T4 to T2 conversion

[Tony Fields]

I am having some issues with my GTC VNT (smoking)

I put a reman head and new turbo on about 8,000 miles
ago to cure the problem. Didn't work! I think the bores
might be the problem.

I can get a complete T2 engine with less than 90,000
miles on it. (1988)

Would there be any issues in using this engine if I use a
grainger valve to control boost instead of the computer?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

[SpiritedShelbys]

why not just rebuild your stock shortblock? It's one of the strongest 2.2's they made from the factory.. Depending upon what the cylinder walls and bearings look like you might not have to go very far with it. Most likely it's just rings.. I had to replace 'em on my CSX at 120K on the clock. They were TOAST..

[bradp]

If my memory serves me correctly, there was an issue with the baffling in the Valve Cover on the Dodge VNT cars causing smoke. I don't remember if there was a TSB on this or not.

[SpiritedShelbys]

not in my case... the rings definitely gave up. You should do a compression and leak down test before concluding anything. Are you sure the reman head IS a complete turbo head with correct parts before installing? My experience with reman stuff is horrible often with replacing parts which weren't correct. Now I just rebuild my stock stuff, it's easier and cheaper in the long run.