Comments on: Cheap 1988 Pontiac Sunbird GT Turbo Convertible

By: CCFisher

CCFisher — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 02:31:21 +0000

In reply to Jwzg.

165 HP from an 8-valve 2.0L turbo without benefit of an intercooler was definitely impressive, but a bit risky from an engineering standpoint. The engine was subject to some serious thermal stresses, and it wasn’t all that durable in naturally aspirated form.

The 150-hp version of the Quad4 was the mild version. The Quad4 in my 5-speed Grand Am made 180HP, and there was an Olds version that put out 190HP. The Turbo 2.0 made more torque, though.

By: Blake, does my opinion really matter ???

Blake, does my opinion really matter ??? — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 02:05:28 +0000

PS, remember when TURBO was such a marketing buzz word? If you do, your getting to be antique like the cars on this site just like me ha ha ha LOL!!! I remember when even a new Hoover vacuum proudly displayed a TURBO label. OMG even shaving cream spray cans bragged about turbo action in the 80s. the 80s, everything worth a poo MUST BE TURBO!

By: Blake, does my opinion really matter ???

Blake, does my opinion really matter ??? — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 02:00:18 +0000

Wow, I’m tempted to have classic cars in full size again, and at this price, I could almost afford to. Sometimes a 1500+ collection of models is not the same as a real life size collectible car. My mums had a 1990 Sunbird LE sedan in turquoise with red body accents and a backlit red dashboard. Mom still misses and talks about that car! This car has got to go up in value sometime, someone please grab it and give it a good home! I would if I could, but right now I just can’t, or I for sure would.

By: Glenn Schwass

Glenn Schwass — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 01:06:12 +0000

A co-worker had one with a hard top. He hated the radio so it took it apart and cut one of the LED pins so it lost a digit. He then asked for a different radio and got it. I left that job and don’t know how well it did but he took good care of his cars. He had a creampuff of a Maverick before that, which was clean.

By: Lothar... of the Hill People

Lothar... of the Hill People — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:07:31 +0000

In reply to Mike Stephens.

Mike-
Thanks for that. I’ve submitted a whole bunch so its hard to remember sometimes, especially when I see a Wisconsin one. Pewaukee is only about an hour from my home and if I was in the market, I’d snap this up for $3500.
I REALLY like Barn Finds so I’m happy to be part of the process and I get a kick out of seeing my name on here.
BTW, good write up, Mike… keep up the good work!
~Lothar… of the Hill People

By: Mike Stephens

Mike Stephens — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:43:27 +0000

In reply to Lothar… of the Hill People.

Hi Lothar…

Thanks for your message! We didn’t get any reader notifications on this one, it was actually spotted by the Barn Finds staff a couple of days ago, but you’ve sent us many great tips and we’d like to express our gratitude for your spotting so many cool rides and sharing them with us, please keep them coming in the future!

By: Stan

Stan — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:55:20 +0000

In reply to Tim.

Cheerful little cruiser. A stick shift would really add to the convertible 🌞 ⛱️ fun, but turbos do pair well w autoloaders.

By: nlpnt

nlpnt — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:14:32 +0000

It was seldom ordered, but you could get the GT package with this nose on a wagon. Was that as close to a wagon with pop-up headlights you could get from the factory?

By: Jwzg

Jwzg — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:46:21 +0000

Specific output from the 2.0 L turbo was quite impressive for the day—especially for a 2-valve engine. The Quad 4 only made 150 hp with .3 liters more displacement. Too bad the car around it was dynamically inferior to the Toyotas and Hondas of the day in every way.

By: Jim in FL

Jim in FL — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:26:17 +0000

Hey, my girlfriend in 1995 had one of these. Slightly later model, exposed headlights with the v6, same white, same interior and a black top. Was a great car for 23 year old kids. If it were closer, sure at that price.

I would go on a limb and call it reliable. We drove it all over the US for a couple years with no issues.

By: Lothar... of the Hill People

Lothar... of the Hill People — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:17:42 +0000

Mike Stephens who gave you the tip on this one? I honestly can’t remember if it was me or not but it looks like something I’d share w/ BF.

I worked at a church / monastery back in the day and the priests and brothers had a couple of these. I used to get to take them to get washed or to buy something at the store once in a while. They moved along nicely!

By: RalphP

RalphP — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:17:03 +0000

Would have liked to see photos with the top up and inside the trunk.

By: Rank

Rank — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:59:49 +0000

In reply to Bryan.

Except for the typical GM build you describe, the V6 was the way to go with these. No turbo lag and more low end grunt.

By: Troy

Troy — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:19:42 +0000

Not bad its about 1700 miles away wonder if I did buy it if I could manage to make it the 1700 miles with the top down for nice weather? Not going to try because I’ve never had good luck with a GM vehicle built after 1977

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:57:24 +0000

Had one with the V6. So many squeaks and rattles.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:49:52 +0000

Seems like a good price. It would be nice to see a photo or 2 with the top up.