Hello to all I have owned my 86 GN since new.It is a running car but it doesn't have the same get up and go as it used to.Just don't know where to start.Is there a checklist that I can go through to make sure things are where they should be. Any direction would be much appreciated. Thanks Turbo Tod
So overwhelmed
- Thread starter turbotod
- Start date
1986 Buick GX1
GX1 #001 [The One and Only]
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2015
It’s awesome you’re the original owner.
I ordered mine from a small independent dealer in north central Iowa.
The drivers side header is known to crack above the collector that connects to the cross over pipe.
A new Denso O2 sensor wouldn’t hurt.
These are notorious for plenum and vacuum hose leaks as well.
This car has over 100000 but still looks good. I still love to drive this car. So many great times over the years. I live in a cold climate so had to store in winter because of that I drove many winter beaters.It was well worth all of the old rusty junk I drove to preserve this great car. After all this car gave me my nickname Turbotod. Having fun with the other mid 80's cars I will never forget. Retired now drive it to Mcdonalds to meet the boys. Then to the park to feed the pigeons. Lol
You frustration is understood, these cars have a long list of little issues that develop over time that can really degrade their performance, reliability and fun factor. It's cool that your the original owner of this car.
Maybe start by letting us know where your located, there may be someone near you that is experienced with these cars that can help you out.
If your car has 100k on the clock there is a long list of items that can be addressed that will get you back to "as new as possible" condition. This is assuming the engine itself is healthy with good compression and leak down numbers, not to mention the transmission.
The link in the previous post to Vortex Buicks is full of excellent info, but can be overwhelming.
Here is where I would start:
-Go through the fuel system (pump, filter, check line condition, hotwire kit, new injectors)
-New ECU Chip from Turbo Tweak to match these injectors (much better for the modern fuels and performance)
-Re-gasket the top end of the engine (minus cylinder heads) to address any vacuum and oil leaks and gives a chance to clean things up.
-MAF Translator with new MAF
-Replace the stock timing set
-Replace the stock valve springs
-New spark plugs, plug wires, O2 sensor and check the condition of all other sensors.
-Ensure there are no exhaust leaks (cracks in the stock headers cause this and bad seal at the cylinder head)
-Remove the CAT from the exhaust.
-Consider adding a scan tool like a SCANMASTER
I'm sure I'm forgetting some items, but as you can see the list is long. At 100k on the engine I would imagine most of these items have not been addressed, each will cause little issues and all together can add up to a car that's not the same as it once was.
Maybe start by letting us know where your located, there may be someone near you that is experienced with these cars that can help you out.
If your car has 100k on the clock there is a long list of items that can be addressed that will get you back to "as new as possible" condition. This is assuming the engine itself is healthy with good compression and leak down numbers, not to mention the transmission.
The link in the previous post to Vortex Buicks is full of excellent info, but can be overwhelming.
Here is where I would start:
-Go through the fuel system (pump, filter, check line condition, hotwire kit, new injectors)
-New ECU Chip from Turbo Tweak to match these injectors (much better for the modern fuels and performance)
-Re-gasket the top end of the engine (minus cylinder heads) to address any vacuum and oil leaks and gives a chance to clean things up.
-MAF Translator with new MAF
-Replace the stock timing set
-Replace the stock valve springs
-New spark plugs, plug wires, O2 sensor and check the condition of all other sensors.
-Ensure there are no exhaust leaks (cracks in the stock headers cause this and bad seal at the cylinder head)
-Remove the CAT from the exhaust.
-Consider adding a scan tool like a SCANMASTER
I'm sure I'm forgetting some items, but as you can see the list is long. At 100k on the engine I would imagine most of these items have not been addressed, each will cause little issues and all together can add up to a car that's not the same as it once was.
This page from the Vortex Buick website has most of the info that would help you out.
SCOOBY DOO
BASED CANADIAN PATRIOT!!
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2007
Post your Scanmaster numbers with the engine warmed up in Park.
SCOOBY DOO
BASED CANADIAN PATRIOT!!
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2007
Please don't go out and lay into the loud pedal before you sort this out...cuz myself and the rest of the guys have better things to do than guide you through changing head gaskets.
I have been listening to you all and taking care of one thing at a time but have a way to go. Having fun so far. So I purchased a powerlogger and a scanmaster G. the powerlogger came with a chip upgrade 2.2 for the scanmaster is this extra part because I have a scanmaster G there was not any info about the G. Thanks to all especially Scooby Doo you scared the hell out of me with the blown head gasket stuff like you should thanks
1986 Buick GX1
GX1 #001 [The One and Only]
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2015
The 2.2 chip is for the Scanmaster (standard or G) to work with the Powerlogger.
The Powerlogger allows the Scanmaster to display data at a faster rate.
I don't believe you need to worry about that chip with a ScanMaster G. On my WE4 I am using a new powerlogger with the ScanMaster G just as they arrived to my door step.
The data you will collect from these two devices will help you greatly, it's a great investment.
1986 Buick GX1
GX1 #001 [The One and Only]
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2015
I have the original Scanmaster. I just got a power logger and have to swap the chip.
It sounds like the G doesn’t use a chip, I thought it did. My apologies.
