# 1991 Pontiac Sunbird GT Convertible QUAD 4 POWERED!
**URL:** https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709
**Category:** Builds
**Created:** [April 2, 2013, 6:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709 "2013-04-02T06:19:52Z")
**Posts on this page:** 15
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Draftinwitjr3815](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Draftinwitjr3815)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 6:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/1 "2013-04-02T06:19:52Z")
If you know me well enough, you know that I am into this kinda ugly, forgotten stepchild engine GM + Oldsmobile fathered in 1987…
Anyway I picked this 91’ Sunbird convertible up about 7 months ago with a blown 3.1L V6. The car was already a 5spd so it made this project a bit easier on me.
Its been painted, interior has been updated and repaired, and of course, a new power plant is under the hood that was never available in this car.
1991 W41 2.3L Quad 4 engine. 190HP. 3.94FDR 5spd Getrag gear set.
Here are some before-after pics:
Before:
After:
Hope to see you guys at some shows if they have a “bastard child” sections. lol
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### Author:  [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 7:06am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/2 "2013-04-02T07:06:49Z")
There used to be a guy here username “Protonus” who had one of these that was turbo?
His sig pic:
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### Author:  [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 7:07am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/3 "2013-04-02T07:07:17Z")
My first car was '92 Sunbird GT. I LOVED that car…I’m so glad you did the front end conversion.
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### Author:  [@Matt\_Danger](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Matt_Danger)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 7:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/4 "2013-04-02T07:10:40Z")
> [@Onyx Z32](#):
>
> There used to be a guy here username “Protonus” who had one of these that was turbo?
>
> His sig pic:
>
> 
He should be here shortly.
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### Author:  [@TrueBlue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TrueBlue)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 7:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/5 "2013-04-02T07:16:48Z")
Z/26 Beretta wheels? I remember a guy in college that had one as a beater, caught air off a curb on South Side in Pittsburgh.
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### Author:  [@IllestRolla247](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/IllestRolla247)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 7:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/6 "2013-04-02T07:22:32Z")
> [@Matt Danger](#):
>
> He should be here shortly.
lol
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### Author:  [@misteroman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/misteroman)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 7:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/7 "2013-04-02T07:43:19Z")
Looks nice. Ive been trying to find a nice blk/blk 90z24 with a stick and cant find one anywhere. Almost grabbed a pretty clean beretta indy off ebay a few mos back but it sold.
---------- Post added at 10:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:29 AM ----------
> [@TrueBlue](#):
>
> Z/26 Beretta wheels? I remember a guy in college that had one as a beater, caught air off a curb on South Side in Pittsburgh.
GTZ wheels
---
### Author:  [@Protonus](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Protonus)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 7:45am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/8 "2013-04-02T07:45:20Z")
> [@Onyx Z32](#):
>
> There used to be a guy here username “Protonus” who had one of these that was turbo?
lol ohai. Cool to see a Quad 4 swap, haven’t seen one in a while. Did you already have the engine? What made you go this route? Is that stock suspension? Before I went crazy with my car I was very happy with Apex springs once they settled, with KYB GR2 dampers, if you’re looking to drop it. The stock large GT swaybars and steering rack are pretty good and rotate OK as I’m sure you know. I have 2 rear swaybars on mine now and it oversteers lol. I spun it twice at Dunville.
\Yes I still have my GT Vert but mine is a 1st gen. I haven’t raced it in a few years, I need to get the trans rebuilt and stick an LSD in it. I was focusing on my bike which I crashed last year, and now I have my Saabaru that’s got my attention ATM.
As far as I know my Sunbird is still the most heavily modified in the world - pretty much any functional aspect of the car has been upgraded, at the least I’m the most modified 2.0 T and 1st gen. Here is my mods list, it’s pretty up to date IIRC:
> **[Members - j-body.org - The J-Body Organization](https://www.j-body.org/members/protonus/cars/1)**
>
> The J-Body Organization, j-body.org, is the worlds largest automotive enthusiast group exclusively geared towards the General Motors GM J-car platform including the Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire, Pontiac Sunbird, Pontiac J 2000, Oldsmobile...
