GN project!!

[corkatoa]

Just brought home an 85 GN with 75,000km. Has been sitting for 7 years. Got it for $2500 Canadian ($1950 US).
Floors, trunk and fenders solid; needs rockers and some quarter panel work and door work.
The story is that the guy upgraded his turbo,injectors and fuel pump and then drove it a few miles and it stalled. When he tried to restart it made a huge backfire and wouldnt start. I have checked the compression and it is good, had it fire a few times but wouldnt start.
Dont really care, as I picked up an 87 engine complete with all goodies as pictured. Is a very low mile engine waiting to be re-assembled.
Will be pulling engine to inspect and will either rebuild it or sell as is.

Here are some questions for the experts:
-Should I use the 87 engine? Or rebuild the 85 and add the intercooler?
-Can I use the mass air sensor from the 85 as is pictured with the 87 engine? There wasn't one with the 87 engine.
-What is the box in between the mass air sensor and harness? Looks aftermarket, as does the sensor.

 

[ssn696]

TobyP should be your new best friend. Look for his build thread.

 

[Judge Mills]

NICE price! I have no advice on which engine you should use, except you'll know more when you yank the current engine out.

 

[The Granny]

I'd go with the 87 engine, since it's already set up for an intercooler and the block has been tapped for an oil return line. It'd also save you money in the long run. Even if both engines were in a good running condition, I'd go with the intercooled 87 all day.

 

[tobyp]

Just brought home an 85 GN with 75,000km. Has been sitting for 7 years. Got it for $2500 Canadian ($1950 US).
Floors, trunk and fenders solid; needs rockers and some quarter panel work and door work.
The story is that the guy upgraded his turbo,injectors and fuel pump and then drove it a few miles and it stalled. When he tried to restart it made a huge backfire and wouldnt start. I have checked the compression and it is good, had it fire a few times but wouldnt start.
Dont really care, as I picked up an 87 engine complete with all goodies as pictured. Is a very low mile engine waiting to be re-assembled.
Will be pulling engine to inspect and will either rebuild it or sell as is.

Here are some questions for the experts:
-Should I use the 87 engine? Or rebuild the 85 and add the intercooler?
-Can I use the mass air sensor from the 85 as is pictured with the 87 engine? There wasn't one with the 87 engine.
-What is the box in between the mass air sensor and harness? Looks aftermarket, as does the sensor.
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Here we go

The MAF sensor is an LT1 sensor. It will work with an 87 setup.
The box beside it is called a MAF translator which speaks language to the computer to make sure it is interpreted correctly
If you have the complete setup for the 87 including the wiring harness convert it over. I have extensive knowledge on both and intercooled is wtg
It is terribly difficult to make a hot air car breathe like an intercooled car, mostly because of the location of the runners on intake with turbo
You will need to make sure you have all the brackets and wires and sensors to make it complete 87 conversion
Make sure you learn everything you can about the car. I have studied the car both hot and intercooled for 4 years, still learn about it all the time
You need to buy a Scan Master for either setup and get it installed. Watch o2 voltage until things feel comfortable
The block on an 87 is supposed to be stronger due to webbing inside the valley, however there are split feelings if a 109 block is truly stronger.

 

[ssn696]

As I said, tobyp is the GN man.

 

[corkatoa]

thanks for the info. That is the exact basic info I needed; I am not new and the turbo forums are hard to navigate to say the least and has made it difficult.
I have done a lot of gbody in excess of 500hp; but my goal was always to get a GN. I will apply all I know, and share what I learn here in this forum.
Same car, different approach to power.

The 85 engine has a hole in the oilpan. Will have pics of dis-assembly soon.