Need lots of help on re-build

[brianmcc23]

O.k. I have finally bought my first Grand National and it needs a major over-haul. I have read these forums and it appears you guys have got your stuff together. I need some really good help on what is the proper way to re-build the motor. What should I up grade and what does not. I would like the car to be very fast but it is not something I will take to the track. I would like the car to be able to eat some mustangs and such. I know nothing about the grand national motors but am willing to take every ounce of advice I can get. I am willing to upgrade turbo, tranny and anything else advised. Also any advice you can give on where to get the parts and kits needed to get started. Thanks in advance for any advice. OH yeah it is an 1984 model.

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

All decisions on modifications depend on your goals on how fast you want your car to go and how much you want to spend. It is easy after that. Brad

 

[brianmcc23]

By no means do I want to go the track with it but I definately would like to be very fast on the street. No nitrous or alcohol injection. Willing to upgrade turbo, injectors, cam, pistons etc... Just not for sure what path to take. I guess what I am getting at is that I would like it to be very fast but also dependable. I plan to keep the car for a long time. I am sure there were a lot of upgrades that were done after the 84 models. Thanks again

 

[nailheadpowered]

I would recommend going to an 86/87 setup as it will cost alot to make an 84/85 hot air car fast or as fast as the 86/87. if needed i have a complete 87 motor trans wiring harness and ecm that i am selling ready to bolt in. Feel free to check around as many owners of 84/85 gn's usually swap out to the better 86/87 setups. good luck.

 

[brianmcc23]

With the risk of sounding stupid, what are the differences between those two years versus 84 and 85? What kind of money are we talking to buy an 86 or 87 and what could I sell mine for if I switched? I race stock cars and we are strickly small block chevy's these turbo' six cyl. are all new to me. The guy that helps me with our race outfit builds my motors and tranny's so thier will be no labor cost to get this done. We are just looking for the right and smartest way to make this car run GREAT. Also will this hurt my value of the car changing out motors to a newer year? Thanks

 

[nailheadpowered]

With the risk of sounding stupid, what are the differences between those two years versus 84 and 85? What kind of money are we talking to buy an 86 or 87 and what could I sell mine for if I switched? I race stock cars and we are strickly small block chevy's these turbo' six cyl. are all new to me. The guy that helps me with our race outfit builds my motors and tranny's so thier will be no labor cost to get this done. We are just looking for the right and smartest way to make this car run GREAT. Also will this hurt my value of the car changing out motors to a newer year? Thanks

the difference between the two are the setups for one your turbo is at the back of the motor where a 86/87 setup is up front and plus it is intercooled and there are alot more aftermarket parts available to make the 86/87 run about as fast as you can handle or want it to. as for value I would say it would increase the value as stock 84/85 cars are fairly cheap compared to 86/87 and the biggest reason is the drivetrain. so with the conversion you would add value and appeal as the next person won't need to upgrade so you can tach on the extra value with out blinking an eye . as for your motor you could keep it to go with the car if you ever sold it or put it back in to sell the car and keep the better motor. as for cost i have the complete engine trans wiring harness for the engine that you will need and ecm and also the intercooler complete for 3000.00 this is everything you will need to convert your car over and it makes a big difference in performance and power switching between the two, also if you have free machine work etc. you can really make this engine run. there are examples of the 86/87 drivetrain on the street running 9's/10's without much modification to the bottom end, all in the pistons heads cam intake etc. not trying to say its cheap to run that quick on the street but alot easier with the 86/87 setup than the hot air 84/85. if interested in doing the conversion you can email me at nailheadpoweredgs@sbcglobal.net. good luck.

 

[Tampa T-Type]

My 84

I have built up my 84 with as much as you can put into it and still have less than a 87 GN.
87 Ecm first
Intercooler second
Scan Master
Headers, lg down pipe
Larger Turbo Limited due to hood
Lt1 Maf, Translator new Chip
50 lb injectors hot wire pump
Alki Kit

A sleeper for sure plus it comes other colors then black

 

[Blown&Injected]

The 86/87 is a way different set-up that the earlier years just can't compare. It sounds like you are into it for more than just the look of the car so you need to either convert to 86/7 or get an 86/7 Turbo Regal.

It is like showing up at a gun fight with a stick

 

[brianmcc23]

Question for Tampa T type

I sent you a pm could you check it when you get a chance? Thanks

 

[brianmcc23]

Blocks junk!!!!

O.K. Need a 3.8 block. Took it to the machine shop and the one I have is alrady 30 over and it has major cylider wall damage. Anyone in the Missouri or Illinois area have any blocks or where I can get one. Not having any luck at local junk yards. Thanks, Brian