Message #14588

[R Dubya]

There are a few main problems that you should watch out for when looking at a TGP.  First is the exhaust crossover pipe.  The pipe that attaches the turbo to the manifolds is not well engineered, and from what I understand is that ALL of them crack.  I know because I have replaced 2 in the 2 TGPs that I own.  Jeff M makes a great replacement for a fraction of the GM cost, I think $425, might have changed.  It will need to be replaced to get that car running correctly if it hasn't been done yet.  I have had a Jeff M x-over on my TGP for 4 years and it is still perfect.  

Another thing to look out for is the ABS.  The system is the Power Master III and it is prone to housing leakage and accumulator failure, which will eventually cause it to fail.  The acc. can be replaced for $99 from Prior Remanufacturing, or you can pay $250 for the GM one.  I used the Prior and it worked fine, but it is bigger which makes it harder to install.  Giveaways for PMIII problems is the antilock light flashing and also the red BRAKE light being on.  Good thing to do is before you start the car, push the brake pedal 40 times or so, which totally depressurizes the system, then let it repressurize when you turn on the key.  It should run for no more than a minute and the lights should not stay on or flash.  It is well over $800 to have this ABS system rebuilt, and j/y ones are hit and miss.  

Overall these cars are a blast to drive, not to difficult to maintain, and Jeff M makes performance and driveability chips that correct and also improve on ASC's mistakes.  I bought the Top Gun 160 and I couldn't believe the difference it made for the car.  Way faster and much more fun to drive.  There are many other little things that can cause problems but those are the majors.  Keep those in mind when looking at this car and also educate the owner about these things, use them to get a better deal.  Good luck and welcome.