Buick Grand National Street & Strip Upgrades - Part 2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ต.ค. 2024
- In this episode, we continue work on my 1987 Buick Grand National, by making modifications to improve our transmission response. This is the third part of a multi-part series where we're making a host of modifications to this classic American muscle car to improve its performance on the street and strip. Thank you for watching and subscribing!
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-Tom
Disclaimer
The content provided in this video is for informational use only. Video content is provided at the viewers own risk and the viewer will not hold the parties involved in creating, producing or delivering this information liable for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage of any kind resulting in any way from any errors in or omissions from the information. Thanks for understanding.
I understand! I had a Lamborghini Countach poster and would just stare at dealer brochures and magazine pictures of cars like the Grand National for hours. Thanks and you'll get it someday man!
I literally grew up in a service station and spent my formative years around auto mechanics. Since then it has just been a fun quest to challenge myself and learn new things. Everyone has to start somewhere, the good news is that the internet has made incredible volumes of knowledge easily available and free to access. Prior to the advent of the web, this information and knowledge was much more difficult to come by.
Thanks Cameron, I appreciate that and I'm glad you enjoy the videos!
You're welcome Dale and thanks for subscribing! I got to work on it a good bit last night, so look for something this weekend!
You're welcome Omar. Just spend some time reading the faqs and info on the turbobuick forums and gnttype website. Both cover the questions you have and will have. The great thing about these cars is the knowledge base since they've been around so long.
Hi Omar! I rebuilt the stock rear end to stock specs because I don't have any big power gains in mind and don't plan on racing it very often. Yes, they sell kits to convert to rear discs, but it's expensive and requires more than just bolting on the disc setup in the rear. For suspension parts, UMI Performance has lots of nice stuff for G Bodies. G-Body Parts has most every part available for these cars on their website.
Thank you sir, that is great to hear! I'm happy to pass along the inspiration and best of luck on your search! Lots more Turbo Buick stuff coming this summer!
It's a tough one to diagnose, as there may be other issues in the transmission. I've known folks that have diagnosed a bad converter, replaced it only to find that it was something else. It can be a challenging process of elimination sometimes. I would recommend the best transmission expert that you can find.
Thank you sir! There are so many more things I'd like to do with this car, but I am just enjoying doing a little at a time. Honestly, if I had more free time the body would be off of the frame and I'd be really going to town on it!
Thank you and I've heard great things about Lonnie and his work. I do have a Razor's water/methanol injection kit on the car too. Enjoy your car, it sounds nice!
Thank you man! I've already started work under there, but still have lots to do. See ya!
Thank you for the suggestions, I appreciate it! Between the previous owner and I, those things were taken care of.
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words! Glad to hear about the long life of the converter, they do make great products. Best of luck with your car, I was checking it out on your channel!
You're welcome and I'm glad you like them!
I love to see the love and attention you give to the underside of your car also, shows how much you truly love your gear!
Thank you for the great support sir! I do appreciate it.
Thanks a ton for all of the kind words and positivity! I'm happy to hear that you enjoy them and I'll definitely have some fun stuff coming very soon. Thanks again!
I've never looked into a manual transmission conversion, but on the turbobuick forums, there are folks who have done the swap. I would suggest looking there. You'll also find more info about what trans combo people are running and at what power level they are.
Oh, I wish I got one new. No, I just got this one a few years ago. There are some really good deals out there, you just have to be very patient. Last year I found a KILLER deal on an 87 with around 20k miles but it had sat for a long, long time outside and needed quite a bit. I hated to pass, but had to.
Matt is a set of (gently used) overalls that I bought from a flea market a long time ago. I've grown fond of them and ripping off the "Matt" tag at this point would be cruel.
That and I like becoming "Matt" when I put the overalls on. I'll often put Matt the overalls on and then fly to Vegas for a weekend of debauchery. My response to the wife and kids? "Oh, there goes crazy Matt again! Binge drinking and losing our life savings at the poker table! He's so crazy!" And then we all laugh.
Wow! As Black Air has become your inspiration, you have become mine. Brings back my high school days being that I had a T-TYPE and everyone didn't know what it was. Looks like you have confirmed my thoughts to get another one. Thanks for sharing your passion with the GN with us.
I believe it's the TransGo kit. I don't have any experience with the B&M one unfortunately.
Thank you! Lots more to come!
You've got good eyes! There was some overlap between this video and the last one, which explains the driveshaft. When I had the rear end out, I put new u joints in the driveshaft and painted it with chassis black. Oh, and practically everything I do is a "while I was in there" thing. Haha!
Thank you and glad to hear you enjoy them!
Thanks man! I'm surprised that no one else has mentioned that until now. It's funny, I do all of my music in one take and that riff just kinda happened. My brothers listened to tons of old Rush records when I was little, so it was just hanging out in the back of my head I guess. Haha!
Thank you and there's lots more fun stuff to come!
Thanks so much Edgar! I'm glad you enjoy the videos and the engine mods will be coming very soon!
