I've come across a 1987 626 Turbo 5 spd. Very clean, recent rebuilt motor and lots of new parts. Seems like its been fairly well loved over its lifetime. Quick search tells me it's got a 2.0 turbo, 120hp, 150 lb/ft. Any specific issues or just typical old car stuff to look out for? Can they take any more than stock boost? Seems like it might be a decent, interesting daily driver or should I forget it?
I really don't know anything about these other than I've sort of liked them over the years.
My brother and I put one of those engines into his 86 626. It was a fun car to drive, but never it never handled as well as my CRX. Don't plan on doing any handling mods to it. The turbo is pretty small and boost won't increase even if you disconnect the wastegate.
We turned it into our $2003 car and put an 89 probe gt engine into it. All that extra torque made it quite fun.
Personally, I'd pass. But I've been there, done that.
I think they're pretty cool.
factory underrated power. a bigger turbo, or just bigger turbo parts really helps. ive seen a seen several high mileage ones hold together at double digit boost levels. while not amazing, definitely a keeper.
The compressor wheel and housing from a later, non-Garrett, Thunderbird turbo will bolt right onto the 626's turbo cartridge yeilding a decent increase in power and efficiency.
The chassis, however, is a prime candidate for a turbocharged FE3 swap wherein a ton of power can be made. ;)
I almost bought one... I truly wish I had.
I've seen it, and will drive it tomorrow. I'm utterly surprised by the lack of horror stories! Any word on parts availability (dealer or aftermarket) for stuff like brakes,shocks,wheel bearings, head gaskets, clutches etc. Stuff you may need for a daily driver. Let's say...in comparison to a Mk2 VW that I'm familiar with?
I say buy it. I have only had experience driving a 91 non-turbo auto 626 and that was a fairly nice car.
doc_speeder wrote:I've seen it, and will drive it tomorrow. I'm utterly surprised by the lack of horror stories! Any word on parts availability (dealer or aftermarket) for stuff like brakes,shocks,wheel bearings, head gaskets, clutches etc. Stuff you may need for a daily driver. Let's say...in comparison to a Mk2 VW that I'm familiar with?
Most parts are easy to find since there were a gazillion of the n/a versions built. GT specific stuff might be a bit harder to find, such as the rear disc brake parts. I couldn't find pads for mine locally at all so I ordered them off rockauto.
There aren't many of these left... I see two or fewer a year. Snap it up while the gettin's good.
