So I have a little update - 6 years later.
I've had too many projects and the GN gets neglected. So I sold my '02 Regal GS and '83 T Type last year. I bought a newer car that needs no work. I just have an old truck that need attention once in a while. So no more excuses.
I have two '82 GNs. The one above and another that was a nice driver. Well that car's engine blew a headgasket last summer. The engine was a 3.8 non-turbo that the previous owner had installed. Rather than fix the headgasket, I pulled the motor and sold it.
I felt the 4.1 was a better fit for the driver, so I pulled it from one car and installed it in the other. Before I did that, I made sure the oil pump on the 4.1 would prime. I'm glad I did, because the driver's side head wasn't getting oil. The 4.1 had a roller cam installed, but it wasn't installed with the right bearings. With the motor out, I installed a jumper in the back so oil can get from one side to the other. Seems to be working well.
Last night, I fire the motor for the first time. I still have more work to do, but It should be back driving 'soon' (a relative term).
Plan it to keep the stock configuration, but with some improvements. Draw thru turbo and stock ECM for now. I'd like to keep this as nice cruiser - interior and paint will be next on the list.
- 1982 4.1 V6
- roller cam
- ported heads
- turbo has larger impellars
- minimal emissions (no SMOG, no EGR)
- poston headers
- 2.5" downpipe
- new NOS distributor and MSD 8mm wires.
- repaired and clean up the wiring harnesses.
- 1981 intake manifold (uses coolant to heat plenum, if needed)
- Lots of scrubbing and painting. The old motor leaked everywhere.
- Stock 350C trans and 3.08 gear (have limited slip to install later)
Looking forward to driving again with the T Tops off.