Tony Cerulle

2literturbo


Location: Wakefield, Massachusetts
Joined: Wednesday, September 3, 2003
Last Update: Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Last Seen: Friday, February 10, 2023

Email: unlisted
Web Page: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2237171/1987-pontiac-sunbird

1987 Pontiac Sunbird GT

About This Vehicle:

It's a convertible. I used to think they were pretty common but now I don't see many around. I haven't seen any turbo Sunbirds (or Skyhawks) in a while, actually and they were pretty common once. According to Pontiac Historical Services there were 1505 GT converts built in 1987. 9/24/03 Went 14.17 at 95 mph at Lebanon Valley dragway! July 2004 went 13.61@97.22! Wahoo!! In 2008 I again went 13.61 but at 101 mph. In Oct 2011 it dynoed at 262 whp/350 wtq

Body Style: Convertible
Color: Black and gray
Engine: 2.0L I4 SOHC Turbo
Transmission: Automatic
Interior: cloth / gray
Purchase Date: 9/6/03
Purchased From: my sister
Build Date: May 1987

Manufacturer Options

  • Power everything

Quarter Mile Timeslips:
 01:11 PM - 24/Sep/03 - Lebanon Valley New York (14.172@94.83)


MODIFICATIONS

Engine:
  • 9/7/03 Added K&N cone filter in grille area. 9/14/03 added 3"down pipe and 2 1/2" dual exhaust. Added Turbo T/A fuel pump. Added VDO boost gauge. 9/21/03 Added GN intercooler and B&M tranny cooler
  • Added Ned Southwick's boost controller and MAP bleed
  • cut and threaded wastegate rod
  • turned boost up to 14 psi. Added 180 thermostat and fan relay ground switch. 9/28/03 added Superior shift kit. Turned boost up to 15 psi. 10/4/03 added Nordskog rich/lean gauge 10/9/03 added MSD coil Late October 2003 added rebuilt Grand Prix turbo@17 psi August 2004 went to Walbro 340 fuel pump. Added Paxton adj FPR
  • Bell FMU
  • Mopar 52 lb/hr injectors
  • Fiero 54 MM TB
  • VDO EGT & pillar pods
  • DSM 1G blow off valve (modified)
  • July 2005 new eng/trans installed. ARP rod bolts
  • 1/2" head studs
  • ported and flowed cyl head
  • ceramic coated modified intake with GN (60 MM) throttle body
  • oil cooler
  • alum oil pan
  • tube header with modified Mitsubishi TD06 turbo
  • camshaft advanced 2 degrees and adjustable cam pulley
  • homemade 160 degree thermostat
  • custom oversize radiator
  • Humongous intercooler (4" x 12" x 31") with 2 1/2" piping
  • Removed Bell FMU - will custom tune computer from here on. Converted computer prom to 3 bar MAP- thanks Shannen! Modified 125 transmission with 3.42 axle ratio and LSD unit. February 2006 removed engine and trans to replace crank and bearings. Had Mitsubishi TD06 modified with Garrett T04E 57 trim compressor wheel. Had transmission further modified. Fabricated custom trans servo. Shifts hard now!
Suspension/Wheels/Brakes:
  • 10/03 Added Cavalier Z-24 16" wheels and 205/55R-16 Goodyear RSA's. Cut 1/2 coil from rear springs and 1 coil from front springs. KYB GR2 gas struts and shocks all around. Swapped to 1992 Cavalier front knuckles and brakes
Interior:
  • VDO boost gauge at dash area. 10/04/03 Added Nordskog rich/lean gauge at dash. Aug 2004 added VDO EGT and pillar pods July 2005 added SW water temp gauge in custom panel October 2005 added Dakota Digital boost gauge October 2005 added Innovate wide band O2 November 2005 added MSD Knock alert Oct 2011 Autometer digital boost gauge replaced Nordskog
Audio:
  • August 2004 added 1992 GMC Typhoon CD player and new dash speakers Oct 2011 added Sony Xplod stereo and Sirius radio
Miscellaneous:
  • 10/6/03 Made hood louvers functional 10/13/03 bought spare engine and trans so I can plan some more wacky @$%&! for the future. Ordered Engineered Tech LSD unit
  • Picked up Grand Prix turbocharger to rebuild and swap on soon
  • 10/03 Turbo done!
  • July 2005 removed Air conditioning
Future:
  • Big downpipe and exhaust
  • fuel pump upgrade
  • Ned's boost control and Map bleed
  • 9/25/03 all that's done! Want to add larger turbo
  • larger throttle body and MSD coil
  • Turbo and coil are done 10/03! Want to add switch to lock up convertor manually during 1/4 mile runs
  • Done! Want to reposition / increase inlet size of intercooler necks
  • Done! Would like to come up with a rear disc conversion economically. Would like to lower it
  • add KYB shocks and struts
  • brake upgrade
  • 10/17/03 those are done! Repair a few body flaws and paint it April 2006-Everything is done except body work and paint.Those'll be the last things I do. Computer tuning continues. Hopefully go to the track this spring.