There have been many helpful threads on motor rebuilds. Figured I would create another to help someone else out as the threads have been helpful to me. I am new to Grand Nationals & turbo Buicks. I have usually been a Chevy guy but when I saw an add for a Grand National that was in boxes I figured might as well jump in. This project was already started by previous owner. Guess he was really into dismantling cars because when I came to view the car he had everything in boxes. Nothing was labeled and he was in over his head. Guess I figured I would give it a try. Look forward to uploading photos of this project. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Motor Rebuild
- Thread starter RSC
- Start date
- Joined
- May 28, 2001
Where are you located?
North side of Houston, TX
Gene Van Horn
Active Member
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2013
Just curious,what did u give for this
Yes it's a hot air car, 1984
If by what did I give you are referring to the cost I paid 1k
turbodave231
Moderator
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
Install a 86-87 engine!!! From a performance standpoint, you will be glad you did!!
That's what I thought. Figured I couldn't really go wrong. So far the engine looks like it doesn't have any problems. Plus if you know how to do body work and engine work you are in pretty good shape. Not great at electrical work and interior so I will probably need someone to help me with stuff when it gets too complicated but will jump that hurdle when I get there.
As far as engine is concerned I think I'm going to stay with what I have. While I'm not positive yet, as I haven't totally dismantled engine, it looks like it is in really good shape. Should be able to use everything so far. Just refresh and go about my business.
- Joined
- May 26, 2001
[QUOTE="RSC, post: 3570641, member: 47999"[How I got the car, in parts. Give me a few months this will be a great car[/QUOTE]
Your feelings that this is a "great" car may change after you install the engine and accessories as the hot air cars are difficult to work on and service, and performance is way below that of the intercooled version of the 1986-7 turbo Buicks.
I admire your enthusiasm and passion, but in my opinion and value-wise, but by doing doing the conversion to intercooled now would give you more fun and performance, and certainly will give the car more value in the long run.
Like I said, just my opinion, but after working on a few thousand of turbo Buicks over many years, it is too difficult and expensive to get hot air parts, and labor costs are higher for even minor servicing.
Your feelings that this is a "great" car may change after you install the engine and accessories as the hot air cars are difficult to work on and service, and performance is way below that of the intercooled version of the 1986-7 turbo Buicks.
I admire your enthusiasm and passion, but in my opinion and value-wise, but by doing doing the conversion to intercooled now would give you more fun and performance, and certainly will give the car more value in the long run.
Like I said, just my opinion, but after working on a few thousand of turbo Buicks over many years, it is too difficult and expensive to get hot air parts, and labor costs are higher for even minor servicing.
Let me ask this, as I am new to the turbo Buick scene. It appears as if it is a lot of parts required to switch a HA car to a IC car. Seems like best bet would be to just purchase a IC motor or a completed car. IF that is the case, and I do repeat if that is the case I think I'm going to stay HA. I totally understand that the intercooler will obviously increase performance. Hot air is less dense meaning less oxygen meaning less air flow meaning less power. But, it seems like I would be throwing away a perfectly good engine because I could find one that performs better. I mean I can always find a motor that performs better, to a certain point. So, I am just going to ride this one until I run into an issue.
That being said if I am mistaken and its easier than I'm reading I'm all ears. As I have mentioned I not a turbo Buick specialist by any means. I was reading its possible to add an intercooler to this setup. Obviously not creating the same setup as a 86-87 but modifying my current setup to work with an intercooler. Not for sure if that was your recommendation or not. Also, I want to be clear that I'm not "upset" or "testy" or anything. I know at times message boards can have a feeling that people are arguing. I'm not. IF you think the conversion is easier and I can use a majority of the components I already I have then I would love to hear how to do that. But, if its going to cost me a few thousand on the front in to make it work I would prefer to just get this bad boy running.
That being said if I am mistaken and its easier than I'm reading I'm all ears. As I have mentioned I not a turbo Buick specialist by any means. I was reading its possible to add an intercooler to this setup. Obviously not creating the same setup as a 86-87 but modifying my current setup to work with an intercooler. Not for sure if that was your recommendation or not. Also, I want to be clear that I'm not "upset" or "testy" or anything. I know at times message boards can have a feeling that people are arguing. I'm not. IF you think the conversion is easier and I can use a majority of the components I already I have then I would love to hear how to do that. But, if its going to cost me a few thousand on the front in to make it work I would prefer to just get this bad boy running.
The Marketplace on here is always a good place to start to gauge how much everything will be to make the conversion. I have a spare exhaust, intercooler, and intake. ECU's and harnesses can be purchased for a reasonable price as well here. it is totally doable, and there will be miles more support and information for 86-87 as well.
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