new to turbo cars need help

[quick85nat]

i just bought an 85 grand nationl,its in really good shape and i gt it fordirt cheap,the only thing i cant figure out yet is f the turbo is working,it has an exhaust leak so im assuming that will have a effect on the turbo giving boost,where are these motors likely to leak,is it an easy fix?when i start the car the led boost gauge lights a couple bars but at an idle if you rev i p it doent light,is it a bad boost gauge or is the turbo not working,where does th boost gauge hook up to,could that possibly be messed up? any help would be greatly appriciated,i love the car and i want to make it insaney fast,thanks

 

[SLOW_85]

Welcome!

The headers are prolly your source of exhaust leaks.Known to crack. Driver side header back,passenger side front.Up-pipe could have a leak also. The factory boost gauge runs off the map sensor located on the passenger side fenderwell. Factory boost gauges aren't
usually very accurate.You need to get an aftermarket boost gauge,knock gauge, fuel pressure gauge at a minimum,upgrade the fuel system.
Hope this helps!

 

[quick85nat]

more

i took the car for my first ride today,it screams,the turbo works fine,and the gauge does too,i was just scared about the idle but its nothing,i think the leak is on the driver side header and theres a small one on one of the turbo pipes (the easiest one to get at) where do i get a new pipe i know i can get the header welded

 

[SLOW_85]

Word of advice,run the highest octane fuel you can.
Without proper gauges,upgraded fuel system, less risk of knock,detonation.

You can get a replacement up-pipe from:
http://www.atrperformance.com/
Poston's- They will send you a free catalog.
1-800-635-9781, 251-368-8577
Poston's part # PE394693 $89.00
84-85 Turbo inlet pipe,stainless steel,mandrel bent.

Sometimes you can find a used one in the for sale section.

 

[jacksorroche]

I don't know about everybody else, but instead of welding the old one, I would replace the cracked header with a new stainless one. A weld is only a temporary fix. Here is a web site that sells exhaust parts: http://www.tobefast.com/grandnats1.htm. ATR is another one.

 

[Buick From Hell]

Just an FYI---building boost from idle in neutral is nearly impossible! Think about how long your lag time is IN GEAR... Would you hold your gas pedal to the floor for the same amount of time in NEUTRAL?

 

[turbowrenchhead]

Just like to say welcome to the brotherhood of turbo buicks.

 

[quick85nat]

ALOT

i dont have a million dollars to spend on the car,i just want it to be reliable transportation that i can take to the track every now and then,i have to do some minor body work and then paint that my dad will do. then i want to fix the turbo pipe,which one is the up pipe and which is the down pipe?,the one that is leaking is top most one,easiest to see.then the header and i will register it,its a nice car does anyone know if you can get one front seat cover from any company? how rare is the electronic touch climate control and the concert sound 2 in an 85,my car has both and the 6 way seat.

 

[BLACKHAWK38]

Re: ALOT

Originally posted by quick85nat
i dont have a million dollars to spend on the car,i just want it to be reliable transportation that i can take to the track every now and then,i have to do some minor body work and then paint that my dad will do. then i want to fix the turbo pipe,which one is the up pipe and which is the down pipe?,the one that is leaking is top most one,easiest to see.then the header and i will register it,its a nice car does anyone know if you can get one front seat cover from any company? how rare is the electronic touch climate control and the concert sound 2 in an 85,my car has both and the 6 way seat.

Turbo cars LAST LONGER ( engine burns cleaner)

Turbo Car engine HAS high power to weight ratio

Want more power, Just turn up the boost

Turbochargers SOUND KOOL spooling up and down !!

 

[jacksorroche]

I concur, I don't want to spend a million dollars on mine either. However, I might come close. My wife and I have a deal, I will put so much aside each month for parts, etc. If I want to buy something expensive, I will have to save a couple of months. It works for us. As far as seat covers is concerned, I bought my seat covers from here: http://www.seatcovers.net/

 

[quick85nat]

im looking for actual factory replacement style seat covers

 

[HOTSIX]

How about Jaxseatcover.com ?

They look to be pretty good and deal with our cars specifically.