87 Sunbird Turbo GT Convertible

[GT_4Dave]

Not all blocks are the same ( boss drilled and tapped for turbo oil feed line)

Crank and rods are cast ( same on both)

Pistons are forged with dish ( 8.0 compression vs 8.8 non turbo)

Head is different for the Turbo Motor

http://www.jbodysource.org/wiki/FirstGenEngine2point0SOHCFAQ

Doug in P.R.

Thanks, Doug. Who'd a'thunk it?
I'm not sure which direction I'll pursue, except to pull the motor down and see just what the problem is. I may have to look for a standard j-car and use the 2.0 motor until I can either find what I need to progress with the turbo engine or ___???___. I'm not in such a huge hurry except for my wife's possible retirement late spring or early summer. She may elect to go for another year...it's up to her as to whatever her decision is, I want her to feel right about it.
Whooops...off topic. Sorry.
The past owner (the one who blew the engine) had put a hokey-type radio in the dash. When I opened the trunk, there's the original.
BTW - the trunk was quite clean for its age...no stains or bad stuff at all. Even the boot cover was there.
Dave in James Dean, IN

 

[GT_4Dave]

Not all blocks are the same ( boss drilled and tapped for turbo oil feed line)

Crank and rods are cast ( same on both)

Pistons are forged with dish ( 8.0 compression vs 8.8 non turbo)

Head is different for the Turbo Motor

http://www.jbodysource.org/wiki/FirstGenEngine2point0SOHCFAQ

Doug in P.R.

The "jbodysource" is inaccurate as the 2.0 motor didn't come out in the Sunbird until 1987. Or at least I think the author is making a 2.0 blanket statement about its availability.
As I recall, the new fuel system for '87 was a bigger problem than any other issue to come up. I remember dreading to go out in cold weather to try and start a new '87 Sunbird for a customer. Usually, I'd try to talk them into staying inside where it was warm until I could get it started...if it'd start.
We had a sales force of 4 with a single GM line (Pontiac) in a town with both Fisher Guide and Delco plants and maybe 5000 employees. It was feast-style selling for quite a few years until, as we all know, things came screeching to a slow down and then an eventual stop.
Dave

 

[GT_4Dave]

The forum's administrators got me working again.
Many thanks.

 

[GT_4Dave]

Update: I believe my next step is to find (unless I'd come across another turbo 2.0) a standard 2.0 to get the car up and running. There are quite a few standard Sunbirds around here, '87 and up, available with the 4 cylinder motor. At least, I hope the clunker program didn't get rid of them all. I'll be able to see the car running that way while I'm seeking to re-build its original block / turbo.
I broke a small bit of secrecy by showing the car to our oldest son and telling him my plans. He was also sworn to secrecy to not tell his mother of what is to come.
I have lots of projects, but so little time so I have to look for ways to be efficient with my time.
I hope a wonderful Thanksgiving to all. We all have much to be thankful for.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Dave in Fairmount, IN

______________________________

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Sorry I missed all this stuff , been sick since Tuesday and had to got to the emergency room for fluids and a shot in the behind. ( that still hurts today even) Slowly getting better....thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes , Dave.

Doug in P.R.