Thank you and I'm glad I could help! I bet it's a beast!
Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
There are pros and cons to the vacuum conversion, so I'd recommend looking into it first. Either way, good luck!
Good to hear man!
I've always had an appreciation for those cars, but have never really looked into them. Are you thinking about picking one of them up?
It sounds like you have a great setup and thanks for the suggestions! I actually do have an alcohol injection kit which I love. I've been running them on my turbo cars since the late 90s and would never run without one! See ya.
hello tom i was planning on working on 5.0 mustang project but after seeing your videos you inspired me to change my project to a grand national i injoy your videos thank you
Yep, it's in there!
Tom- your channel is awesome. I used to own an
86 Monte Carlo SS. Was stolen while in college- and always wanted a GN. Watching this has helped me in planning my build!
There are a fair amount of weight reductions for these cars. Fiberglass bumpers, lightweight bumper mounts, lighter single exhaust system, etc, etc. I would take a look at the G Body Parts website, they have most all of this stuff.
Thanks man, glad I can help!
Thanks Jeremy!
Thank you! Yeah, anything more than what I got would be too aggressive for my needs. The good news is that you could easily sell it and go with something different as GN parts are usually in very high demand. As for the next plans, you'll have to stay tuned for that! :-)
Thanks man, will do!
No, it's a real thing. It's formal name is the Throttle Valve cable and having it set properly is vital to the survival of the GM overdrive transmissions.
Yes and thank you for the good tip!
Hey Nick! I have powertools, but often like the tactile feedback of regular old wrenches and ratchets. That said, the main issue was my junk air compressor, which has recently been upgraded.
Matt is the gentleman that I procured the coveralls from. His name remains on the coveralls in case I ever decide to return them to him, which would be easy since he currently lives in my basement. I've said too much.
Thanks for noticing! It was a southern car, so there is no rust, it just needs a paint job. Someday!
Omar, the 8.5" rear end in the GN is plenty strong well into the 10s; the only thing I did to mine was weld the axle tubes, switch to Moser 28-spline axles and change the clutches in the OEM G80 posi. As far as rear brakes go, I put on larger S-10 wheel cylinders and used aluminum drums from a Caprice which saved quite a bit of weight. Last thing was longer 3" wheels studs as mandated by NHRA.
I am so happy that I stumbled accross your channel a few months ago, every single video has been great. Very well edited, informative and all with a little humor added in for kicks & giggles. Tom you seem like a great guy keep up the vids and I can't wait for the next one. I always find myself looking through my subscrition box looking for your next new vid and if there isn't one yet, I usually just watch an old one.
Oh man, it's the best thing in the world. I love it!
your videos are great, after watching your talon video i was sold on the methonol injection and bought a kit from snow performance, it compliments my FP 76mm turbo , thanks
Hi there and wow, thank you for the great comment! Both are fun cars in their own ways. I will say that a Mustang would be cheaper to build in general, but the Grand National is going to be much more unique and can really crank out the power with very simple bolt-ons.
One thing about the GN that I'm still not used to is the attention. Everywhere I go in this thing, people are waving, pointing, flagging me down, etc. The response is really amazing. Have fun and good luck with your project!
Thank you!
Haha! Thanks for the motivation Larry!
Jesus man you just overloaded me with information. Amazing and useful information. Im learning more and more about it as i work on it and have found many shortcuts and shottywork that had been done by the previous owner. First goal is to get it running properly and i think im almost there but the ride is horrible so its something i really wanted to focus on first. I want to Daily drive it and auto cross it. Those are great ideas to bring the rigidity and ride feel back to the car.
Thank you sir!
Hi Dale, part 3 is rolling right along! At the moment the music is being created, the script is being finalized, voiceover is scheduled for this weekend and then final editing will begin.
Unfortunately I only get to work on these videos when I have a spare moment here and there. I'd love to be able to crank them out more regularly, but they are quite time consuming. Thank you for asking though, and if all goes well part 3 will arrive next week!
Man, this is awesome! I've been checking your videos for a while. What I wouldn't give for opportunity to work on cars in this kind of a garage! Way to go, man!
Thank you sir, I appreciate the kind words and support!
You crack me up man, and your attention to detail is impeccable.I can tell you put a lot of effort into making these videos. It's a shame you don't have like 1,000,000+ views on these videos because they should!
Nice job.I cracked the hub on my PTS 911 converter.It lasted 12 years so I cant complain.PTC recomended the same converter you got but mine is a 3000 stall.Had trans checked out by Sid Neal (Neal racing transmissions) .He did a little work on pump.I installed new u joints and painted drive shaft.Wish I had your garage and lift.No fun with a small garage and jack stands.Family in TN. have a few garages but long haul from GA.Keep the vids coming.
you made that look easy. I never realized how handy a lift can be.
Haha! Thank you very much!