The pictures there are outdated. Tons of pictures here:
[http://www.protonus.ws/gallery/v/thecar/](http://www.protonus.ws/gallery/v/thecar/)
including a lot of pics of my crazy suspension/steering/braking systems. If parts of the car look familiar, it’s because Dan aka juicedz4 designed a lot of aspects of my suspension/braking/steering setup and we share a number of parts. He built some of the suspension and did some of my welding, but otherwise, this car was almost entirely built by me. Which is why it’s not nearly as clean as his :lol:
---
### Author:  [@cbass](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/cbass)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 7:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/9 "2013-04-02T07:55:21Z")
> [@Protonus](#):
>
> lol ohai. Cool to see a Quad 4 swap, haven’t seen one in a while. Did you already have the engine? What made you go this route? Is that stock suspension? Before I went crazy with my car I was very happy with Apex springs once they settled, with KYB GR2 dampers, if you’re looking to drop it. The stock large GT swaybars and steering rack are pretty good and rotate OK as I’m sure you know. I have 2 rear swaybars on mine now and it oversteers lol. I spun it twice at Dunville.
>
> \Yes I still have my GT Vert but mine is a 1st gen. I haven’t raced it in a few years, I need to get the trans rebuilt and stick an LSD in it. I was focusing on my bike which I crashed last year, and now I have my Saabaru that’s got my attention ATM.
>
> As far as I know my Sunbird is still the most heavily modified in the world - pretty much any functional aspect of the car has been upgraded, at the least I’m the most modified 2.0 T and 1st gen. Here is my mods list, it’s pretty up to date IIRC:
> [Members - j-body.org - The J-Body Organization](http://www.j-body.org/members/protonus/cars/1)
> The pictures there are outdated. Tons of pictures here:
> [Protonus.ws » The Gallery » The r4c3c4r](http://www.protonus.ws/gallery/v/thecar/)
> including a lot of pics of my crazy suspension/steering/braking systems. If parts of the car look familiar, it’s because Dan aka juicedz4 designed a lot of aspects of my suspension/braking/steering setup and we share a number of parts. He built some of the suspension and did some of my welding, but otherwise, this car was almost entirely built by me. Which is why it’s not nearly as clean as his :lol:
tl;dr
Just buy this one and swap your stuff in. This one looks in better shape. You’ll be happier than you will be with the snaabaru
---
### Author:  [@Protonus](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Protonus)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 8:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/10 "2013-04-02T08:05:33Z")
> [@cbass](#):
>
> Just buy this one and swap your stuff in. This one looks in better shape. You’ll be happier than you will be with the snaabaru
lol @ tl;dr, I even tried to make that a short post.
If I ever buy another J and swap my stuff in, it would be a 1st gen GT or Z24 hatchback, my second favorite J body style, but also way lighter and stiffer. I’m to the point now where chassis flex is my major limiting factor in handling. I can literally feel the car twist when I enter turns hot with it. Kinda sketchy. Plan once I get the trans handled is to remove the Vert rocker braces, get them hard welded to the chassis, and install at least a 6 point cage to reduce flex (and cause I’ll need one for 1/4 mile once I run slicks anyways). Possibly a butterfly brace between the rocker braces.
Swapping my parts in would be gigantic PITA though. Parts of the rear suspension mounting points have been cut off the body and new custom mounting panels welded in. It would be a huge undertaking. Much of it isn’t “bolt on”.
I absolutely love my Saabaru. It is a perfect daily/winter driver. It’s not going anywhere.
---
### Author:  [@ryanbgb22](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ryanbgb22)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 8:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/11 "2013-04-02T08:40:57Z")
> [@Protonus](#):
>
> lol ohai. Cool to see a Quad 4 swap, haven’t seen one in a while. Did you already have the engine? What made you go this route? Is that stock suspension? Before I went crazy with my car I was very happy with Apex springs once they settled, with KYB GR2 dampers, if you’re looking to drop it. The stock large GT swaybars and steering rack are pretty good and rotate OK as I’m sure you know. I have 2 rear swaybars on mine now and it oversteers lol. I spun it twice at Dunville.
>
> \Yes I still have my GT Vert but mine is a 1st gen. I haven’t raced it in a few years, I need to get the trans rebuilt and stick an LSD in it. I was focusing on my bike which I crashed last year, and now I have my Saabaru that’s got my attention ATM.
