Engine Swap Questions

[87bigcut]

I am installing an 86-87 GN motor and tranny in my 87 cutlass and have a few questions but first my goals:

This is going to be a 98% street car run on 93 octane(might see the strip once or twice a year) and would like to be in the low 11's range if I was to put some slicks on. I already have a GN rear in my car with 3:42 posi and brand new suspension all over. A ton of people are telling me to install a 455 in my car but I kind of want something different. Anyway:

-I am going to install an in-tank pump in my 87 cutlass gas tank if possible. Do I need special lines because of the much higher fuel pressure of a fuel injection setup?

-Should I get the hotwire kit for the fuel pump? Should I get a volt booster kit?

-Will my Cutlass radiator work ok with this setup and will the hoses fit if I buy GN hoses?

-Where and how do I install a blow off valve, I read these are a necessary part of any high boost application because of the

-Is the Duttweiler neck for the intercooler a worthwhile upgrade or should I spend that money elsewhere?

-I heard the hardest part of this swap is wiring up the dashboard to work with this engine. Can anyone clarify what is actually hard and any ways to make it easier?

I will have more questions but thanks in advance for answers..

Joe

 

[azgn]

your goals are not realistic.....you will not see low 11's (or anything close) on straight pump gas

these motors require a lot of octane to make power via race fuel (or alky)


sounds like you would be much happier with a big block transplant

 

[87bigcut]

what is a realistic ET on 93 octane?

and can you at least help with the other questions as you steal my thunder just kidding

thanks,
Joe

 

[TurboMonteSS]

I put an 87 GN motor in my 84 Monte SS. Use a GN gas tank from a salvage yard, it has built in baffles and the correct hanger. Wiring to the dash was not that difficult, I have all the diagrams and notes I used. I ran a 12:60 @ 107 on 93 octain, regular street radials and closed exhaust at a slow (2 tenths slower) track (Quaker City Raceway in Salem Ohio). The car has run low 11's with racing fuel and slicks. I would suspect the gas milage difference between the two engines would be a killer. ATR stainless steel 2 1/2" is the way to go. You need power to the injectors and need to hook up an electric fan. I have a 3 core radiator in mine. Don't go over a TA60 turbo as the turbo lag will be very noticable. I have a 3" THDP and 009 injectors. Totally stock just after the conversion with only a Red Armstrong 93 chip the car ran a 13:56 @ 101.

 

[87bigcut]

could I make 350 or 400 wheel horse on the street and then turn up the boost at the track with the same turbo or would lag kill it on the street with a turbo big enough to run low 11 on the track. How much power can I make with 94 octane? Thanks,
Joe

 

[87bigcut]

TTT

 

[kh440]

Good luck: here's what I know (in order)

You will need to use the GN tank/sender and pump. You will have to splice the fuel lines underneath or get new ones from classictube.com

The hotwire kit is a good upgrade.

The radiator should work, but you will need to run an external oil cooler, better still to use an f-body rad with extra oil cooler.

As far as the duttweiller neck, etc, for a street car I wouldn't do that right away. If using larger turbo and injectors maybe, but not the first mod I would do.

The dash wiring, the biggest problems are the boost gage/tach and the vehicle speed sensor. I can't tell you how to go about it, but if tubo monte has done it, listen to him. Let us know how it turns out

 

[TurboMonteSS]

The horsepower on the street you were talking about is probably within the ballpark at 93 octain with mods. I have beat my daughters fiance's new Z06 3 times at the track on 93 octain. (although he out miles per hour me by 107 to 114) I have the info on the swap and would be willing to share with you. Was not that big of a deal. Most of the connectors hook right up. Had to change about 8 wires. As far as the turbo, the car had a TA61 on it and ran very low 11's. Lots of turbo lag with the stock convertor. Switched to a TA60 and spooled lots quicker, but not like the stock turbo. I use direct scan to tune. You need something like that to get it to run right. I still have (believe it or not) the 7 1/2" rear end in the car. It has Moser 28 spline axles and an after market posi. You asked about 93 vs 94 octain? Really hard to answer as too much depends on temperature, humidity etc. on different days. One day you can get by with 18lbs on 93, then a few days later 94 will have spark knock.