89 Engine mods

[csheeran]

hi, thinking of buying a 1989 gte, has a 100,000 on the clock with fsh, seems in reasonably good condition. obviously the engine has worn and lost power over the years. What is the best way to regain this lost power and even get a little more without too many mods. Not too keen on loud exhaust.
would it be very hard to squease 110-120bhp out of a car like this without going crasy on engine mods.
also is the steering on the nova's very heavy??

Cheers.

[mowgli]

if the bottom end is rebuilt, & it has a decent head job & cam, then it should be easy. nova steering should be very light.

[csheeran]

what is involved in a bottom end rebuild, head job being skimming and replacing?? cam, replace with modified or new original??

Cheers.

[mowgli]

any engine from the eighties that has done that sort of mileage would need a stripdown & everything measuring up, but new bearings & piston rings would be a minimum before embarking on any performance mods. the std head would benefit from the valves being re-lapped.

a properly modified head is done on an exchange basis, but there are loads of performance cams available. it depends on your budget really.

[Nova_Tek]

I agree. If you are gonna be keen on the car the get the engine rebuilt geting all worn engine parts sorted so you can restore the cars original power. At the same time whilst the engine is open and you got some cash you can do some headwork.

The steering will be heavy when parked but should be much lighter when driving around even being able to use one hand in some instances.