How much money to convert a 1985 GN to a 1986/1987 drivetrain?

[TurboTer]

Just wondering if it's worth it, or just better to upgrade the hotair? If anyone in the NY/NJ area has a 1986/1987 engine (is the tranny the same?) and all the other parts and wants to switch it for me (you keep my old parts), I have the cash waiting to spend.

 

[NASSTY]

I have done the 85-87 conversion before. I can tell you that the trannys are different because when I turned in my 85 tranny for a core I had to kick in some extra $$ because the 85 tranny has a different servo and a few other things.So it wasn't worth as much as an 86-7 core (about $250 less). But all is well now I got tire frying Eric Shertz trannys in both cars now. See Pic's of My Buicks below if you want to see my 85-87 conversion.

 

[TurboTer]

Originally posted by 2NASSTYBUICKS
I have done the 85-87 conversion before. I can tell you that the trannys are different because when I turned in my 85 tranny for a core I had to kick in some extra $$ because the 85 tranny has a different servo and a few other things.So it wasn't worth as much as an 86-7 core (about $250 less). But all is well now I got tire frying Eric Shertz trannys in both cars now. See Pic's of My Buicks below if you want to see my 85-87 conversion.

Your conversions looks very nice. Did you do it all yourself? I don't have the space or tools, nor would I attampt to do such a major job myself. How much did it cost you? Since yours was a GNX conversion, it probably cost a little more, right?

 

[GNVAIR]

The BQ code trans in the 84-85's IS the same. The valve body is identical. The governor weights are slightly different and ofcourse the 2-3 servo is smaller (but its a $60-$70 part)
You could contact Brian Weaver 443-506-6698 to see how much he gets for a conversion.

 

[NASSTY]

Originally posted by TurboTer
Your conversions looks very nice. Did you do it all yourself? I don't have the space or tools, nor would I attampt to do such a major job myself. How much did it cost you? Since yours was a GNX conversion, it probably cost a little more, right?

Thanks,I did it all my self well I had a friend help put the motor and tranny in.Luckily I have a friend that is a mechanic and he lets me use his lift sometimes.I found a wrecked 87 and the kid that had it got DWI and still owed the engine shop some money.He just put $1500 into it 3 days before he wrecked it.He was desperate for money for fines and the garage so he took $1500 for it.Then I went through the bottom end of the engine.So originally I did the swap and had it up and running for about$2200.It wasn't until later when I went nut$ and GNX'd it.It would be costly to buy everything seperate or hard to find a wreck that runs good that cheap.I got lucky with that find.I had everything I needed plus extra stuff to sell.I would guess that it could cost $3k-$4k if you swap trannys as well.

 

[NASSTY]

Originally posted by GNVAIR
The BQ code trans in the 84-85's IS the same. The valve body is identical. The governor weights are slightly different and ofcourse the 2-3 servo is smaller (but its a $60-$70 part)
You could contact Brian Weaver 443-506-6698 to see how much he gets for a conversion.

It might be cheaper that way.If you turn the 85 core in towards an 87 you must paying for the parts and labor to convert it.

 

[gn85]

Same thing I did...

Nastybuicks...

That's pretty ironic, you're the only other person I've heard of converting an 85 to an 87 the same way I did. Oddly enough, I did the same thing... bought an 87 from a body shop that got rear ended and shoved into a utility pole... drivetrain was still in perfect shape and the interior wasn't too bad either. Bought it for the same amount of money $1500 because the guy who had it wanted to unload it and get some money for x-mas. Came with cash in hand... two days later a Jerr-dan dropped it off in my garage. I can't remember the costs for the switch-over.... most of the cost was in me doing the mechanic work and research. Did very careful documenting of where things went so I could drop it in the 85 with few snags... love the set up.

Really pretty lookin' cars by the way. Does your GNX clone have the rear as well? Dash plaque?? How crazy did you take it?

 

[Geoff87]

Conversion guys-

How did you you guys address the fuel line differences? Since on the '85 the fule filter is located up front.

I'll also be doing a swap later when time/funds allow. Just wondering how to do the fuel feed line?

 

[NASSTY]

Re: Same thing I did...

Originally posted by gn85
Nastybuicks...

I can't remember the costs for the switch-over.... most of the cost was in me doing the mechanic work and research. Did very careful documenting of where things went so I could drop it in the 85 with few snags... love the set up.

