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Need help with 85 to 87 conversion

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Can I remove the inner passenger side fender without removing the outer fender? Also for while Im installing all the intake and pieces on the front of the engine do you think I should remove my bumper, header panel, and radiator support to make more room to work or would you just leave it all there?

When I asked last year they said you could but 1 or 2 bolts are really hard to get to. As for the radiator support and all, it might be wise, but probably not really needed, the front engine items's were'nt too difficult to work on, and you have to do a lot from the underside anyways.

Have you taken your 85's harness out yet? Damn thing defies law, there is no beginning or end, lol.
 
When I asked last year they said you could but 1 or 2 bolts are really hard to get to. As for the radiator support and all, it might be wise, but probably not really needed, the front engine items's were'nt too difficult to work on, and you have to do a lot from the underside anyways.

Have you taken your 85's harness out yet? Damn thing defies law, there is no beginning or end, lol.

I havent started anything yet. I am still waiting to hear back on the parts. Hopefully with any luck I will be able to have all the parts in 2 weeks time. Once I have all the stuff is when I will start removing my old stuff. Keep your computers handy boys as Im sure I will have lots of questions:biggrin:
 
No need to remove anything off the front of the car, if you have the shortblock in place.

I waited until I had the engine back in before I started messing with the wiring harness. It will only go back on the car one way. No need to remove either fender.

Unbolt the ps fender inside the door and inside the wheel well and along the bottom, you will have enough room to get it in and out. You can feed the harness below the heater box to get it started, after you have the hot air harness out obviously. Once you get it close to the firewall use a coat hanger carefully to pull it into the passenger compartment.

Hardest part of it all is getting the grommet on the 87 harness back into the firewall, and figuiring out what went to what, at least for me anyway. Gloves and long sleeves help prevent cuts and scratches, ask me how I know:rolleyes: .
 
Sounds good. I hope everything will go fairly smoothly as I plan to lay everything out and seperate it by where it goes. Is the oil return on the front of the block 1/2 NPT? I think I remember reading that is what it is. I heard back from the guy Im getting all the parts from and I should hopefully have everything in 2 weeks or so. I also am going to order Pete Hoffman's engine book as I heard it has all the bolt sizes listed and is very helpful.
 
Also does anyone know if GM still carries the 87 upper radiator hose? I work for Napa and I was going to go ahead and get all new hoses and we list the lower but no upper:confused: I know about a year ago we had a listing when I was getting a friend some parts but now for what ever reason it doesnt show one.
 
why not get that 87 T you were thinking about.. It will be worth more $$$ when your done and a better "investment" :cool:
 
why not get that 87 T you were thinking about.. It will be worth more $$$ when your done and a better "investment" :cool:

I got to thinking more and more about that car and worrying that once I got it that it would end up needing a lot more work than I was originally thinking. I know exactly what my car will need in the long run and its a Grand National which is what I would prefer to have anyways. In the end I know it will be a lot of work, but I think I will spend less in the long run if I keep my GN and make it the way I want.
 
Does anyone know if the crank sensor and cam sensor of my 85 will be the same as what goes on the 87? Also if they are the same do I have to remove them at all?
 
Crank sensor /plug is different.
My fuel filter is on the solid line by the driver side A frame.
Then I made a SS braided line to the fuel rail
 
Thanks Brent. Im sure Ill be full of all kinds of questions as soon as I get my parts in. I cant wait to get my car swapped over and get it running. I wonder how long it will take me:confused: I will just make sure I take my time the first time so I dont have to redo anything.
 
On the 87's are the oil coolers in the radiator or are they seperate units? Trying to figure out if I need to get an 87 radiator or not?
 
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