Need help with 85 to 87 conversion

[NASSTY]

It is in the radiator, but you could run an external oil cooler instead.It depends which is easier/cheaper for you.

 

[Project TNX]

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?

I would certainly recommend it, otherwise it's going to look pretty doofy with all that space around the radiator. I got a 3rd gen camaro radiator and an all cooler from Summit. I do have the 87 radiator that came with my conversion though. The outside is pretty rough looking, but it's usable. I'd send it to you for next to nothing too.

 

[my85grandnation]

Thanks for the input guys. I am getting the 87 radiator with my coversion parts as well but I was going to not have it sent if it wasnt needed. The funny thing is the replacement radiators we sell at Napa only have a trans cooler, no oil cooler that is why I asked my question. I will probably just install the stock 87 radiator for now and when money allows I will upgrade to the F body radiator and external oil cooler.

 

[my85grandnation]

Ive currently got aftermarket gauges on my 85 and was just wondering when I get the new stuff all together where is the best place to put the sender for the water temp and hokk up the boost gauge?

 

[Project TNX]

Ive currently got aftermarket gauges on my 85 and was just wondering when I get the new stuff all together where is the best place to put the sender for the water temp and hokk up the boost gauge?

I would put the sender on the manifold, where the factory put them, same with the boost hook up.

 

[my85grandnation]

Thats what I was thinking for the water temp, but I wasnnt sure if there was a port on the 87 intake like the hotairs have that I could hook the boost gauge to. Thanks

 

[my85grandnation]

Im in the process now of taking all my old stuff off. At what point of re assembly should I put the 87 wiring harness in the car? I was thinking once I got the intake and the front accessories on, but I wasnt sure? Also I was looking at the rear bolts for the exhaust manifold and was wondering what is the best way to get that one off. Do I need to pull the heat shield off the lower heater box? Should I go ahead and just pull the lower heater box out to help ease with install of the 87 harness and anything else?

 

[DCG]

Yeah, I am doing the 86-87 conversion too. Pulling the lower heater box out is way harder than pulling the inner fender. Anybody know how the stock inter cooler and brackets mount? I searched on here a few times and couldn't find anything. I am guessing on the front of the engine but can't figure what bolt holes line up?

 

[rob350]

Im in the process now of taking all my old stuff off. At what point of re assembly should I put the 87 wiring harness in the car? I was thinking once I got the intake and the front accessories on, but I wasnt sure? Also I was looking at the rear bolts for the exhaust manifold and was wondering what is the best way to get that one off. Do I need to pull the heat shield off the lower heater box? Should I go ahead and just pull the lower heater box out to help ease with install of the 87 harness and anything else?

For the manifold, I always got those out from under the car and on top using an open end.

 

[my85grandnation]

Thanks for the help guys. I asked one of my friends that lives near me that has an 87 GN and is a GM mechanic and he said he could show me a trick to get the harness thru without having to unbolt or remove anything. As for the intercooler brackets there is a thread in the trans am section that shows an engine on a stand with the intercooler on it and shows the drivers side bracket location well. Heres the link http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/turbo-trans-am-tech/251038-took-some-photos-today-here-s-one.html

 

[jpratt]

show me a trick to get the harness thru without having to unbolt or remove anything. http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/turbo-trans-am-tech/251038-took-some-photos-today-here-s-one.html

Make sure you post that trick, don't keep it to yourself

 

[my85grandnation]

I will. It will probably be a week or two before I get to that stage but I will let you all know when I find out.

 

[DCG]

Thanks for the link to the picture.

 

[my85grandnation]

Also is the hole for the oil return 1/2 NPT? I need to remember to drill and tap the block before I start putting stuff back together.

 

[my85grandnation]

How do I get the grommet for my old wiring harness out of the firewall on the passenger side? Also I fully removed the fender but it didnt help to where I could get to the harness. Im not sure what to do? Any help is appreciated.

Dusty

 

[DCG]

The grommet is held in by the metal brackett with 2 1/4" or 7mm screws. Don't try to pull harness through grommet just pull grommet from firewall and slide plastic connectors through the hole. Did you remove the plastic wheel well (inner fender)?

 

[my85grandnation]

No I did not remove the plastic inner fender as I was told I would not have to by a few others, but I dont see any other way to get to the harness. If Im going to go ahead and remove the inner fender how do I get to the bottom screws below the heaterbox?

 

[DCG]

If the plastic fender is out, screws will be visible right above the body mount.

 

[cool 84]

I've been following this for a while. We're doing the same conversion at the same time. I just got the first two boxes in which consisted of crank and water pump pulleys, coil pack, and some small misc stuff. Lots of cleanup required but should look good when it's done. I was lucky enough to watch my dad do it years ago so no surprises so far.

 

[my85grandnation]

If the plastic fender is out, screws will be visible right above the body mount.

Which screws are you refering to? I havent got the plastic fender off because I wasnt sure how to reach the bottom screws that hold the inner fender on becasue they are below the heater box