1990 Pontiac Grand Prix

Coupe

3.1L 189Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Turbocharged

Automatic

1G5WP14V7LF216955

Clear

GAS

Do you miss Hammer pants? New Kids on the Block? If so, then you'll feel right at home in this 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix ASC McLaren Turbo. Only around 1500 of these were produced, with the 1990 being a little better than the 1988 and 1989 versions due to having ABS. This is the cleanest one of these I've ever seen, and also the lowest mileage with only a little over 51,000 miles on the clock. The exterior is in excellent shape, the paint is deep and reflective (Grand Prix Turbos received special hand paint jobs). There are a couple of small rock chips on the hood, but that's about it. The 16" gold cross-lace rims are flawless. The Gatorback Z rated tires have about 90% tread left on them. All lights and lenses work with no cracks or scuffs. The interior is in wonderful shape. The leather is soft and supple with no rips, tears, or dings. The dash is perfect, without cracks or discoloration. The door panels and clean and in great shape. The headliner is sagging slightly in a couple places. The HUD (Heads Up Display) also works perfectly, as does the "information center" at the front of the shifting console. This system provides a digital compass, as well as all kinds of information on the car (service intervals, fuel range, avg. mpg, etc.). There is a little bit of wear on the shifter knob, and there is a tape stuck in the tape deck. Occasionally the "low gas" light will come on, causing the "check gauges" light to come on. The gas gauge works normal and accurately. I have been told this is a common problem with 1990's Pontiacs. The engine is where this car really shines. I have borrowed some of the following information from online websites to how this engine was made: "The cars started life as regular Grand Prixs but not completed, final assembly took place at ASC McLaren, the same folks who built earlier GM supercars such as the Buick GNX and the Pontiac Turbo Trans Am. The cars recieved more than just a hot motor there, the paint was applied by hand and is a much higher grade than other Grand Prixs and other GM cars of the era. For the engine it received a special built 3.1L V6 that was unique to the Turbo Grand Prix run through a 4T60 4 speed automatic with overdrive. This was not a "corporate" engine as the regular 2.8 and 3.1 V6s of the time which were used in other versions of the W-body such as the Lumina, Buick Regal, and Olds Cutlass Supreme. None of the other makes offered a turbo model. The engine developed 205HP and 225lb ft of torque. This may not seem like much today as many four cylinder engines far exceed that but for 1989 this was a marvel of modern engineering. Keep in mind for example the top of the line 1990 GTA Trans Am with a 5.7L V8 only made 225HP. Differences over the normally aspirated 3.1L engine do not stop with the factory Garrett T-25 turbo. The iron block iron was added with 20% nickel content to improve strength, very small amount of tin for same, both additions unique to the VIN V code engine. The compression ratio was also lowered to 8.78:1, forged rods were used, strengthened crank, special oil pump, unique intakes, aluminum heads, stainless steel exhaust and of course factory intercooled." What I love about this car is that everything works, and I mean everything. Every switch, button (and there seem to be thousands of them), gauge, dial, etc. are in working order. Of special note are the power lumbar seats....you can adjust these every way to Sunday! Personally I like to dial it in to where it's got a vice grip like hold on you. This Grand Prix of course has the WS6 suspension package and while the term "handles like it's on rails" is really over-used in car descriptions, I can think of no other way to describe it. There were only a couple options available for the Grand Prix Turbo, and those were leather interior, power sunroof, and a CD player. This car doesn't have the CD player, but has the leather and power sunroof. This car has not been modified in any way. Computer chips are available to improve performance but, frankly, I've never had a problem blowing the doors off cars that have challenged me at a stoplight. This is really a sleeper if there ever was one. It does need rear struts, and I have reflected that in the price of the car. This is maybe my favorite car of any that I've owned and I'm sorry to see it go, but I've got other projects to work on and this one spends a lot of time just sitting....when it should be being driven! Car just passed NJ Inspection with no issues. Please feel free to ask any questions.