mbean

We have a 1986 turbo that was converted to a dedicated track car a few years ago. All the typical issues have been taken care of (control arms, newer spindles, water pump, solid bushings, Bilstein cup suspension, belts, full cage, and many more). The motor was replaced with a rebuilt one, and had an oil baffle installed. The serial number on the motor is m44/09 46j02784. Looking in the archives it seems the block is a 1988 NA. Is this correct, and are there any differences between the turbo block and the NA? Most of the posts I have seen deal with converting an NA to a turbo, and point out its not worthwhile to do so, but Pervy ran the vin and it was originally a turbo with LSD. Are there any issues involved with this? It was done by a professional mechanic, not the PO.
Thanks for any help!

Van

The blocks are very similar, if not identical. It's all the other stuff that makes turbo charging an NA that are hard.

rlm328

Blocks are basically the same. You can use the NA block for a turbo application.

lart951

actually some would consider the 88na block to be a better choice than a 86 turbo block

333pg333

I also had a n/a head on one of my motors a few years ago. Would be deemed not as good as the turbo without the ceramic liners but it did the job.

lart951

Anybody ever heard of problems when using a na head without the ceramic?

mbean

Thanks for the replies. What's better about the 88 block compared to the 86? The guys that did the build did very nice work, and my mechanic likes the work they did. It's having a two piece cross over with heat treating (Lindsey Racing) installed but unless this snow goes away it will be a long wait until spring.
Buzz

V2Rocket

...that Lart probably has one in stock ready to ship

bebbetufs

Mid 87+ blocks have enlarged oil passages. You can spot the difference on the outside of the block on the right hand side looking forward. There are small bulges on the casting where the oil passages intersect the main oil gallery.