1986 Chrysler Other

Hatchback

2.2 Turbo 1

Manual

1C3BA44K4GG303538

Clear

Gasoline

This is a1986 Chrysler Laser base model originally equipped with a 2.5 automatic. I am the second owner and have had it since about 1990. Around 1999 I purchased a NOS in the crate A- 523 5 speed manual transmission and installed it in the car along with a new Borg & Beck clutch. The correct manual trans K member was swapped in as was the correct clutch pedal assembly, console and computer. At the same time, I upgraded much of the suspension and brakes as follows: The mileage at that time was 163,435. Hubs: 1990 and up steering knuckles with bolt in hubs. NOS Chrysler hub bearing assemblies were fitted. Front Brakes: The larger 1993 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan brakes (Rotors,calipers, and caliper brackets). Calipers were rebuilt with NOS Chrysler seal kits. Rotors were replaced with new aftermarket units. Rear Brakes: The larger vented disc brakes were swapped in from a 1989 Shelby Daytona (calipers, caliper brackets, rotors). Calipers were rebuilt using NOS Chrysler seal kits. Rotors were replaced with new aftermarket units. Front suspension: The coil springs were replaced with H.D. used ones from a 1986 Carrol Shelby edition Dodge Daytona. They were bead blasted and epoxy coated black. NOS upper bearing plates were installed. New KYB struts installed. New ball joints installed. New Addco H.D. sway bar installed and all bushings replaced with urethane units. Rear Suspension: H.D.Coil springs from a 1986 Daytona Carrol Shelby edition installed after being bead blasted and epoxy coated.New KYB shocks installed. New Addco sway bar and urethane bushings installed. Master Cylinder: A NOS Chrysler master cylinder for the 93 Town & Counrty was installed with a larger capacity brake booster. The proportioning valve was also swapped in from a 1989 Shelby daytona. Wheels and Tires: I have three Konig Elysee 16" rims on the car and one Chrysler Town & Country 16" lace wheel. I hit a 4 x 4 on the beltway that cracked the other Konig wheel and haven't been able to find a repacement. Tires are Bridgestone Potenza 205 - 50R16's. They are acouple of years old and still have plenty of tread on them. Steering: I replaced the rack and pinion unit about 5 years ago with a rebuilt quick ratio unit (TRW I think) but it developed a slight leak from almost the beginning. Steers great, just annoying having to top off the steering pump now and again. Engine: About 2002 I obtained a 1985 2.2 turbo 1 engine from a co-worker that had about 120,000 miles and swapped this in with the computer. It ran well for many years then showed signs of a slight head gasket leak. I later found out he had put a new head gasket on the engine and had studded the block with the larger diameter head bolts/studs. The bolt holes in the block were apparently hand tapped resulting in many of the studs not being perpendicular to the head mating surface. The head bolt holes then had to be die ground and elongated in order to fit the studs. As a result, I would deem the block and head casting as no good. I put stop leak in the cooling system and continued to drive it for many years. After its been sitting for a week or so, it starts hard and often acts as if it wants to stall until it warms up a for a couple of minutes, then runs fine. It still runs pretty strong but I'm afarid to push it too much because of the head gasket problem. If you are thinking of making this a reliable driver, I'd definitely plan on replacing the engine. Transmission: As I stated above, the transmission is a A-523 5 speed originally purchased new in the crate. It has had Amsoil synthetic in it from day one and still shifts like new. The clutch also still has plenty of use in it. Body: There are small through holes rusted through the floor pan adjacent to the rear of the front fenders. The drivers side was patched with fiberglass but the passenger side is untouched. There is also some considerable through rust on the rear of the passenger side rocker panel where it meets the quarter panel( see pictures). I can also see some through holes on the rear suspension cross member. I replaced the front sheetmetal on the car with that from a 86 Laser XT around 2003 or so. I have a good used XT rear bumper and the side aero claddings that I never got around to installing as well as an extra left front fender. As you can see from the pictures, the paint from the doors rearward including the roof is original. The front clip was repainted when the XT parts were installed and the clear coat, especially the hood, is starting to peel. The front clip was replaced after a minor front end collision. Damage was generally isolated to the sheetmetal which was all replaced at that time with the Laser XT parts. The Interior: The front seats have some wear which is why I have seat covers over the original fabric seats. The back seat is real nice and clean. I also have a nice pair of original door panels(same pattern and color as original) that I bought but never installed. Other Options: Power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, heated rear window, rear window louvers. The radio in the car now is the only thing in or on the car I'm keeping. I will replace the current radio with a standard AM/FM unit. This was my daily driver for almost 25 years and I love the way it handles and brakes. It still drives great and has current tags and inspection. I prefer it on trips to my Jeep Grande Cherokee but its looking real tired. I just can't see putting any more time or effort into it. I have too many other pressing projects. I'm hoping someone might be able to buy it and use it for a parts car. I also have quite a few extra parts that go with it. Many electrical parts, relays etc. I have the 1986 CS Daytona front sway bar and a good used cylinder head assenbly. Please email me if you have any questions. What does it need? The battery is shot and needs to be replaced. I had it checked at Sears auto center and it showed a dead short. If anyone wants to buy the car and drive it away, I will pick up the battery and install it if you purchase it. Otherwise, you'd need to bring your own battery to drive it away. Other than a battery, the car needs nothing to be able to drive it away.