Factory Brake Question

[Kyleh24]

Is it possible that my 86 Grand National came with vacuum brakes from the factory? My trunk sticker does not show code J50. This car is obviously new to me. Thanks, Kyle

 

[Heisenberg]

Not possible.
RPO J50 (PowerMonster) is included in RPO 'LC2"

Somewhere, the electrical pigtails for the former PowerMonster are either cut / terminated, or stuffed away

That Vacuum setup, and the polished aluminum vacuum block + hose are an aftermarket setup

 

[Kyleh24]

Not possible.
RPO J50 (PowerMonster) is included in RPO 'LC2"

Somewhere, the electrical pigtails for the former PowerMonster are either cut / terminated, or stuffed away

That's what I thought but can't understand why all other LC2 included RPOs are listed but not J50. Does everyones' sticker w LC2 not have J50? I don't want to sound stupid, but everything else on this car looks 1986 stock. Thanks Kyle

 

[Phoneguy]

That's what I thought but can't understand why all other LC2 included RPOs are listed but not J50. Does everyones' sticker w LC2 not have J50? I don't want to sound stupid, but everything else on this car looks 1986 stock. Thanks Kyle

Mine shows J50 and J41......HMMMMMMMMM........strange. Mine is an 87

Bryan

 

[Phoneguy]

Yours shows J42, aluminum drums, hence the non posi rear

Bryan

 

[626gn]

Heis is right, no factory vacuum option existed. I've seen tags without the J50 code (with the Power Master) before but don't know why that is.. Hopefully an RPO expert will chime in and explain.

 

[Kyleh24]

Yours shows J42, aluminum drums, hence the non posi rear

Bryan

I knew I didn't have posi too, and was disappointed, but was hoping these brakes are original, as everything else appears to be. I am wondering if this 86 was a very early one. It has an 85 manual in the dash, but vin, stickers, and intercooler etc confirm 86.

 

[1987GNASTROROOF]

Not possible.
RPO J50 (PowerMonster) is included in RPO 'LC2"

Somewhere, the electrical pigtails for the former PowerMonster are either cut / terminated, or stuffed away

That Vacuum setup, and the polished aluminum vacuum block + hose are an aftermarket setup

Mine shows j50 and lc2.


Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Heisenberg]

Mine shows j50 and lc2.


Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

Interesting. Thank you.
And now that you pointed that out - so does my 87 WE4.
But I think it doesn't change the basic answer; re: vacuum on a LC2.

 

[Heisenberg]

From everything I can see doing a cursory inspection - it must be a nuance of the 86 vs 87 SPID labels.
I have a bunch of 86 TR SPID labels, and none of them so far show a J50
Even though we know the 86 TR's all had powermonster
But all that I've looked at for 87 do show J50.
Must be some GM year related SPID label thing.

 

[pacecarta]

m

 

[1987GNASTROROOF]

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Heisenberg]

I knew I didn't have posi too, and was disappointed, but was hoping these brakes are original, as everything else appears to be. I am wondering if this 86 was a very early one. It has an 85 manual in the dash, but vin, stickers, and intercooler etc confirm 86.

Bryan / Phoneguy probably knows his name - 1fastcobra maybe?
He has that 86 Black T that has the 85 dates all over the IC and stuff.
And it's not like Oct of 85 either as I recall, but way earlier.
It's like a weird 86 built in 85 thing.

 

[Heisenberg]

I knew I didn't have posi too, and was disappointed, but was hoping these brakes are original, as everything else appears to be. I am wondering if this 86 was a very early one. It has an 85 manual in the dash, but vin, stickers, and intercooler etc confirm 86.

I think you should immediately rip off those J42 drums, and while you are at it, also please rip off that VD6 & VD7 option, box them up and I'll send you an address.
Send me your paypal please!

Oh, I'll take the grill too while you're at it.
As long as the chrome is perfect!
Love those 86 grills.

