1990 (89?) Turbo for... $80!!!

[Syizm]

I currently own an '87 MR2 - a pretty clean example. They're fast and handle VERY well. (I think the GA might be a little faster, though). I was looking to turbocharge it, and I came across a "1990 Grand Am Turbo Parts Car" in the classifieds. I was curious if they had the T25 - guy said he didn't know so I went to check out the car.

Thats when he said I could have it all for $80 - and nothing is missing except the battery and the igniter coil. The body is straight, but it needs paint. Rear window is out. The hood is unhinged, but seems to be all there. One thing gets me: I thought the 2.0L Turbos only went thru 89... he said it was a 90.

So, I'll probably be picking it up tomorrow. Seems like a pretty good deal.

If the car turns out to be not what I expected I'll just part it out.


Later,
Steve-o

[Myetball]

Welcome to the forums.

The turbos on these cars are T25 equivilants made by AIresearch (M11). I replaced mine with a Garrett T25 off a Nissan engine. Couple things you should look out for on higher mileage engines:

- Camshaft lobes and followers have a tendancy to wear down to nothing
- Heads tend to crack and warp due to high temps. These cars really should have come with intercoolers.
- Cam carriers warp too but are only about $65 for a new one

It's not too expensive to rebuild these things, compared to most import motors. Sounds like the car needs a bit of work. Hope you get it going.