What parts to buy?!

[873.8Turbo]

This spring I am planning on pulling my engine out of my 87 and replacing some stuff since the engine has alot of miles. I am not shure of the quality of the parts of some distrubtors like Postons and ATR. I would apreciate your opinion on what to get, what not to get, and most importantly: where to get it. I am on a tight budget and dont want to spend a grand on this but I also dont want crappy brands.

so far I was planning on getting:
Timing chain
oil pump rebuild
valve springs
valve seals
retainers
keepers
gasket set- Fel-Pro
head bolts- APR
Front and Rear Main seal

What is your opinion?
what else should I get?
Also any helpful hints would be great! Thanks

 

[J Banning]

Unless there's a specific reason for pulling the motor (low compression, rod knock, wiped cam, etc.), I'd advise against it. Under the right conitions these motors can last a LOOOONG time. My buddy's '87 T has over 175k on it and will run low 12's all day long.

Just some food for thought.

P.S. Postons and ATR have been around a long time. I don't think either support this board though. You might also want to look at Ramchargers, Precision Turbo, Quad Air, or Cottons Performance.

Good luck,
-Banning.

 

[873.8Turbo]

The reason I am pulling the motor is mainly to look over it. the engine has 177k on it and I dont think it has ever been touched. The oil pan and other gaskets are leaking, and I want to seal them up before modding my car.

Do the brands you suggest have all of the items on my list? So far the only distributor that has everything is Postons.

 

[Zero Tolerance]

I would agree with Banning. Maybe you want to shoot Jack Cotton an e-mail on your project and get his advice. He has his own board too, which may get you a quicker response. I had my motor redone. I bought a bunch of gaskets, etc. from Poston's. My engine builder told me to return them. He opted for a brand he usually uses. (No flame intended, just my personal experience) I have all of the receipts from my build up. Sorry, it would take to darn long to pull it out and sort through it, I'm ready to look at the cost of that rebuild again.

 

[XLR8]

I have used Postons several times. The products I received were high quality and at a fair price. They do carry a lot of the little trim and under hood pieces that I couldn't find anywhere else. If you are concerned with the quality of some mechanical items, you can ask who the manufacturer is as I belive they are more of a distributer than a manufacturer.

 

[NoNos38]

Jump over to gntype.org and look under the Vender section.. The list has just about every Vender that deals in Buicks.. I spread my $$ out threw the Community.. I go to (Postons) for Most under hood idems ,, I get all my dressup stuff from (Buick from hell), (Caspers) for all my wireing and electrical,, So on and so forth... The parts are out there, just take alittle time and go threw the Venders..

 

[873.8Turbo]

First off I apreciate all of your replys, they have all been helpful.

I was wondering if there is anything else that you feel should to be added to my list. (ex: freeze plugs, bolts, bearings?) Anything that you think would need to be replaced on a high mile engine would be great!

 

[NoNos38]

Bearings ,, Yes.. Clevite 77's , FM's and alot of guys swear by King. There all good. All in personal preferance.

Bolts ,, Not unless the threads are stripped or you notice alot of wear..

I would go ahead and order a stud kit for the bottom end and studs for the heads. keeps the lowerend in check, and helps keep your heads from shooting threw your hood..

ARP rod bolts are a must..


The builder will use NEW frost plugs. (or atleast should.)

New Gasget set..

Some say using a Girdle with billet main caps is a waste of $$ and some say not. This debate will never end , but Just for piece of mind I think the pair is a good idea.. I run 3 billet main caps and a girdle..

I dont know who will be doing your rebuild, but make sure you give them specks on bearing clearances, and so forth.. If you dont you would wish you had never tore down a good running motor..