 

[Heisenberg]

I knew I didn't have posi too, and was disappointed, but was hoping these brakes are original, as everything else appears to be. I am wondering if this 86 was a very early one. It has an 85 manual in the dash, but vin, stickers, and intercooler etc confirm 86.

I wouldn't be too disappointed.
It might very well have an Eaton posi by now.
You got all the good stuff.
Are you hopping the brake DRUMS are original, or all the brakes?
The drums probably are. Good up to 243.5mm I.D. as I recall (I'd have to check)

I for one would love the explanation of alum vs steel drums on posi / non posi.
I'm sure it will make perfect sense.

 

[Kyleh24]

You guys are teaching me a lot. I assume the aluminum in the bumper inserts is just a weight saver? This car has a fixed antenna and I didn't know if it was factory since no US7 code either. I believe original paint too. Minor nicks and stuff as expected but nothing bad. 55K with a good paper trail. I've got 13K in it after shipping. Not too bad on $ for being so original.

 

[Heisenberg]

Interesting; Fixed Antenna; don't see that everyday - Congrats!
US6 = Fixed
US7 = Power = Ugghhh...

Here's your car:
AR9 - Front Bucket Seats; Seats, - Reclining Bucket; European Style seating
A01 - Soft Ray Tonted Glass Windows
A31 - Power Windows
BC3 - Instrument Panel Ornamentation; Interior Ornamentation; Deluxe; Used on T-Type & Grand National Models
BD1 - Rocker Panel Molding Delete; Exterior Molding Rocker Panel; DELETE
BS1 - Accoustical Insulation Package
0
BV6 - Exterior Lock Cylinder; PAINTED
BV8 - Black Outside Door Handle; Exterior Door Handle & Lock Cylinder; PAINTED
BX1 - Front End; Special; Exterior Ornamation; Hood Ornament Delete
BX5 - Exterior Molding; Roof Drip Guard; Painted
BY4 - Interior ornamentation Instrument Panel; Name Plate; I/P Nameplate Applique; "GRAND NATIONAL"; Grand National Instrument Panel Name Plate
B19 - Interior Ornamentation; Custom; Special Interior
0
B24 - Black Quarter Glass Reveal Molding; Exterior Side Window Molding, Painted
B26 - Interior Ornamentation - Front Door Pull Handles
B71 - Wheels Opening Molding - PAINTED / Colored
B72 - Black Door Reveal Molding; Exterior Molding Belt Reveal - PAINTED / Colored
B77 - Black Windshield Reveal Molding; Exterior Molding Windsheild Reveal - PAINTED / Colored
0
B79 - Ornamentation; Rear End; Black Deck Lid Molding
B88 - Body Side Moldings; Protective Wide Body Side; Molding B/S - Custom; (GN,T-Type Only)
B89 - Black Rear Window Reveal Molding; PAINTED
B91 - Door Edge Guards; Exterior molding door edge guard - Colored / PAINTED
CD4 - Windshield Wiper 2-Speed; With Low Speed Delay Feature
0
C01 - Extra Emblem ornamentation; Fender Grand National Name Plate
C18 - Black Windshield Wiper Arm & Blade
C49 - Rear Window Defogger - Electric; Required in NY state
C60 - Air Conditioning; Manual
D35 - Mirrors, Outside Rear View; Left Driver's Side Remote - Right Side/ Passenger Side Manual
0
D55 - Floor mounted Console, Full Length, Operating; (AR9,AQ9 Seat)
D71 - Gear Assembly Speedo Driven; (#25524925) (appears to be required with analog speedo)
E5Z - Sub Assembly code; Assembled in Pontiac - OR - Adaptor Speed Delete?
FE3 - Sport Suspension System
FFL - Flint, Michigan; Fisher Body Plant #1; BOC
0
GQ1 - Standard Ratio Transaxle
GU6 - 3.42 Ratio Rear Axle; No Charge
G87 - 8.5 Inch Ring Gear
J42 - Brakes; Front Disc, Rear Aluminum Drum Brake
KO9 - 120 Amp Alternator
0
K34 - Cruise Control; Automatic Electronic Cruise Control
LC2 - 3.8L (231 CID) SFI Turbocharged V6 Engine With Intercooler
MW9 - 200 Turbohydromatic Transmission
MX0 - THM 200 4R; Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
NA5 - Federal Emissions Equipment
0
NP5 - Leather Wrapped Sport Steering Wheel
N33 - Tilt Steering Wheel
N83 - Chrome Sport Wheels; Chrome Plated; (4); 15x7 Wheels; Styled
PON - Pontiac plant
QYZ - Tires; P215/65R15 Steel Belted Radials; Blackwall
0
TL6 - Black Grille
TL8 - Exterior Hood Moldings; Black Hood Molding
T43 - Rear Spoiler
T47 - Commercial Body Provisions; Turbo Hood
T83 - Black Headlamp Bezels; Headlamps Special; Headlamp Trim, Painted
0
T93 - Black Taillamp Bezels; Lamps, Tail & Stop - Special; Taillight Trim, Painted
UM6 - AM / FM Stereo Radio; With Cassette Tape+ ETR with Seek/Scan; AutoReverse Cassette; + Clock
UQ1 - Provisions For Stereo Equipment
US6 - Antenna, Fixed; Painted
U23 - Trip Odometer; Speedometer With Trip Odometer
0
U66 - Radio Speakers, Extended Range, Dual Rear; 4 speaker system
VD6 - Front Aluminum Bumper Reinforcements
VD7 - Rear Aluminum Bumper Reinforcements
VH6 - Front Bumper; Black
VK3 - License Plate Front Mounting; Mounting Package
0
V73 - Bumper Guards
WE2 - Special Color Package; GRAND NATIONAL
W11 - Merchandised package; T-Type Appearance Package
YR1 - Custom Front Seat Trim; Front Seat; Custom
YS1 - Custom Rear Seat Trim; Rear Seat; Custom
0
YT1 - Custom Door Trim; Build up Door and Quarter Panel
YT9 - Build up Door and Quarter Panel; Door and Quarter Design (Fisher)
19U - Primary Color; UPPER Color; Lamp Black
6YT - Front Spring - Left; Front Driver's Side Spring Rate ; Production P/N = 14080051 | CODE = YT | Service P/N = 14080052
7YT - Front Spring - Right; Front Passenger's Side Spring Rate; Production P/N = 14080051 | Code = YT | Service P/N = 14080052
0

