1987 Buick Grand National Twin Turbo Install - Dynamic Duo

hen installed in the GN, these two entrances to the meaty cooler will be facing downward on the passenger side. Notice the embossed logo and quality welds.

As you can see here, ESP customer Paul Brous of West Chester, Pennsylvania, dropped off his'87 GN quite a while ago, and Tony already completed the teardown of the intercooler, turbo, downpipe, crossover, manifolds, and other plumbing. The first order of business is making room for the second turbo. Part of the wiring harness needs to be separated from the loom, then relocated and re-loomed. The battery must be relocated as well, but Paul's been at this game a long time and already did so (like many die-hard racers).

Tony cleans the heads before installing a set of Cometic gaskets that come with the kit, as well as the new turbo manifolds.

The kit also includes ARP manifold bolts, which he treats with antiseize and tightens with a 3/8 socket and 37 lb-ft.

The stock 15mm bolts can be reused on the ESP power steering relocation bracket. Fabrication of this particular piece required a lot of R&D, says Tony and John, in order to get the fitment just right.

Removing the high-pressure power steering hose is the most labor-intensive and difficult part of the install (as it tends to seize). The stock hose could be reused, but ESP prefers to upgrade to a stainless steel, braided Teflon piece. Some manipulation of the line's shape is required.

Both an 11/16 and 18mm wrench are required on the high-pressure line, as well as 3/4 inch on the fittings. Tony waits until the pulleys are bolted up before tightening the fittings.

Once the newly supplied idler pulley is installed with an 18mm socket,...

...the tensioner and alternator can be reinstalled with the 15mm factory hardware.