What Mods to '85 GN

[mc71454]

I am looking at a low mileage '85 GN that is bone stock. From the experience out there, what would be the best combination of mods to make an '85 run in the mid to low 13's assuming good traction. I want to retain as much stock appearance as possible and not touch the motor internals. If it can't be done, then please tell me that as well. The car is on the high end of my budget and if it is going to cost big $$, I 'll just pass it by for an '86 or '87.

I am an experienced drag racer already and am just new to the turbo Buicks so please assume I know what I am doing at the strip.

Thanks

Tom

 

[rodman99999]

This had my '85 GN running low 13's

Boost and fuel press. gauges/adjustable(billet) fuel press. reg./upgraded fuel pump/adjustable wastegate actuator/160 degree therm/gutted or deleted cat/2 1/2" dual(ATR) or 3" single shot exhaust/ pinion snubber/ air bag(w/ 25lbs air) on PS or BIG rear sway bar/I had a Caspers 8 position chip that worked nicely(you can shut the fuel pump off as a theft deterrent)/TA49C turbo/green stripe injectors/shift kit. Then of course: If you've got the $$- add an intercooler(I didn't).

 

[VadersV6]

If possible, pass for an 86 or 87. The intercooler thats not on the 85's, really boosts the potential. You can always buy an IC for the 85, but aftermarket IC's are not cheap.
If you go with hot air, you can somewhat simulate an IC with alky injection. So if a tight budget is in order, I would go with:
1. Replace plugs/wires and all the sensors you can afford. Get an adjustable fuel pressure regulator with a gauge, and set fuel pressure while you're at it.
2. Replace as much hosing as you can to rule out vacuum leaks.
3. Check ohms on all the coils. If they Ohm higher than 15K, you'll need a new coil pack and maybe a ignition module.
4. Walbro 340 fuel pump.
5. Scanmaster scan tool. No turbo regal should be without one.
6. Adjustable wastegate actuator.
7. I dont know if they make an extender chip for hot air's, but its a good chip that you can tune.
8. MAF translator.
9. Ls1 MAF. (junkyard)
10. K&N.
11. New injectors. The power you want to make will determine the injectors. 50lb. MSD's will give you really good street potential.
12. Alky injection.
Install items 7-11 at once, assuming you've gotten the motor running in tip top shape first. Now you'll have your hands busy, learning how to tune the whole thing with Alky as a combo.
After this you can start playing with exhaust parts once you have the cash. I have a completely stock exhaust and it runs like an animal as it is.
You should be way past 13's at this point. If you buy as many used parts as you can, you can do all this for about $1000-$1200.

 

[mc71454]

Thanks for the replies !!!

OK with my own street/strip 540CI Monte, I have enough tuning and fiddling to deal with. I think I will take the advice and go for an 86 or 87...I am looking for a low 13 or high 12 car that I can drive to work and wherever and then run on a street night once in a while..

Thanks Again...

 

[Mike70gtx]

Don't forget headers. the passenger side header is very restrictive. All the "stuff" can add up fast. I got 13's with most of the stuff mentioned above. I had a ta=33 turbo (stock appearing) and 36# blue tops. I did get into the 12's but it was with the spearco intercooler. I was told to just go 87 but bid on an 84 on ebay and had it before I realized what I was doing. It's been a good car. The 87 is much better with the way the intake, turbo and intercooler are set up.

 

[rodman99999]

I'd have converted my '85 to an '87 set-up, had it not been a t-top car(I hate holes in my roof). They('87s) are much easier to find go-fast-goodies for. To use translators, and LS1 MAFs, the '85's computer has to be upgraded first, etc, etc. To buy all the later model engine parts(to convert it completely to '87 style) and computer will run around $1500.00, and then you still have to upgrade to your chosen level of performance. I still loved the '85 GN, and hated to see it drive away, but the first low 12 I ran in my '87 Turbo-T went a long way to abating the pain.

 

[OneLethal87GN]

My old 85 GN went to the track once. It had K-B headers, exhaust, K&N cone filter, K-B chip, adj. fuel regulator, Walbro fuel pump, and slicks. It ran a best of 8.7 in the 1/8 mile. This was on a very warm day with almost back to back runs with minor cooldowns and not much to tune with. This was also on race gas. An alky kit will do what the race gas does. I later upgraded to an 87 GN because I saw one with t-tops for $5500 and only had one payment left on the 85. I'm not sure but I thought the scanmaster didn't work on 84-85 cars? The parts are more plentiful and cheaper for the 86-87 cars too. Even replacement stock parts, like sensors, are cheaper for the i/c cars. Go to www.gnttype.org for all the info you need on making these cars fast.

 

[Mike70gtx]

To use the scanmaster you need to change to the 87 ecm, which is not too hard to do. It also gives you alot more options chip wise. Turbo link works on the 84 ecm but only give you a little info. With the 87 ecm you get it all.