I found a 1987 Sunbird Turbo GT with a 4 spd tranny earlier today. I recently owned an 87 n/t GT spd. The car runs good, turbo spools quickly to 15psi. The only problems I can find on this car is a fuel leak due to a cracked line, driver window motor broke, and the transmission seems to shift a little funny. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the trans. on these cars. It shifts a little ruff almost like the linkage is catching. I know the 4 spd. means it is getrag. Other then that the car only has 123000 mi on it and the guy only wants 700.00 for the whole thing.
LaterZ
GT-0420R
I would go for it.I own a 85 type 10 with a 4spd manual.Yes those shift cables need to be adjusted and lubed for proper shifting,I ASSURE u that is a issue with the 4spd trans.Not to mention make sure the clutch resevoir is full of fluid , it may have a leaking slave cylinder which in turn affects the shifting as well.Any more ? post them.I have done hours and hours of work on my cav and know this car like the back of my hand on quirks etc.
are you sure the car is an 87??? 87 should have had the mucie/getrag 5 speed. the 4 speed (was actualy a muncie) was used 86 and prior.
15psi boost isnt right, there is something wrong. the wastegate must not be opening. normal boost should be around 8psi. constant running at 15lbs will cause it throiw the overboost code and cut the fuel off.
He's probably going by the stock boost guage which we all know is very optimistic.
Tony
Tony
1987 Sunbird GT turbo convert
Ported intake, Fiero 53 MM TB, 52 lb inj, ported and flowed head, tube header, Mitsu TD06, ARP rod
bolts/head studs, adj cam sprocket, 4" x 12" x 31" FMIC, Paxton AFPR, modified 125 trans/LSD
unit/3.42's, custom chip tuning, Alky Control Methanol injection
13.61 ET at 101.44 mph, 262 WHP/350WTQ
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP roadster, 2.0 turbo w/GMPP exh, CAI and turbo upgrade, 290 hp/325 ft lbs
1969 Olds 442 convert
400 Eng, 200-4R trans, 3.73 posi, power everything, OAI
Oops, T3 instead of T#. And yeah that sounds like an 86 which is a 1.8 too. If the valve cover and intake manifold are black it's definately an 86. If red, then something strange is going on.
Blazer350 wrote:I found a 1987 Sunbird Turbo GT with a 4 spd tranny earlier today. I recently owned an 87 n/t GT spd. The car runs good, turbo spools quickly to 15psi. The only problems I can find on this car is a fuel leak due to a cracked line, driver window motor broke, and the transmission seems to shift a little funny. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the trans. on these cars. It shifts a little ruff almost like the linkage is catching. I know the 4 spd. means it is getrag. Other then that the car only has 123000 mi on it and the guy only wants 700.00 for the whole thing.
LaterZ
GT-0420R
87 Would have a 5 speed Getrag/Munice tranny on a turbo GT or a 5 speed isuzu MK7 on a N/A TBI motor. The Auto is a 3 speed TH125C. There is no 4 speed you can get in an 87. Even a 1.8 Turbo GT still uses a 5 speed or a 3 speed for most years.
I think you need to clarify this a bit
As far as 15 psi, that isn't even possible, the stock fuel cut enables around 13 psi. Teh stock gauge is VERY innacurate and stock boost is limited to 7-9 psi TOPS depending on gear.
My mistake on the year, it is an 86' with 4spd. I bought the car from the guy yesterday for $500.00. The engine runs strong, but idles high. I am going to clean the IAC valve tomorow and see what happens. The car needs new brake lines in the rear. The trans was a little low on fluid, added some and it shifts good. I have a 5spd tranny from the last sunbird i had(87'GT 2.0 N/T).Does anyone know if the linkages will match up the same? And whats the best websites to get parts from, or interchangable parts.
Blazer350 wrote:My mistake on the year, it is an 86' with 4spd. I bought the car from the guy yesterday for $500.00. The engine runs strong, but idles high. I am going to clean the IAC valve tomorow and see what happens. The car needs new brake lines in the rear. The trans was a little low on fluid, added some and it shifts good. I have a 5spd tranny from the last sunbird i had(87'GT 2.0 N/T).Does anyone know if the linkages will match up the same? And whats the best websites to get parts from, or interchangable parts.
How high does it idle? does it start and then IMMEDIATLY go to high idle? Does it eventually get lower? Have you driven the car over 35 mph which resets the IAC yet?
The tranny you have is a getrag/munice 4 speed IIRC. The 5 speed trans out of the N/A sunbird is a Isuzu MK7. They are VERY different trans so no, the linkages won't work. Also, the stock power of the turbo 2.0 is enough to break an isuzu which is why GM upgraded the turbo models trans. Your best bet is to get the trans off a 87-91 Turbo 2.0. That's the 5 speed getrag / munice trans like I have and it's a AWESOME transmission - very bulletproof, good for at least 350 lbs/ft of torque!
While your'e at it, you should upgrade your 1.8 to to turbo 2.0 specs... get a 2.0 cast exhaust manifold, and teh watercooled T-25. Or better yet swap on the turbo from a Turbo Grand Prix, it's a far larger T-25 that's good for at LEAST low 13's and it pretty much bolts on.
Better still, could swap in a complete turbo 2.0. would need the wiring harness, ECM, engine, and then you could get the tranny too. h
Mix and match, ask any questions you like, and welcome to the sunbird turbo community
anyone wanna buy the 86 skyhawk T type i got its a 1.8 turbo 4 speed stick 100,000 white body/black interior coupe $make offer !
201 993 6890
joe
do you still have the skyhawk for sale?
Careful James... jason collects pictures of cars
Alan ... another jersey Buick turbo Guy