Really pretty lookin' cars by the way. Does your GNX clone have the rear as well? Dash plaque?? How crazy did you take it?

Thanks,yes that sounds extremely familiar.I had that whole winter to research it.Then in the spring I parted out the wreck.That was a learning experience,so when it came time for the swap I knew exactly what I needed to do.
I don't have the rear ,I have a reproduction GNX rearend cover.I have a dash plaque from a wrecked GNX,real turbo shield,real louvers,OEM GNX dash with different gauges.

 

[NASSTY]

Originally posted by Geoff87
Conversion guys-

How did you you guys address the fuel line differences? Since on the '85 the fule filter is located up front.

I'll also be doing a swap later when time/funds allow. Just wondering how to do the fuel feed line?

I believe the feed line is metric.I wish I knew the size or part # but I didn't document everything like gn85,I just went to the parts store and got these fittings they have about 4" or 5" of the metric line with a compression union on one end and a threaded fitting that fits the stock fuel filter on the other end.There wasn't really room to put it in the same location as the 86-7 fuel filter ,the bend in the feed line was where the compression union needed to be.So I put it forward a few feet,near front of rocker panel.

 

[gn85]

My fuel filter is in the stock location..

I put my fuel filter in the stock 87 location. I created an small flexible fuel injection line hose and fittings to go to the fuel filter. (can't remember exactly how it looks now that the car is so far away). Then I have it secured by a bracket. When it comes time to replace the fuel filter the flexible line helps so I can move it around a bit and get so I can get the wrenches on... I still have the compression fittings going into/out of the fuel filter though. I didn't have as much time to get mine back running. (My fathers street rod was sitting out in the snow while I did this conversion).

Since I had the donor car, I took video tape of all the routings for the wires/vac hoses, all the correct locations for things. Of course, I was also writing and drawing diagrams of where bolts and such went. Lastly, I had to make diagrams for the wiring. I was fortunate though because I had the thick MOTOR manuals with all the wiring diagrams and such.

I also used the interior and goodies from the 87 car. There's only one thing you that will still tell you it's an 85... I always challenge people to find it.

 

[techniques]

2nasstybuicks & gn85

now I know you guys had donor cars, But since I dont have one. And I plan on doing a swap in the late fall (I have a friend selling me his set up when he puts his 455 in his Regal) I would like to know exactly if I can keep my current brakes or do I HAVE to go to the 86/7 brake system also? Im trying to get as much info as possible before I get everything together to do this. And I have another question on the Trans- Which is best to do, go with a 86/7 trans or could I do the mods to my current trans and yeild the same results?

Sorry to step in this post like this, but I feel that since it was already here, I might as well ask instead of making a new thread!

And if you guys have any extra pics could you please mail them to me a mrtechniques@yahoo.com.
thanks
Jay

PS- I think that I will document EVERYTHING when I do this so when I complete the swap, Ill have some detailed instructions to give to all those who want to do this also so we can make things a lot easier for each other!

 

[NASSTY]

techniques,
You should be able to use your brake system.You will need a different vacuum block for the plenum to supply vacuum to your brakes.Most Buick venders sell these.Also your tranny could be upgraded to 86-7 specs.If it needs a rebuild I would recommend someone with experience on TR trannys and not just any local tranny shop.I've heard too many horror stories. Good Luck

 

[Michael McCoy]

Save your $$ as well as the down time & hassle Terrence and just modify your hot air set up. This is still your only means of transportation isn't it? Good luck with it.

 

[gn85]

2nasty beat me to it...

I agree with pretty much everything 2nasty said. I use the vac brakes (did that before the switch). I had had problems with my 85 tranny, but I also think that was because the people who were working on it weren't getting it right. I found a person who does real good work with TR trannies and let him get my 87 tranny built right and I haven't had much trouble since.

Sorry, I don't have any pics here to show you. If you have more questions, drop me a private message. Good luck.

 

[TurboTer]

Originally posted by Michael McCoy
Save your $$ as well as the down time & hassle Terrence and just modify your hot air set up. This is still your only means of transportation isn't it? Good luck with it.

You're probably right. My '85 is in great condition. It's even a hardtop. I just wish it was a 1986 or 1987. How much is a good conditioned '85 worth anyway? I'd love to trade it plus cash for a 1987, or even a 1989 TTA.