1987 Turbo Pace Car Tech Questions...

[Gtdhw]

Hello everyone. I am need of some Dodge/Turbo tech info and figured if anyone can help me out, it will be you guys. I have acquired a 1987 Lebaron PPG Indy Car World Series Pace Car and would like to know exactly what engine/turbo/tranny it has. These are some pretty specific questions, but there is a reason...

1) 2.2 or 2.5?
2) 52 mm Throttle Body?
3) 525 or 555 Transmission?
4) IMSA Valve Ported Head?
5) Two Piece Intake?
6) Low Restriction Intercooler?
7) Larger Turbo Compressor & Turbine?
8) 400 cc Injectors?
9) Does It Look Like This Setup Is Good For 236 hp?


The reason these are important-There is no question that this car is an all out authentic Indy Car Pace Car and has been since almost new. What I am trying to determine is whether or not it might be the missing (4 of 4) Chrysler prepped Indy 500 Pace Cars.

From Dave z- "I was the project engineer on the Indy LeBaron. Four cars were built, one is in the Chrysler museum, one is at the Indy museum and Al Unser, Sr. has one. I don't know where the last one is. I still have the spare keys for all four of the cars"

I know all 4 cars were red and that while the custom (and dated)PPG paintjob is flawless even after 20 years, there is no doubt that this car was red originally (firewall, under rear seat). I have talked with the 500 Motor speedway and Chrysler and the both tell me that they do not keep the VINS of Pace Cars on file and couldn't help me. One thing that stands out to me are the extra front sidemarker lights. The only time I have seen these are on the pics of the actual Pace Cars. It appears from what I can find Pace Cars usually use existing lenses and locations. But if this car already had them....... Also, this car was issued from the factory without a title. Note the two brazed on tags on the underside of the exhaust pipe

Maybe it is, maybe it's not. Either way any and all info about the specs will be greatly appreciated. I tried to take as many pictures (40) as I could and as of many numbers I could find. If there are other places to photo, let me know.


Hope the link works...
'87 Lebaron Pace Car - Album - TinyPic - Share the Experience!™

[Reaper1]

That's DEFINATLY different than any other Pace Car I've ever seen. It's got a BUNCH of features that would indicate it being something more than a regular car with a sticker package! The fire system and fuel cell are pretty interesting. What are all the silver boxes in the back of the car?

If I were to see than with no other info, I'd definatly think that car was purpose built to either striaght up race, or lead a race!

Nice find...now you gotta share how you found her!

[Gtdhw]

Was purchased at auction from CHAMP Racing Auction last week in Indy (probably the cheapest thing at the auction!).......I don't know what the box's are or what they do yet. There was no info at all that came with the car (none). So, as you can tell, I am kind of at a loss with alot of the stuff on this car. I have found a thread (turbo lounge, the ultimate turbo was just sold) since posting this that says that this is indeed the missing car. I hope to confirm this through the combined wisdom of this site and my sudden endless internet info search.

[1983Rampage]

from looking at the pics, and betting on the year, I am betting that it is a T2 2.2 engine with a ported 287 bathtub head. Uncertain on the TB, but all you would need to do to find that one out is a ruler and remove the hose. It does have the 2 piece intake, and I would bet it has the A555 trans. But nice find, what does the body look like? I saw some of the light green/teal color, what does the rest look like.

[1983Rampage]

to find out which trans, there is a plaque on the top of it that says what it is.

[Gtdhw]

[Gtdhw]

[Gtdhw]

[Gtdhw]

[Turbo-Baron]

That thing is awsome!!! Nice find!

[1983Rampage]

I like the roll bar, but it looks like the thing came straight out of the 80's version of the Fast and the Furious. LOL, Great Find, I like it. Not big on the pink, but it works for the car. Besides, I bet it has some pretty good numbers from it. Now to take it and get it dyno'ed.

[Gtdhw]

Ya, the paint is very dated (I was thinking Miami Vice), but it is a fantastic job all around

[Gtdhw]

'87 Lebaron Pace Car - Album - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting

[Gtdhw]

[Reaper1]

I wanna know how that roll bar is attatched! I looks like it *could* be somewhat functional!