Before you do any serious racing, be sure to add a shift kit, larger billet servo, and an external transmission cooler if you haven't done so already. The transmission in stock form isn't really strong, but doing these upgrades will really wake it up and greatly increase its horsepower and torque capacity.
Thank you so much for the quick replies. The info was really helpful and ill let you know how my build goes
Replace the F&R bumper steel reinforcements with aluminum reinforcements from an 81-87 Regal (take a magnet to a junkyard to find them) which is 45 pounds right there ...export (Canadian) front bumper brackets, another 5 lbs. but you lose the 5 MPH impact protection if you do this...aluminum brake drums...pull the 10 lbs. of sound deadener from behind the rear seat backrest (I never noticed a difference in noise)...plastic headlamp bulbs (5 lbs.)...hollow front sway bar from Camaro (20 lbs)...
I love your shop, wish had one that nice and clean
Cool deal!
great videos, some great ideas and setups. I only wish my GN was that clean underneath.
Thank you for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video and enjoy your GN!
The part where you took a swig of the trans fluid reminds me of the movie The Wraith where the character Skank would drink stuff like hydraulic fluid LOL!
I do have the powermaster and it seems to be working fine. Now that I've said that it probably just blew apart. :-)
just found your site. great stuff. I'm
waiting for the 3rd part too.
Haha! Thank you and yes this old heap has a cozy spot to live in! That said, I quit watching videos with my car for reasons like this. :-)
"My names Tom.." Shirt says Matt
TOM SAWYER
I can watch your video about the Grand National over and over again can't wait to see a video when you do the engine mods and of course the final product as well and to think I found you by accident haha
About 2 years ago while i was down the track my rear blew out completely, so i had to switch from the stock one to a upgraded racing one. Also if you want to get more serious with racing in the GN, you should get a Razor's ALKY kit. they're really good to use for racing instead of using racing fuel. And get a upgraded turbo from turbonectics I also had a guy in new york build me a custom race transmision., i have a big combo with my set and im going low 10's on the track.
Lilburn ,ga.Did mine about 3 years ago.My hub on the torque converter cracked and did a little damage to the pump.We meet at Hooters every 3rd Sat. @ 12;00
Sure man! It's a .63 AR turbine housing.
Hey man I love the grand national recordings definitely something worth watching. I'm wanting to get one so these videos help. Can wait for the other video
Tom,I showed my GN your GN's house and the darn thing didn't start for a month.Great videos!
Awesome dude! Can't wait to see more
You haven't specified what kind of track, but if you lower the car "a lot" it will have diminishing returns for straight line acceleration as the car won't transfer weight as well. Front frame braces from a Monte SS, a rear "X" brace kit and replacing all the missing and rotted out body bushings will do wonders for rigidity and ride quality. I also added the GNX body bushings as well (above the axle, by the trunk).
I love ur videos man can't wait for the next one especially working under the hood this time. Will keep checking for it
I have driven a GN that had full blown Brembo vacuum brake system installed on all four corners and it was almost unnerving to drive a TR that stopped as well as it went (I know, because I worked on it and tuned it); this was back in the mid 90's.
Do they make a rear disc upgrade to get rid of the drums?
awesome. i cant wait to see what you do in the engine bay.
WOOOOOHOHHHHHHHHHHH!! NEW VIDEO! Was waiting for it! I love your videos and your work! Keep it up!
I'm using the LS1 MAF and MAF translator
Keep it up! Kudos once again. I enjoy all your vids.
Thanks man! Part 3 is up now! Go to my channel to check it out, TH-cam won't let me put links in here. See ya.
I remember having to cut and extension in half and weld a 3ft bar in to middle so I had an extension long enough to get to the bell housing bolts in my 87 caprice.
Wilson Solt I
took out the old driveshaft, and suddenly it´s looking all new when you put it back in. You sure do alot of "while i was in there" things afterwards :)
Well done - thanks!
That shop is mint nice whips to tht gn is clean
Tom please do a video on your garage, I'm dying to find out the needed space for all the performance mods and fabrication, tools and the lift. It's just not possible with any of the garages ive seen in my area, id say 80% of them are one car garages, 2 car if you're really crafty.
Hi Michael and thank you for the suggestion. I want to do that, but each time I start to, I get wrapped up in a car project or something, haha! I would highly recommend the garage journal forums for garage planning ideas and much more. Check out the "builds" section for stuff that will blow your mind!
Great job!
Thank you!
thanks tom,,best car show ever
need more like the miata,,how about a mustang v6 turbo build like the mazda..again thankyou
Yeah, it's just one of the best cars in book. I would give anything to find a cheap 87 Grand National for sale. Did you buy it new?
Hi Chris, part 3 is live now! Go to my channel to check it out, TH-cam won't let me put links in here.
Tom, with those mods on a good tire you should easily pull some low 1.6 sixty foot times. Report back when you go back to the track. I bet see some 7.7x's @ about 89-90 mph...if not you are disowned from the Buick brethren
:) good luck...
Nice vid , keep them coming !