Good luck with your ride. Looks just like my '86 and actually my '87 turbo hatch.
Need '86-7 parts, pm me, have a bunch, new and used... i'm in NJ.
Where did you get the production figures on the '86? Buick never separated production numbers on the turbo from non-turbo models. Even the BCA doesn't have figures on them. Have them for '87's though.
Alan
Buick In 86 only made the hatch back in the T-type and the only why you could get the turbo was with the hatch back. The real # was 712 made and I was told they had to be ordered this was. A dealer for buick where I live told me this. He came running out the door when I pulled up asking me ?, he been with Buick sense 1980. He did all the research on my car for me, that all I can tell you.
Thanks for posting- glad you are saving that puppy! Seems you got the know how and desire. Best of luck.
I had no idea at the time the Turbo T type hatches were so rare. In my area in Morris country NJ, there were several Buick shops and they all had a few non turbo Sport hatches on the lot in the period '86-'87.
As I posted here last year I came within a signature of buying a new red '87 2.0 turbo T type hatch that was on the lot and settled for a much cheaper used '85 Sunbird S/E turbo hatch. Considering I was making 6 bucks an hour at the time it was the logical decision. It is my 'the one that got away' story.
(Quoting a past member)-"Never underestimate a First Gen"
Thank, John My boy would like to show this car, it kind of funny when he tells people what he has they call him a liar saying they only made the t-type in the Sunbird, then he show them the pic.
That should be a interesting project.I am not the guru of jbodys but,do know a touch of things.I have had my 85 type 10 for 13 years and still molding it into something nice(all stock) and have a project slated for it just too busy lately to start it.Good luck and neat car.
Steve... your "source" for info on these vehicles isn't quite correct, i'm afraid. In 1986 Buick offered the Skyhawk T-Type option, which by the way was only a trim option, not the turbo option in the Coupe first. It was available with either the 1.8 litre L-4 injected engine as standard equipment, with a 5 speed manual or automatic. The Turbo engine was available as an option with a 4 speed or automatic.
The Hatchback model wasn't available until the last 6 months of the 1986 production run, with either of the above listed engine/tranny options.
In 1987 the T-type designation was dropped in favor of the sport hatch designation. Engine size went up to 2.0 litres, available with or without a turbo option. Don't ask me what the Coupe was called, I can't find out. There is/was a poster here from Nebraska who has the only known, to me, Turbo Coupe. Maybe he'll chime in with wether it was designated a Sport coupe" or not.
Production figures are: Turbo Coupe 4, yes FOUR! Turbo hatchbacks 5, yep FIVE!
One of the Hatches was owned by a former j-bod member, and was totaled while sitting on the shoulder of an interstate highway. I have the email and copy of accident report on this from OP. His Mom actually worked for GM at the Leeds, Mo. assembly plant back then.
I own 2 of the other hatches.... John Mac, yes it's a red one and the other one is white. A third one is mine very soon and is silver.
FWIW Buick only made the five hatches in one color each. White-Red-Black-Silver and Gray. Can't find the damned Gray one though :>
to save my butt.
Hope this helps you with your reference library concerning these vehicles. Good luck with your build.
Alan
Sweet Car - Go Turbo 1.8!!!
Thank Motorman I will keep that info. I just seen a coupe T-type on the web, so I'm still lost lol. But I can say it rare right.
Like I stated, the T-type was just a trim option, just like the SS option was for Chevy. My friend has an original SS model, he bought it new, and it's a six cylinder automatic.
Has to be a turbo to be even mentioned with the word "rare". As info on these cars begins to trickle out, expect to find some folks making clones of standard t-type cars with the Pontiac turbo engines in them... passing them off as real deals.
Alan
So motorman U have an 1987 turbo 2.0, I see a complete motor on the web with the turbo. ? What kind of Transmission did they put in them, I have a 4 speed don't no who made it. Some say Muncie, I do know they put it in the Pontiac Fiero. The shift reminds me of my old 73 camaro, it is so short and the shift pattern is the same, I know that don't mean nothing.
Steve.... no, I have two '87 turbo hatchbacks, and one more coming soon.
4 speeds were Muncie transmissions. They didn't use the 5 speed Isuzu because it was not strong enough. If you trash a 4 speed you have one heck of a powerplant, or are into abuse :>O !
Wishfull thinking that they are the same as a RWD 4 speed............ Alan
Thanks, that help me out a lot. The transmissions is fine, just like to know what we have. It sound like you are trying to corner the market on hatch back, hmmm that why I can't find part. LOL
