Buick T-type or GN

[Don't Know]

I am new to the forum and I am looking at 2 cars. An 84 Buick T-Type with 47,000 miles and an 87 GN with 76,000 (the GN has been modified and does not run good). Which one would be worth going for? Is the T-Type a good investment. It is super clean and original. The GN has been modified and he does not have the original parts.

Thanks

 

[notacarlo]

I hate to say it, but that 84' will never be worth what the GN will. They will go up in value, but side by side the GN's price will almost be twice.

I would go with the 87'. There are more than enough resources (here) to get that car running tip top. I would see if someone from the board can go look at it with you to see if it is just a minor issue or a genuine engine problem.

Even if the GN is toast, I would still wait and find another 86-87 TR.

It also depends on what you want to do with the car. It's never what you intend when you buy a TR. People say they want a nice DD and no mods, or restoration....whatever. Just type in "disease" in the search box and you will see what I mean.

 

[qwks6]

what are the mods on the 87? Do you know why it's not running good?

I would take an 87 gn not working well over a hot air car. Just personal preference. That car would also hold value much better if that's your concern.

I guess I'm saying we need more info on the type of car/investment you're looking for. Goals, willingness to work on it and restore, etc...

 

[krom415]

The 84 is a hot air car the 87 intercooled depends on what you wan't to do. The 87 has the more upside as more performance parts are available ,but find out what's wrong with the engine as a rebuild can get costly.If your looking for a dd w/some get-up nothing wrong with a 84 T

 

[Don't Know]

I hate to say it, but that 84' will never be worth what the GN will. They will go up in value, but side by side the GN's price will almost be twice.

I would go with the 87'. There are more than enough resources (here) to get that car running tip top. I would see if someone from the board can go look at it with you to see if it is just a minor issue or a genuine engine problem.

Even if the GN is toast, I would still wait and find another 86-87 TR.

It also depends on what you want to do with the car. It's never what you intend when you buy a TR. People say they want a nice DD and no mods, or restoration....whatever. Just type in "disease" in the search box and you will see what I mean.

The 87 has a different turbo, it has a boost guage in the a-pillar and it runs real rich after it warms up. It is also loud and the exhaust has been gutted. Other than that the engine looks really bad as in dirty and none of the original covers. But the gn does have the black and silver interior that is flawless as well as the body is flawless. Also forgot to mention someone installed the vents in the fenders like the GNX has and all of the emblems are removed. Think it was a rebuild or someone trying to do a GNX clone??

 

[Don't Know]

I hate to say it, but that 84' will never be worth what the GN will. They will go up in value, but side by side the GN's price will almost be twice.

I would go with the 87'. There are more than enough resources (here) to get that car running tip top. I would see if someone from the board can go look at it with you to see if it is just a minor issue or a genuine engine problem.

Even if the GN is toast, I would still wait and find another 86-87 TR.

It also depends on what you want to do with the car. It's never what you intend when you buy a TR. People say they want a nice DD and no mods, or restoration....whatever. Just type in "disease" in the search box and you will see what I mean.

The 87 has a different turbo, it has a boost guage in the a-pillar and it runs real rich after it warms up. It is also loud and the exhaust has been gutted. Other than that the engine looks really bad as in dirty and none of the original covers. But the gn does have the black and silver interior that is flawless as well as the body is flawless. Also forgot to mention someone installed the vents in the fenders like the GNX has and all of the emblems are removed. Think it was a rebuild or someone trying to do a GNX clone??

The reason I am asking is I have a mint 1990 Iroc Convertible Marlboro Give Away Car that I am trading, it dynoed at 340hp and 455tq at the wheel. I ave always wanted a turbo GN. I know that my car will never be worth what a GN is and that is why I am considering the trade. I just want some help with the things that I do not understand. I do have the original engine to go with it as well. If the GN is already modified and can be fixed with a chip or something easy that would be great.

 

[1LowLeSabre]

86/87's are different when it comes to engines and turbo set up when compared to a pre-85 car.

