Valve Springs

[GNX 305]

First post on this site, hopefully many more. Should original valve springs be replaced due to age or mileage...or both. I have original springs in a 9300 mile car. Not planning on any serious racing, just a few runs to see how she performs. Thanks.

[salvageV6]

Bet dollars to donuts they are shot. Age kills them.

Stockers sucked from the factory. I measured most of 2 sets and they were at 65 lbs. average.

You can have one or two tested easily enough but I wouldn't bother, comp. cams. 980's and no cups worked for me, new guides felpro Viton or GM.

And the Kirban valve spring tool.

[1badTTA]

Mileage has very little to do with is since when the engine is off there are still a few valves open and springs compressed. I replaced mine with 37,000 miles after just 12 years and they were goners. Car wouldn't rev past 4800rpm so you would have to let out to shift. Valve springs and timing chains are a required evil on these engines. With only 9300 miles your chain should still be fine, but the nylon gear does crack easily and it is a good idea to replace it if you ever get the chance. Mine was cracked with only 36,000 miles and a stock replacement only costs about $15 with steel gears.

[tim87tr]

I can give you a comparison on my cars. My 50k mile 87 Turbo T has stock valve springs and is a mostly stock car, and runs lower 12 quarters. My 87 GN had valve springs replaced at 70k mile, and I noticed a big difference in power, although I only have 10 passes on it, but it will mph nearly as well as the lower mile Turbo T.

Where are you located in MI? My brother lives near Holland.

[HairDrier]

Since you are in MI you may want to get together with us and show off the GNX when we get together late this spring in Chelsea.

[GNX 305]

Since you are in MI you may want to get together with us and show off the GNX when we get together late this spring in Chelsea.
What is going on in Chelsea, I would be more than happy to come out with the GNX. I just bought the car and am picking it up Tue. The fact that I have my own tractor and 53' ft enclosed car hauler just makes it that much easier. Besides I have practiced on GNX 001 a couple of times, so I should have no problem with 305. Thanks for the info on the springs. I was planning on replacing them anyway, but it sure is nice to have everyone in agreement. KPG

[HairDrier]

We get together in the spring and fall and bullshit and scare the hell out of all the Vipers in town (The Chrysler proving grounds are very close to there)

Last fall we had probably 10 TR's, two Typhoons and a TTA, and a Vette. That was with pretty cold temps too

Keep an eye on the "Great Lakes" forum in the spring for a date and time. Hopefully you wont be on the road when we do it. Hell I may be driving truck by then and I might be on the road :albert:

[GNX 305]

We get together in the spring and fall and bullshit and scare the hell out of all the Vipers in town (The Chrysler proving grounds are very close to there)

Last fall we had probably 10 TR's, two Typhoons and a TTA, and a Vette. That was with pretty cold temps too

Keep an eye on the "Great Lakes" forum in the spring for a date and time. Hopefully you wont be on the road when we do it. Hell I may be driving truck by then and I might be on the road :albert:

When you say we.... do you mean a local club or just a group of TR fans. I would like to start going to some Buick events. I had a mint 11K mile gn for the last couple of years and never did get to many events. Although I take cars to St. Ignace and Woodward every year for GM I never have any room left for my car. Thenagain there never seems to be enough time to do what you want anyway. Hopefully you wont be driving a truck by then!! Honest living but not very glamorous. KPG

[GNX 305]

We get together in the spring and fall and bullshit and scare the hell out of all the Vipers in town (The Chrysler proving grounds are very close to there)

Last fall we had probably 10 TR's, two Typhoons and a TTA, and a Vette. That was with pretty cold temps too

Keep an eye on the "Great Lakes" forum in the spring for a date and time. Hopefully you wont be on the road when we do it. Hell I may be driving truck by then and I might be on the road :albert:

When you say we.... do you mean a local club or just a group of TR fans. I would like to start going to some Buick events. I had a mint 11K mile gn for the last couple of years and never did get to many events. Although I take cars to St. Ignace and Woodward every year for GM I never have any room left for my car. Thenagain there never seems to be enough time to do what you want anyway. Hopefully you wont be driving a truck by then!! Honest living but not very glamorous. KPG

[HairDrier]

Not a club, just a group of turbo guys. Bill (Renthorin), Jeremy (nocooler) and Don (Don3d) here, some guys from syty.net and a bunch of other guys that I cant remember right now.

Buick Performance Group is having their nationals in OH in August, and of course the big daddy is in Norwalk OH in May. I want to get to Norwalk for my first Nationals this year, but my wife is due with our second child in May :SHOCKED:

[Doober]

Whats coming to norwalk, I live about 45 minutes away and would love to take the GN to the track for the first time since getting it running good. :elefant:

[d0n_3d]

What is going on in Chelsea, I would be more than happy to come out with the GNX. I just bought the car and am picking it up Tue. The fact that I have my own tractor and 53' ft enclosed car hauler just makes it that much easier. Besides I have practiced on GNX 001 a couple of times, so I should have no problem with 305. Thanks for the info on the springs. I was planning on replacing them anyway, but it sure is nice to have everyone in agreement. KPG

I thought GNX #001 was owned by Buick themselves??? how did you get ahold of it??? or did they end up auctioning it off or something?

[GNX 305]

I thought GNX #001 was owned by Buick themselves??? how did you get ahold of it??? or did they end up auctioning it off or something?
I wish GNX 001 was mine!!. Idid not express myself clearly..as usual. I work for an enclosed car hauler here in MI and we move all of GM's show,media,motorsport and classic vehicles.GNX 001 is being transported all the time to different shows and events. It is probably tucked away for the winter because there are not too many car classic car shows right now, but come spring time that car will be moved alot. 001 is an odd car in many ways. When I started my own search for a GNX I did all the research on what to look for in order to authenticate the vehicle. The blower should have a sticker from ASC... not GM, The trunk RPO must have a code of T2L, The black body plate at the base of the windshield should be stamped GNX, The IC tag should say GNX with Garrett and ASC part numbers, the door should have a tag from ASC with a modification date, correct turbo and suspension. I took a long look at 001 in the warehouse where it was stored,... kind of a "trial" inspection so I would know where everything is. Only problem is 001 does not have all the gnx specific items. No GNX stamped in the rear end cover, no GNX on the body plate. Heck it does not even have legal tires. One tire was stamped not for street use, and it had a 255 on the front. Clearly this was a prototype. Also it has about 3300 miles on the clock. Pretty nice paint on it. Anyway, just some tidbits of info in case anyone is interested. KPG