I have an 81 TR with T-tops and no perf mods.The car has been somewhat abused before it was given to me, (ran with low oil, never warmed up before driving, etc.) I would really like to make my car like many other of the TR's that have great racing stories. I was wondering whether or not I should spend the money on the 81, or try and by an 87 gn. Any advice is appreciated. I am 18 so funds are limited.
Thanks,
James
There is a big difference in the performance of an '81 and an '87 Turbo Regal. There is also a big difference in the price. Also, at 18, insurance will be very expensive.
The '81 can perform and there is quite a bit you can do without adding a lot of money. I would suggest doing what can to the '81 and sometime in the future get the '87.
Learn what you can about the car, specifically the Carb/Turbo. The '81 uses a different wastegate than others years. My first move would be to do what Buick did in '82. Change the Turbine housing to a 0.63 A/R and the wastegate to a normally closed style. Also figure out what rear axle ratio you have.
Check out http://www.flash.net/~rjgeorge/