 

[qwks6]

if it runs real rich after warmup it sounds simple as a O2 sensor or just bad tune (chip). Different turbo isn't bad. It'd be nice to know what it is though. Dirty engine can be cleaned. Hopefully there is nothing wrong with the engine. I'd defiantly lean towards the 87, especially if you're looking for performance. There's a huge difference.

As far as the emblems somebody was probably going for a look.

Just for fair warning, if you have an addictive personality this car can end up costing a TON of money and time... but it seems to be worth it to me!

 

[Don't Know]

The 84 is a hot air car the 87 intercooled depends on what you wan't to do. The 87 has the more upside as more performance parts are available ,but find out what's wrong with the engine as a rebuild can get costly.If your looking for a dd w/some get-up nothing wrong with a 84 T

Here are some pics.

 

[DailyDrifter]

Get the 87, either way your gonna spend alot of money on both, but the 87 has alot more potential then the 84.

 

[Don't Know]

if it runs real rich after warmup it sounds simple as a O2 sensor or just bad tune (chip). Different turbo isn't bad. It'd be nice to know what it is though. Dirty engine can be cleaned. Hopefully there is nothing wrong with the engine. I'd defiantly lean towards the 87, especially if you're looking for performance. There's a huge difference.

As far as the emblems somebody was probably going for a look.

Just for fair warning, if you have an addictive personality this car can end up costing a TON of money and time... but it seems to be worth it to me!

I have a very addictive personallity. I had a 69 Chevelle 700 hp at the wheel (496 with juice) now I have a 1990 Iroc Convertible with TPI putting 340 to the wheel. I just cannot get away from performance. I have always wanted a GN. It just has all of the right combos to be perfect. V-6 with Turbo and still run 11's easy. Can't beat that.

 

[Don't Know]

Here are some pics.

Engine pic can someone tell me it it is original or a different turbo?

 

[qwks6]

Just looking at that pic I can say there are a few upgrades... The MAF pipe, the turbo is MUCH bigger than stock, looks like a front mount intercooler, that's not a stock downpipe, looks like it's got an external wastegate. Only thing I see missing from that picture is alky running to the uppipe!!!!!

 

[qwks6]

I also spot an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, and a little fp gauge. and some bigger red plug wires. Looks like he added a couple gauges on the counsel under the radio...

It's a nice looking car!

 

[Don't Know]

Just looking at that pic I can say there are a few upgrades... The MAF pipe, the turbo is MUCH bigger than stock, looks like a front mount intercooler, that's not a stock downpipe, looks like it's got an external wastegate. Only thing I see missing from that picture is alky running to the uppipe!!!!!

Is this something good or bad? Can I work with this? Do you think the guy started it and could not tune the chip? If tuned correctly what hp could this car make?

 

[qwks6]

It's only bad upgrades if you want to go slower...

In my opinion these are good changes. Very workable.

 

[qwks6]

To give you some help, I'd ask the guy what fuel pump he has in there, what injectors, and what chip he has. These things will help a ton, otherwise you're trying to identify stuff. Eric at Turbo Tweak can give you the perfect tune for any combo.

 

[Don't Know]

It's only bad upgrades if you want to go slower...

In my opinion these are good changes. Very workable.

Now how do I tell if the tune is out, 02 is bad or what is wrong with the engine? A scanner? I am really considering the swap as the car is super clean but I cannot tune a chip or anything like that. That was the problem I had with my convertible. It ran like crap forever until I got the correct chip and now I am eating LS1's for lunch.

What size turbo would you say that is? It is not a 90mm?

 

[Don't Know]

To give you some help, I'd ask the guy what fuel pump he has in there, what injectors, and what chip he has. These things will help a ton, otherwise you're trying to identify stuff. Eric at Turbo Tweak can give you the perfect tune for any combo.

The problem is the original guy does not have it. It is someone who knows nothing about the car. Just that it runs rich when it gets warm and it is very loud.

 

[qwks6]

You'll need a scanmaster. This will give you O2's, and you can monitor a bunch of other stuff as well. You can buy one at fullthrottlespeed.com

It is a very valuable tool for tuning, really a must have for these cars.