i am new to this MB and i couldn't find a solid board to post this on. but anyways i have been looking at this 84 T-type and also an 87 GN. since i have looked at both, i started to research them both. what i wanted to know was the 84 is $2,800 and has some good bolt ons (has been rebuilt) and the 87 is $7,000 all stock with 74,000 miles on the clock. could you tell me which to go for. i have $5,000 total and with that i could either hook up the 84 or take out a loan for the 87. but you tell me your advise.
Welcome to the site!
As with most questions, this is one of those 'it depends' things. What is your ultimate goal? A nice solid daily driver? Something to take to the track? Something that will hold its value?
Both actually sound like good deals if they're in good shape. For a daily driver with good performance, the '84 T sounds like a nice ride. The price is right, and *if* its been built right it should run strong. On the other hand, the '87 GN is priced pretty well for the mileage, too. And an unmolested car is always a good find. Don't have to cure other people's mistakes.
Overall, the '87 will provide more performance potential and there is considerably better support for its systems. It also has a higher book value, and should hold it better over time. On the other hand, die-hard 'Hot Air' fans have found plenty of ways to keep their cars running and performing despite less vendor support and discontinued GM pieces, sometimes adapting 86/87 parts to the mix. And for the $4200 difference, you could put a lot of work into the '84. 'Hot air' cars are hard to beat in 'bang for the buck' ratio.
So again, 'it depends'. Both sound like decent deals.
hey man thanks for replying, i wasn't sure about these questions cause i have a 95 trans am daily driver and people on camaroz28.com MB sometimes get pissed at stupid ?'s. but thanks again man. i just got back driving the 84 actually and it really suprised me, its almost as fast as my T/A but off the line it took a while to get going, is that a major problem? oh ya it has a good sized leak in the intake piping before the turbo (1" gash). it was hitting 21Lbs. of boost? is that normal? he said he put a -NEW- turbo on it, gears and a new boost gauge. so the speedo was off by 10MPH or so. BTW this is gonna be my strip car/Weekend warrior on the street. sometimes to work or a show.
The only stupid questions are ones you don't ask. However, we *strongly* suggest having a look at the site and archives as there is a LOT of information there that may answer your questions. Almost 10 years worth! Prevents people from asking the same questions repeatedly.
Note that turbo cars sometimes have a bit of turbo lag as the turbo gains inertia and 'spools'. This depends on the size of the turbo, the torque converter stall (in automatics), and other factors. It may indicate a mismatch in the combo. A leak anywhere in the plumbing after the mass air sensor will potentially cause all sorts of odd symptoms. And 21 PSI is not normal on pump gas. Stock levels are limited to 15, and that's generally about all you'll get with pump gas.
These cars usually don't require different gears. The stock 3.42 ratio works well from stock down into the 10s.
I'm sure someone from the site who lives in your area would be able to help look over TR's you're considering and help determine if they're in decent shape and set up right.
Andrew,
Listen to Scott. He knows what he's talking about. Where are you located? Maybe we could point you in the right direction of a local contact.
im in Raleigh, North Carolina.
I'd say go with the '87. I think it is a tougher looking car and has the intercooler which give you a little more tosterone to boast with. I also like the fact that the mileage is low and it is stock, I get a little nervous when someone else has modified something unless I know them or they have a good reputation. As Andy Simmons says....Listen to Scott.
Never telling what that high boost has done, etc.etc.etc.
Yeah, but you still have to be on the look out. Alot of people hang onto their stock parts, because they get more money if they call it unmodified, and then sell off the hi-po parts separate. I saw a relatively stock GN with front mount brackets still attached. There were a couple of other hints at modifications, but other wise, it looked pretty much stock.
Brian
well this car is tough looking (kinda got a maaco job done to it) its all black just like the GN with the spoiler and all the clone stuff. but i read about the Turbo Motion I/C kits that would make up for it being a hot air car......right? for 1,000 bucks i would still be under the price for the 87 by a good amount. would buying the 84 and getting the I/C kit be a good start? when i go look at the car again what should i pay close attentions too. saying i have already read the pages about buying a T-type, what else that should be a major factor. also what about this boost at 21? this car would be seriously fast if it came off the line right. my T/A is a high 13 low 14 sec car and i think this one is low 13 if the 60' was there. it builds boost to like 6 on the brake but then doesn't get going until like 16 or so (it was a small gauge and hard to see, but the 21# wasn't) just want to know what other symptoms it could have saying all this. thanks
Yes, an intercooler for the '84 would definitely help the performance. Might want to pose some questions in the 'Hot Air' section of the board.
The boost behavior you describe doesn't sound quite right. Boost up to 21 PSI on pump gas seems high. And the slow spooling may be indication of a rather large turbo or torque converter stall that's not matched to the turbo.