New Member needs help on wish list

[Fakeyankee]

Great web site !!
New member to this board and need some suggestions on buying an 86 or 87 GN. I now have an 87 Trans Am and will be giving this to my son. I've been wanting a GN for a long time and decided that by September I will get my first one !! My questions are; What are some of the things that I should look for when inspecting the motor and turbo unit ? What are some of the things I should be leary of or stay away from ? I know these are very broad questions but I don't know too much about the turbo system. I am mechanically inclined and have worked on several motors before. I don't want to buy a basket-case but i am also not afraid to get my hands dirty. I will have 10 grand to purchase the GN. In your opinions, should I be able to find an 86 or 87 GN that doesn't require much work to have it road worthy for this price ?? I'd appreciate any comments, and advice you may have to get me started. Thanks !!

 

[strikeeagle]

Kirban sells a buyer's guide. That might be a good place to start. Wouldn't hurt to hook up with an experienced TR owner in your area - one you can trust to provide good guidance.

 

[GNFURY]

welcome to the wonderful world of turbo regals. You will love your GN once you get it. I suggest you start doing research right now. I would try to look for a car that is as close to stock as possible, unless you find a car that was built by a guy that really knows his stuff. It is easy to mess up a combo on these cars. Start here at this website : www.gnttype.org

read EVERYTHING on this site. There is a section in here for buyers guides, and almost everything else you will need to know in order to make a good buy.

 

[turbo nasty]

10 g's should get you a great example.

Hold off for a superb one....cause the fixer uppers always get expensive.

due your homework like crazy ...like crazy!


Ask lots of questions.

 

[19gn87]

Originally posted by GNFURY
I would try to look for a car that is as close to stock as possible

Personal note: I was right where you are 3 years ago and managed to find a car with virtually no changes, a strong maintenance background, no rust, never wrecked, etc. It has 130K miles, and virtually looks new (interior/exterior). For me, it is the "perfect" car because other than "wasting" an occasional Mustang (can't seem to help that), we enjoy just driving it every week or two. It will never see a drag strip while I own it and will turn out to be an example like you may decide to look for. My point? I feel if you are patient and concentrate on getting factual background info, you'll find one of the "nice" ones out there...and you will enjoy as much as we have. If your goal is an 11 second machine, I'll leave that to the many other members who have the experience (and spent the bucks )

 

[19gn87]

"Fake",

Here's something I just ran across. You may want to find out more about the car(s) mentioned by Chris (7th post from the top).
V8 thread

 

[Fakeyankee]

Thanks for all the quick replys !!
I promise to do my homework and reading assignments !!
This car will be a daily driver with no plans to race ( except an occasional stang or rice burner stress reliver ). I think I've made a great choice in this car. I do plan on slight mods for alittle more power but nothing very intense. I must add that IMHO, these cars are the best looking of any class. Is there very much difference between the 86 and 87 GN's ?? I understand that the 87 had a few more ponies and different grill and emblams, but other than that, anything major that I should be aware of ??
My 87 Trans Am is a great ride but there is really nothing special about them. They are a dime a dozen, and the stangs are a penny a dozen !!! Thanks again for all your help and advice.

 

[19gn87]

Here's something else to read
Just another "free" opinion (worth what you're paying for it ) ...I would think overall condition and history would be more important than the '86/'87 decision.

 

[VernLee]

Fakeyankee , Don't buy anything you can't put on a hoist, and inspect it yourself , good luck.
Vern

 

[Paul Clark]

When you get the vin # on a vehicle you are considering, you might want to do the carfax thing for $20.
Just an idea.

 

[quikv6]

fakeyankee

Im sure youre very anxious to get your GN in september. Definately do your homework now, but I think that if you wait to purchase until late oct or after, you might find the prices slightly lower, or, owners will be slightly more willing to negotiate. But this is just my opinion. Welcome to the board, and lots of luck to you.
Chris

 

[Haynesie]

All i can say is, that try and go for a stock one, and if it has been modified, make sure that they guy who modified it did it right, and is still alive, learn from my mistake, i bought my car for 6500 dollars and have been gettin screwe over and over again

 

[turbo nasty]

86 models have a different grille and door pull straps.

As far as the 87's having more power ...I have heard several variations. The 87's intake manilfold was supposed to be different and gave you 10 horses more than 86 (245 vs'235 hp).

Probably was either the chip program or BS.

 

[Fakeyankee]

Thanks again gang !!
I really appreciate all your comments and opinions. I still have to convince my wife that going from a Trans Am to a GN is worth the money and effort. Not that she is against any of it because she has always stood behind me with things like this. I think she will be more convinced when she actually gets to see one up close.
Can anybody recomend an aftermarket parts cataloge for GN's ?? Also, anyone from the Massachusetts area here ?

Thanks again. your response has been great !!
Darrell.

 

[Paul Clark]

You are not permitted to look at an aftermarket parts catalog until you get the car, do the spring cleaning stuff, and make sure it is running perfectly. Your only purchase allowed prior to this would be a scan tool.
Then things get fun and fast very quickly.

 

[Swt_86]

The '86 and the '87 have the same drive train. The horsepower "difference" is due to Corvette's horsepower rating going up in '87. GM Corporate would not let any division advertise a higher horsepower than that of the Vette. There were 1000's more 87's than 86's other than that they are the same car with a very vew cosmetic differences.

 

[Fakeyankee]

That's easy for you to say Paul !! I know i'm just a dreamin right now but i got to get all my ducks lined up before i start shootin. Wish me good hunting !! Thanks.
Darrell.

 

[Paul Clark]

Hi Darrell. I was just kidding with you - sort of. It really is important to get these cars running right before you start adding go faster parts. You'll need a scan tool of some kind to do that.
It's fun looking at catalogs and making up dream lists, though, so I'd suggest checking out the sponors on the home page of this list.
Give this a shot also -
http://www.rennie-macintosh.com/vendors/index.html
I waited 6 years before I actually got my GN, so I know what you're going through.
Best of luck.

 

[Haynesie]

unless collectability is an issue, id go with a t type to be honest, becuase they are generally cheaper and in some cases lighter, and if your gonna plan on making it a whole lot faster than at least you wont have the feeling in the back of your head when you keep adding parts making the car less and less stock and making it less valuable in some peoples eyes, just my .02 sense, i still like the fact that mine is a GN but to some people a TR is a TR no matter what its actual name is

 

[Drac0nic]

Originally posted by Paul Clark
You are not permitted to look at an aftermarket parts catalog until you get the car, do the spring cleaning stuff, and make sure it is running perfectly. Your only purchase allowed prior to this would be a scan tool.
Then things get fun and fast very quickly.

I'll add a Walbro fuel pump.