Finally got my project 88 today

[btchn1]

Well, I finally got my car. Hopefully it doesn't turn out to be just a headache though. Its a 1988 Grand Am with the 2.0 Turbo. It got tore down to the head a few years back and never got put back together. The car itself is awsome. The paint and body are almost perfect and the interior is only missing the light switch panel to the left of the steerign wheel, and the steering wheel feels like it has some broken bolts cause it kinda moves up and down, and side to side a lot more then it should. Has anyone else seen this? The only other thing is a small peice of trim plastic broken in the back that I can steal from my other GA. Other then that I need to get the motor peices from the trunk back onto the motor. If anyone wants pictures I'll try to put some up, so you can see what I'm working with. I just ordered a chiltons manual from ebay for $9 shipped. Can't wait to get started. Peace, Lee

[btchn1]

Checked out the turbo today and it spun perfectly. It does have a little wooble to it though. Is that normal? If not what causes it and can it be fixed? My brother, who has seen a bunch of desiel turbos says it feels like maybe the bearings are out if it has them. Do they have bearings, or bushings? Are which ever replacable? thanks for the help, Lee

[Hybrid T2T3]

my steering wheel does the same thing, i just noticed a few days ago. i think its from racing, i hold on a little to tight sometimes. i havent looked at it but i hope its loose bolts.

[ritzard]

the shaft on the turbo shouldent move really at all id have it checked out b4 putting it on the motor.

[btchn1]

I guess the turbo can be rebuilt for around $200. Not to bad and I think it would be worth it. As for the steering wheel thing, I think it is just like the 3rd gen camaro. It had two or three bolts that would loosen up. I need to tear into the case and tighten them back up and not forget the lock tight. Peace, Lee

[ramairgt2]

another problem could be the steering knuckle inside of the colum.. i have seen that before too but check it out and see what happens...
i do know that if you remove the black plastic below the dash you can get to two bolts that hold the colum up in place and it was like a half inch socket to tighten them , hope this helps you out

[ramairgt2]

one other thing i forgot to add is that you have to remove the plastic trim around the bottom of the colum and then you should have pretty much full view of things

[btchn1]

I haven't really looked to deep on the steering wheel problem, but if it stops raining today I will take a look. I didnt think you could take the plastic off around the steering colum. I thought it wold be like the camaro and I'd have to remove the steering wheel then the colum guts to get to the bolts I am thinking of. Peace, Lee

[btchn1]

I found a guy at www.dallasturbo.com and he can sell me a rebuild kit for $120 or do it for me at $245. I think I will give it a shot as I am a DIYer. If anyone can tell me anything about this place please let me know. Peace, Lee

[Hybrid T2T3]

ok, i tore apart my steering wheel, it waz 3 bolts. good thing i took care of it now, the damn thing was about to fall off. thanks for the help.

[ritzard]

about rebuilding the turbo your self id pay the money to have them do it just to be sure its rebuilt right.

[btchn1]

I personally like to do everything for myself. Its the only way I learn. If it seems to be to much I can send then my turbo and the purchased kit and they will wip it out for me. But I think I will try first. Peace, Lee

[ritzard]

i agree with you im a hands on learner as well but when it comes to things that need to be right to work i let profesionals do it and i find me a broken one that im not useing to try and learn on for the future.

[btchn1]

Thats a good point and if all goes well I'm getting another 88 turbo ga for parts and learning. I think I will dissasemble that turbo and mess around with it also. If anyone needs some parts from an 88 turbo ga let me know. The car is in pretty good condition, I think the motor is blown up though. Peace, Lee

[Hybrid T2T3]

im not sure but i think that a turbo has to be balanced when its rebuilt, if you can i would buy a cartrige, i belive they come pre balanced, or maybe they balance them with the turbines on, you better find out before you go through the trouble.
i had mine rebuilt and upgraded with a 60 trim compresser wheel for about 550 dollars, and it came with a six month warrenty.

[ritzard]

Thats what i mean by has to be right i know a turbos do not work correctly if not 100% right when put togethor it leaves no room for error and trial and error with a turbo can make things worse than what it started out to be.

Its why im haveing someone else do my turbo actually im buying a pre rebuilt one from bc Canada for 450 canadain thats with the $200 core charge i get for sending them my broken turbo.

If you were to buy it outright its $650 Canadain.

If you need info on the shop im dealing with let me know ill be glad to help its the cheapest place ive see to buy the turbo yet.

[Goon]

I just had my turbo rebuilt, cost me 880, and that was with a bigger wheel. I was going to attempt it myself, but then i looked into it and there are some clearences that are a millionth of an inch, so i figured id let them do it. Ritzard, where are you getting your turbo? I got mine done at ADP Distributors, they told me it would cost 1330 for a new one and 245 for the core. They were the only ones i could find with the turbo. If your getting one for so cheap i wouldnt mind buying another one.

[ritzard]

hmm thats funny this is the exact words bruce groner from adp distributers sent me

Good morning Richard
I have rebuilt turbo in stock here cost is $650.00 cdn exchange 200.00
for core

maby the bigger wheel cost the difference i dunno tho.

[Goon]

thats funny,

I had some woman email me back, she said they have one on the shelf and it would be 1330 and 245 for the core. Then i sent it in and jim? (cant remember) said it would be 800 to rebuild the one i sent in with the wheel.

[Myetball]

I've talked with Dallas Turbo before about getting mine rebuilt. Mine had a blow seal and needed a new center section. Quote was $625 for complete rebuild.

I ended up getting a rebuilt T25 off a Nissan CA18DET (1.8 liter DOHC turbo) for $355. I'm installing it now and will need to put new water connectors on as the Nissan turbo uses smaller fittings. Also, the BOV actuator doesn't mount the same and will require some fabrication....nothing difficult.

The head with new camshaft is already on and I hope to have it running tomorrow, 29 Oct.