

 

[slik25]

right now i have a 84 limited regal with a sbc350. i came accross the car looking for an 8.5 rear end. guy is selling rear end for $550 but its non posi. then he said hed sell entire car for $1200. interior is clean and hood and trunk are solid, it has t tops but the body is rough. was thinking of buying the car as a parts car but wondering if it would be worth restoring

 

[slik25]

it also i believe has lear seigler seats...... are these rare?

 

[Jerryl]

it also i believe has lear seigler seats...... are these rare?

Those seats are one of the more sought after seats.