Any more?? just ask..
Matt

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

NAPA:

COPPER COAT to seal the headers to the head
NEW MOTOR MOUNTS 10.00 EACH
CLEVITE ROD AND MAIN BEARINGS 40.00 TOTAL
CLEVITE REAR MAIN SEAL 5.50
CLEVITE FRONT TIMING COVER GASKET SET 10.00
CLEVITE TIMING CHAIN SET 12.00
LT-1 1970'S SMALL BLOCK CHEVY VALVE SPRINGS 1.20 EACH X 12
NEW OIL PICK UP TUBE 6.50
BLACK RTV FOR NEW REAR MAIN SEAL 4.00
NAPA 214-204 CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS 75.00

PARTS AMERICA-

FELPRO INTAKE GASKET KIT FOR 1987 BUICK REGAL GRAND NATIONAL VIN CODE 7 21.00

FELPRO VALVE COVER GASKETS FOR SAME 10.00

if you pull the heads off the car-- which i dont suggest,
then use GM graphite gaskets for a 87 turbo regal,
and HASTINGS piston rings which they can get for you too-

ive got the numbers for everything above

HTH
wanner@kc.rr.com

 

[873.8Turbo]

Quick6'n'-K.C.

I am guessing that you mean part numbers when you say
"ive got the numbers for everything above "
If I am correct, (and I hope I am ) It would be great if you could get me the part numbers to all of the parts from NAPA. I would not have known that they would supply LT-1 springs.

Also- what exactly is the CLEVITE TIMING CHAIN SET? does it come with metal gears? I personally was thinking of going with Cloyes double roller.

If you dont have the part numbers on hand, dont worry about it because I can call them and ask, its not that big of a deal. I appreciate you informing me on these parts

Thanks

 

[Matt Weiser]

I just went through the exact same thing you're doing while building my wagon. I did a lot of homework on all the parts I bought and was on a budget so I always bought from whoever had the lowest price for what I needed, unless it was something special. Here's some suggestions:

Valve springs: Comp Camps 980-12 from Summit Racing
Valve seals: I bought a set from Poston's but they sucked, didn't fit tight enough on the valve guides, so I kept the original ones on. Afterwards, a couple guys said to use OEM seals.
Valve keepers: Poston's
Timing chain: I bought a new all-steel OEM-style (non double-roller) chain and gears from a member of this board. I forget the brand but think it was TRW, nothing fancy.
Timing chain tensioner: Poston's.
Gaskets: From Poston's and John's Performance.
Motor mounts: new stock replacement units.
Oil pickup: didn't touch it, just cleaned the screen thoroughly while the pan was off.
Oil pump: oil psi was good so I didn't touch it, but added the "biggie" filter adapter from RJC Racing.
Front main seal: neoprene unit from Poston's.

While you're at it, you should also replaced the turbo oil feed and drain lines. I used the braided ones from John's Performance. This is also a good time to add oil psi and water temp gauges if you don't already have 'em, as the sender installation will be lots easier with the motor out. I used VDO gauges from www.racerpartswholesale.com (great prices). Also a good time to replace the water pump if yours is old (mine wasn't so I left it), along with the belt and hoses.

I also installed a mini-starter (purchased through www.turbobuicks.com for $125) and new battery cables and a ground stretcher kit from Casper's. Also new spark plug wires, coil pack and module, and numerous other stuff purchased new or "lightly used" from guys on this board.

You probably noticed I purchased a lot of stuff from John's Performance (www.johnsperformance.com) out of Washington state. He has a great website, quick competent service, and pretty much the best prices on everything he sells. Highly recommended.

 

[NoNos38]

Johns Performance.. Great Guy..

Matt

 

[873.8Turbo]

Matt-

Thanks for the info. I looked at Johnsperformance website and I found alot of the stuff i need at a great price. Still have not ordered stuff but narrowing it down now.

P.S. I love the wagon. What does it Run?

***Also- does anyone know if Fel-Pro Gasket kits come with Front and Rear Main Seals?

 

[Matt Weiser]

Thanks! I don't have any times on it yet and I mainly built it as a road-racer and road trip car, not a quarter-miler. But I'll get some times on it eventually. I still have a lot of tuning to do (and a lot to learn about tuning!) but I'd be pleased with mid- to high-12s.