I've got a GXL that burns coolant and is kinda slow. Should I rebuild the motor with lightweight rotors, port mods and what not, then install an aftermarket turbo. Or should I buy an imported J-Spec TII for an 89 and try to build that motor?
I don't want to spend more than $3000.
thanks,
chris
perhaps I should install a regular motor and sell it to buy a TII.

 

Hey, I would go ahead and get an N/A motor and sell the car.

You would have to get the turbo II tranny/rear end/driveshaft if you also got the motor, because the n/a drivetrain is extremely weak. you will also need a new ECU if you go the TII route. it ends up being cheaper to get a TII and starting with that

 

it already has a TII trans, but I think your right about not messing with the N/A car. Where could I get an 89 style motor for < 2000,
unless I can find used parts, I think It would cost me a lot to get lighter rotors and find a new end housing, or should I stick with rebuilding the 88 motor with 88 parts.
thanks,
chris

 

you can order a j-spec motor from Corksport www.corksport.com

for under 2000, i think it works out to be like 1150 shipped for the 89 motor. if you buy an 87-88 TII, swap an 89 motor in, things get a bit tricky, i would go ahead and stay with the 88 motor. these rotors have lower compression and allow you to run higher boost safely. the 89-91 engines however have a superior turbo system, but this is irrelevant if you are putting your own turbo on.

 

Are you SURE it is a TII transmission? Does the transmission case have "ribs" or is it smooth? Is the bellhousing removeable, or is it part of the transmission? If so, I say go ahead with a TII swap, you still have to change the ECU and the engine wiring harness, and run a couple of wires, but it's worth it.

Brad

 

it is a TII (at least that's what the guy told me), I put it in myself. I switched trans, flywheel, starter, the guy I got the trans from gave me a drive shaft that had the TII adapter on the front and a N/A adapter on the rear.
I'm thinking that the one I pulled out was smooth and the one I put in was ribbed with a removable bell housing. I definitly know that the trans in it now is more compact.
thanks,
chris