Whats the differences between 87-88 T2's and 89-91 T2's? Im talking mechanics...I know the tail lights are different, and they have different rims and stuff....But whats different drivetrain wise? Or power wise?

 

New twin scroll turbocharger

Higher compression

Lighter rotors

Those are a few mechanical differences that come to mind immediately.

 

89-91 have different turbo, I believe manifold as well.
They also have different rotors with slightly higher compression.
the 86-88 use a mechanical oiling system while the 89-91 have a different (electrical??) type.
The 89-91 are good for about 10% more power than the comparable 86-88.

 

Damn it Jerry.... I was trying to be the helpful one here and you had to go and sneak your post in before mine

At least we agreed with our explanations

 

So if Im going to go with a different turbo anyways, does it really matter which year I go with?

 

the 89 up uses an electrical oil metering system, has a twin-plunger tps, and a few other small differences. turbo wise the 89 up has a better turbo in that it is more efficient, runs more boost stock, a vastly improved wastegate design and a different manifold. internally the 89 up has lighter rotors, higher compression, and a higher max rpm(9000 vs. 8000). if you are talking about buying a 2nd gen, the 89 up is considered a better car because you have more power to start off with(202 instead of 180). the 89 up has a better motor in my opinion, but you can run more boost in an 87 because of its lower compression. the 87 is a lighter car by a small amount, but is virtually the same as the 89.