>
> As far as I know my Sunbird is still the most heavily modified in the world - pretty much any functional aspect of the car has been upgraded, at the least I’m the most modified 2.0 T and 1st gen. Here is my mods list, it’s pretty up to date IIRC:
> [Members - j-body.org - The J-Body Organization](http://www.j-body.org/members/protonus/cars/1)
> The pictures there are outdated. Tons of pictures here:
> [Protonus.ws » The Gallery » The r4c3c4r](http://www.protonus.ws/gallery/v/thecar/)
> including a lot of pics of my crazy suspension/steering/braking systems. If parts of the car look familiar, it’s because Dan aka juicedz4 designed a lot of aspects of my suspension/braking/steering setup and we share a number of parts. He built some of the suspension and did some of my welding, but otherwise, this car was almost entirely built by me. Which is why it’s not nearly as clean as his :lol:
I had an 89 turbo gt convertible. It was such a fun car at 16 years old.
---
### Author:  [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 9:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/12 "2013-04-02T09:47:59Z")
my j-body thing went off.
OP: looks good. :tup:
Dan
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### Author:  [@TrueBlue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TrueBlue)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 10:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/13 "2013-04-02T10:33:08Z")
This thread has become Roclife: Buffalo edition :lol:
Tubular manifold and a strut brace in '91? Heady stuff
---
### Author:  [@2TurboZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2TurboZ)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 11:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/14 "2013-04-02T11:33:46Z")
My first car was a 92 sunbird se…loved it.
Who did the paint work? Looks nice
---
### Author:  [@Draftinwitjr3815](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Draftinwitjr3815)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2013, 8:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1991-pontiac-sunbird-gt-convertible-quad-4-powered/229709/15 "2013-04-02T20:48:49Z")
> [@LUKE\_L](#):
>
> My first car was '92 Sunbird GT. I LOVED that car…I’m so glad you did the front end conversion.
I had to buy a whole car off craigslist for that front end. It was another vert… but rotted to the ground.
> [@Protonus](#):
>
> lol ohai. Cool to see a Quad 4 swap, haven’t seen one in a while. Did you already have the engine? What made you go this route? Is that stock suspension? Before I went crazy with my car I was very happy with Apex springs once they settled, with KYB GR2 dampers, if you’re looking to drop it. The stock large GT swaybars and steering rack are pretty good and rotate OK as I’m sure you know. I have 2 rear swaybars on mine now and it oversteers lol. I spun it twice at Dunville.
>
> \Yes I still have my GT Vert but mine is a 1st gen. I haven’t raced it in a few years, I need to get the trans rebuilt and stick an LSD in it. I was focusing on my bike which I crashed last year, and now I have my Saabaru that’s got my attention ATM.
>
> As far as I know my Sunbird is still the most heavily modified in the world - pretty much any functional aspect of the car has been upgraded, at the least I’m the most modified 2.0 T and 1st gen. Here is my mods list, it’s pretty up to date IIRC:
> [Members - j-body.org - The J-Body Organization](http://www.j-body.org/members/protonus/cars/1)
> The pictures there are outdated. Tons of pictures here:
> [Protonus.ws » The Gallery » The r4c3c4r](http://www.protonus.ws/gallery/v/thecar/)
> including a lot of pics of my crazy suspension/steering/braking systems. If parts of the car look familiar, it’s because Dan aka juicedz4 designed a lot of aspects of my suspension/braking/steering setup and we share a number of parts. He built some of the suspension and did some of my welding, but otherwise, this car was almost entirely built by me. Which is why it’s not nearly as clean as his :lol:
I own a collection of the 91-93 Oldsmobiles that the W41 Quad 4’s came with. Its kinda of my thing. I’m a moderator for [Quad4forums.com](http://Quad4forums.com) and have been playing with these motors for the past 5 years.
I’ve got an SCX for sale 🙂
> [@TrueBlue](#):
>
> This thread has become Roclife: Buffalo edition :lol:
>
> Tubular manifold and a strut brace in '91? Heady stuff
The manifold is stock. As is the strut brace.
> [@2TurboZ](#):
>
> My first car was a 92 sunbird se…loved it.
>
> Who did the paint work? Looks nice
A friend of mine who I used to work with at Transittown does paint on the side. Its not as perfect as I’d like it to be, but unless I point out the flaws you’d never notice them.