 

[Heisenberg]

You guys are teaching me a lot. I assume the aluminum in the bumper inserts is just a weight saver? This car has a fixed antenna and I didn't know if it was factory since no US7 code either. I believe original paint too. Minor nicks and stuff as expected but nothing bad. 55K with a good paper trail. I've got 13K in it after shipping. Not too bad on $ for being so original.

Aight.
The Aluminum supports are "just" a weight savings.
And you'll realize that quickly if you ever have occasion to pick up a full steel model vs the alum reinforced version.
So will your back.

What you have is the foundation for a good, low weight GN.
Except for maybe the power windows - but that's cool. ( I understand convenience)
I bet you can get to 3300-3400 lbs easily. Probably better.
Alum rims, hi tech battery; and a few others light weight items and you're there.

Rip those crappy 5 mph shocks off and put some alum bumper supports for additional weight reduction.
Spare tire too.
It's ok - you can store them in the closet for when Barrett-Jackson comes a callin'....

 

[Kyleh24]

Thanks to you both for great information.!!!

 

[Heisenberg]

I see the things you don't have are:

For 86 (not 87) - One Touch Electronic Climate Control (cool but can be costly)
Passenger's side remote mirror
Passenger side Lighted visor vanity mirror (shoot me please)
Twighlight Sentinel
UX1 Stereo
UW4 Concert Sound
CC1 T tops or CF5 Astroroof
UA6 - Theft Deterrent
And the all important - K05 engine block heater - since this weather sucks!