What are the challenges of a TTA?

[KenB 87 TT]

So I've been looking at TTA's on eBay etc. as I may get one, and need some advice. BTW, search the forum is not advice IMO.

Searching this forum, one common complaint is (paraphrased) hard to find/get parts.

My question
Which parts?
OEM replacement?
If so, whats unique (besides engine) to 89TTA?
Third gens were made for a decade.

Aftermarket performance (compared to availability of ?)?

i.e. what would I be getting into? I have a 4th gen, and just sold my 2nd 2nd gen, but 3rd gens are mystery to me.


Normal wear points?
Points to check that indicate $$$ repair coming?

Any input would help

Thanks

Ken B 87TT

 

[BM Computer Src]

The hardest part to find is the belt. They dont make them and I plan on buying another original when one hits ebay. You cannot find the right size anywhere, its not made.

Otherwise the drivetrain just look for similar things as when buying a turbo buick. Almost everything else is typical 3rd gen, meaning T-tops may rattle (mine dont) and a good firm (somewhat harsh) ride, but excellent handling.

Bob

 

[Captain Mark]

Be very careful with the Intercooler air scoop. It is located below the front of the car, is plastic, and was only made for our cars. I have heard when you can find one, it will be about $500 bucks.

Didn't know that about the drive belt, thanks for the info.

Go here for a lot of good info on our cars. It may answer a lot of your questions.http://www.89tta.com/ttahome.htm

 

[eviljay]

The attached link is a good place to start if your interested in a TTA.



http://www.89tta.com/ttafaq.htm

Sorrry it's early. I diden't notice Captain Mark gave you the same link but their is alot of good info on that page......

 

[Lee_Burough]

"RARE" parts....

Almost everything under the hood having to do with the LC2 engine will be a rare part, whether you have a Turbo Regal or a TTA.

Some parts specific to the TTA engine and drive train are even more rare however: Intercooler, air scoop, original sparkplug wires, original oil filter, Special badges and emblems, Transmission housing, differential, crank, OWNER'S KIT, and more things I'm not thinking of right now.

There are regular reports of badging and emblems vanishing in parking lots, so, I don't leave mine unattended.

Don't worry about the "original" serpentine belt, it frequently allowed the tensioner to contact the A/C pulley (corrected with a shorter belt, p/n 12399983, according to Russ Salerno) and gave you false knock. We use regular plug wires and oil filters (without the 20th anniversary name and logos on them like the originals had).

The engine and transmission health are paramount, but also important is the condition of the paint, body panels, ground effects, badges and emblems, air scoop, T-tops, and wheels. All areas of concern after 14 years. Oh yes, that wing on the hatch is a problem area for cracks and general deterioration.

In my view, it boils down to how the car was driven and cared for -a factor of increasing importance to the value of these cars. A couple cars for sale right now were reportedly raced and used "hard"....Looking at them however, they were cared for and maintained, leaving the unique aspects of a TTA intact. I'd rather have one of those than one without the details that still flag to the casual observer that its a "TTA"

Easy to keep stock appearing and get into the 12's with larger turbo and injectors....Many have gone well beyond the 12's with just a little more.

The economy has been down for 30 months, prices are currently repressed, prolly 10-20%, and we will see an upswing when the economy comes back. Its a geat time to buy....

Hope That Helps

 

[mark b]

I think it also depends on your use of the car. If you want to maintain 100% factory authenticity, you're going to have some challenges. If you are willing to deviate from that, there are many after market parts.

 

[KenB 87 TT]

Thanks for the input

I read the link provided, thanks real useful

Car is on eBay, 8x,xxx miles original owner.
Appears to be mechanically stock
May need paint.

I'm not so interested in absolutely pure original equipment.

I'll let you know what happens

Ken B

 

[Rogue Leader]

Originally posted by BM Computer Src
The hardest part to find is the belt. They dont make them and I plan on buying another original when one hits ebay. You cannot find the right size anywhere, its not made.

Otherwise the drivetrain just look for similar things as when buying a turbo buick. Almost everything else is typical 3rd gen, meaning T-tops may rattle (mine dont) and a good firm (somewhat harsh) ride, but excellent handling.

Bob

Just FYI on the belt, I went to autozone and they have a Kelly belt they carry in stock that fits the car perfectly with no problems... Im using it now and it fits better than the stock AC Delco did. They also stock a Goodyear replacement but it was on order.

Ken B... My car is for sale.. It was on ebay but didnt sell there, but if youre looking for a low mile good driver/racer im your man... I'll email ya..

 

[BM Computer Src]

please tell me what size or number it is, I have yet to find anything at NAPA, Discount/Advance, etc... that even comes close!

Bob

 

[Rogue Leader]

Originally posted by BM Computer Src
please tell me what size or number it is, I have yet to find anything at NAPA, Discount/Advance, etc... that even comes close!

Bob

Well the package is long gone but its a belt made by Kelly and I got it at AutoZone ... looks like part number 635K6 according to the recipt

Autozone number 066372, I assume thats their part number so the first number shold be what you need.

 

[Razor]

Thats a 63.5 inch belt. The factory belt is 63 inches long. If you get the 63.5 one..within months the tensioner will hit the compressor.

Size under that is 62 7/8..and that one puts too much strain on the tensioner..

Hey Bob..shhhh on the belt..you'll drive its price up.

Unless your car has had the ac comp replaced..if its stock..the belts available are either too short or too long.

Power steering lines, AC compressor lines, transmission lines and crossmemeber, motor mounts,headers,down pipe,engine wiring harness,etc...all different.

 

[1badTTA]

Thats a 63.5 inch belt. The factory belt is 63 inches long. If you get the 63.5 one..within months the tensioner will hit the compressor.

Razor, I think you are mistaken as I too have the 635K6 Kelly belt on my car and it fits fine. The one I removed was 64" and so were all the listed belts that they claimed would fit but didn't. the 63.5" belt fits just fine and doesn't put too much stress on the tensioner as mine is still fine after a year.

BTW, I replaced the belt due to above mentioned reason of tensioner hitting the A/C pully.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Originally posted by 1badTTA
Razor, I think you are mistaken as I too have the 635K6 Kelly belt on my car and it fits fine. The one I removed was 64" and so were all the listed belts that they claimed would fit but didn't. the 63.5" belt fits just fine and doesn't put too much stress on the tensioner as mine is still fine after a year.

BTW, I replaced the belt due to above mentioned reason of tensioner hitting the A/C pully.

I agree... I looked at the belt on there just now and it would have to stretch an AWFUL LOT to do that... I couldnt see a belt possibly ever doing that. I cant see a problem at all..

 

[Razor]

I had bought one at Napa and Advance/Discount Auto parts..they all crossed to the same belt..63.5 inch long belt. Same as the GN belt.. on my car worked fine for a couple months..the test was AC on with car idling..thats when it would stretch out and do the chirp sound from hitting the AC compressor...I have a buddy lives 80 miles South had the same problem..fix was install an OEM GM belt...

Next time my OEM belt goes bad..I'll hunt down a Kelly belt and give it a try. Even tho the length on the package is 63.5

Not a one time occurrance..I have seen this issue with more than one TTA.

If it works..hell its a deal..original belts command a pretty hefty price tag...when you find them.

 

[Swede2]

I still have the original belt and I am a little bit concerned about its condition...

What happends if the belt broken under driving ? A engine rebuild ?

Daniel

 

[mark b]

No Daniel, you are thinking of breaking a timing belt which would likely bend the valves. The serpentine belt will be more of an inconvenience than a disaster....

 

[Swede2]

Ok Mark then I know. Thank you.

Daniel