newbie here

[02WS686GN]

hey guys, my name is rick and i just registered with this website. i am 24 years old and i own a 2002 trans am ws6 (a4), which i bought brand new.i am also in the process of getting my dads 1986 grand national off of him. it needs a lot of work. everything. he's owned it since march of 1989. i have been a big fan of TR's and TTA's since they were new. the Buick has ttops and basically the standard options. no rear defrost, no power seats and an analog gauge cluster. i am wanting to get the car back on the road and besides fixing evertyhing cosmetically, i wanted to get get the car running better than new. i have had a lot of memories in this car and want to get it in cherry shape. i basically want a pretty much stock appearing ride that will run low 12's maybe high 11's all day with the stock motor if thats possible. i'm still learning about LC2's and modifying them. the turbo in the car is pretty much shot and i'm ready to take it out. i have been told a TA-49 turbo is a good replacement. what modifcations will i need to get this car there. what parts are reccomennded? who makes/sells the best parts?i.e downpipes, turbos and the like.the car will be driven on the street too. also, what are the mechanical differences from the 86 TR's and the 87's? what all is mechanically the difference from a 87 GN to a 87 GNX? sorry about the long post. its my first one and i want to learn a lot more then i already do. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks

 

[Jesse]

Welcome to TB.com Rick , you will learn all you need to know about GN's and more here. The information and memebrs here are the best on the net.

Jesse

 

[DCEPTCN]

http://www.rennie-macintosh.com/


Search around at this ^^^ site. It will give you everything but winning lottery numbers. Specifically, look up the $1500 11 second recipe. The guys here will help you out plenty. Remember, there are no stupid questions......at least not any moreso than mine!

 

[1ARUNEM]

Like he said, there are no stupid questions (only stupid people )

J/K..

Welcome to the site and congrats on acquiring the GN!!

 

[2nd2The6]

Hi Rick, My fiance, Scott, is in the process of rebuilding his Turbo T with a full alumininum motor (Block, heads, crank, cam, pistons), possibly a sheetmetal intake, with an 88 or 91 turbo. (He's leaning towards mid 9's). Watching him go through this whole process, Ive somehow enrolled in "Turbo Buick's 101" (it also doesnt hurt that he eats, sleeps and breathes these cars, and I couldn't escape discussions IF I TRIED =)

I've figured out the basics of these cars, and can volunteer that the mechanical differences from the '86 to '87 Turbo Regal are that they made some changes to the powertrain and power increased to 245 bhp and 355 lb-ft. in '87 whereas in '86 they had 235 hp 330 torque. I couldnt tell, until someone told me, that there were body style differences (The grille was slightly revised, and the teeth set further apart. Also, the Buick emblem was siting on the left side). I was told chrome wheels were knew also.

Found this on the difference between the GN and the GNX:

"All GNXs were black in color and the only exterior identification was small "GNX" badges placed on the front radiator grille and rear deck lid. Under the hood, a special turbocharger heat shield had "GNX" stamped on it, similar to the aluminum rear axle cover. All GNXs received a special numbered plaque mounted on the passenger side dash which identified the number of that particular car (1-547). Also, the Fisher body plate has "GNX" stamped on it. Special "GNX" decals were used on the intercooler and other locations and there were several hidden I.D. stampings to prevent fakes. But all of this came at a price. The cost of the GNX option was $10,995, which resulted in a final MSRP of $29,900. All out performance doesn't come cheap."


About your search for parts - he's had nothing but good words lately for TA Performance - who is assembling the motor. Also Cotton's, Conley's, ATR (in Joliet, IL - not sure where your from) and PTE are some others he talks about. Perhaps you can find what you need there?

Hope I was of some help

 

[02WS686GN]

thanks guys. i appreciate the help and i am excited about getting the Buick done. and will be on here more often to ask more questions. also, does this site ever have meetings or track days? i would be interested in going.