Some details left out: look for the WE2 on the trunk sticker, original hood pad has 9 holes, reproductions will have 10, the recall was on the gray brake switch, the steering wheel emblem is very specific to the GN. It’s black with gray Buick tri-shield.There are no reproductions made on the stock emblem. Up pipe and intercooler should have black and orange rubber connectors with black hose clamps, not chrome. Vacuum lines are stamped 1987. Fuel rail Schrader valve cap should be black. Original AC pressure valve caps were black from the factory. Blue and red shows the conversion from R12. Plug wires are gray. Great video!
Oh man. This brings back so many happy memories from my childhood. My dad had an 86 w the T-Top & the turbocharger. It was ALL stock. He didnt do anything to it except BABY it. It was his daily driver. When he would pick me on weekends I used to LOVE driving around w him in that car. He would take the T- Tops off and put them in these vinyl sleeves and in the holder in the trunk. (He was a Soldier and when he was deployed he would put it in storage. He also put it into storage evry winter and early spring) When I get sad and miss him, I think of those days when Daddy would pick me and take me for a long drive. The sun shining down on us w the T-Top off. That car was awesome. I was with him when he bought it. Man, If I had the $ I'd try and track down that very car & see if it's still kickin round. If so, I'd do whatever I could to convince them to sell it to me.)
A couple of corrections, Turbo Regals had the sturdy 8.5" rear not the weaker 8" and the transmission is a 200-4R not a 700R4. The 200-4R, specific to GN and T, had a different valve body, intermediate servo, and a few other minor changes for really crisp shifts.
My father was the baddest dude ever back in the days. I was 7 years old when my dad introduced me to what it felt like to be thrown back into my seat. He passed away in 08. He was a service advisor for a local Buick dealership. Went from the Buick dealership to a chevy dealership where he had his foot ran over by a disgruntled customer that couldn't wait 45 mins for a 15 minute oil change offer that was going on. It was then he found out he had a brain tumor after seeing the doctors for his foot being crushed. Needless to say that lawsuit bought him an 87 Buick Grand National t-top just like this one. I own the car now. It only has just shy of 50,000 miles. Oh it has its flaws from its age. Filler pieces crumbled. Rocker paint is showing some peeling on the passenger side. He kept the original first oil filter from his first oil change. I have log sheets he would take documents of when he filled the tank up with premium fuel. Mileage at the fill up. Odometer before reset was logged in. The story is he loved this car. I was a kid. I couldn't fart in his car. I couldn't do nothing that was humanly normal like pick my nose in that car. I'll be 40 in May of 2020. I know exactly why now he was the way he was about that car. I'm a paint and body guy that own my own business and that car is in my possession and it will go down to my son when the time comes. Moral of the story is that car isn't just a car. It's really something to be proud to have if you do own one. It's a car that you just don't pound on or daily drive it cause assholes these days that text and drive could easily turn that car into a POS and that's not an option to happen with this car. Thanks for reading fellas.
Your passion and love for your GN mirrors my own . I'm 37 and I can remember falling in love with the grand national the first time I saw one , I was 14 at the time . I owned my 87 gn for 7 yrs now and purchased it from the original owner, along with the car the original owner gave me a binder full of provinonce , like the window sticker , build sheet . Also has a digital dash and it still has the decal on the visor , just an all original unmolested gn . I feel the same way , when I take it out for a spin , I'm always worry about those texters out driving.
Daddydollaboi 80 . I hope my son feels the same way. I’m 54 and owned 3 of these over the years. The one in the garage is his one day. I’m sure he will think of me when he drives it . That’s only going to happen when I go to the great dragstrip in the sky.
Hi I’m 12 and my dream car is a Buick grand national turbo my uncle has one and when I saw it I was obsessed he lives in San Diego and I’m going to work on the car I’m very sorry for your loss I hope your future son loves the car
I bought an 86 in 1987 with only 1300 miles cause the owner was told 86 was the last year but when he heard the 87 was available he bought that too so I got a smoking deal on the 86.I just found an 87 that's been parked for 18 years all stock all original 2 owner documented car with oil change book .Paint is checked everywhere and filler panels crumbled when I touched them.She is shined up all fluids changed and running great again.Thanks for this video.
My suggestion to your video viewers is to interview Pete Hoffman , anyone that knows him knows he is the Godfather of All GM Grand National and GNX cars built !!!🙏🇺🇸… God Bless America 💫💯%.
1987 Turbo T Types "WE4" were much rarer then the 1987 Grand National "WE2". Of course with only 547 produced the GNX is the rarest for 1987 Turbo G body's
Other things to look for. Air bags in rear shocks and drive shaft loop. All signs it has been raced. Also look for aftermarket rims. They make aluminum ones that look very similar but not quite as shiny as chrome. easy to spot if you know to look. Check under dash to make sure wiring hasn't been messed with. Biggest issue on these cars is weather stripping on doors and t-tops. Nobody makes a decent replacement. Very poor fit and finish on aftermarket and they leak air and water. Also look at injectors. Many swap them for higher pressure.Check chip in ECM to see if aftermarket. Its becoming difficult to find original cars now. Most have been modified and raced
Buick almost put alky injection on the 87s. But decided against,.thought it would discourage people from buying. They actually had alky kits built and installed on I believe 2 test cars. Alky is the biggest bang for your buck mod you can do to these cars. Allows you to run higher boost without knock/detonation. Theres a vid on YT called buick grand national facts by m Foote. He was a designer of the gn, I believe and talks about the alky kits.
They were painted in Laquer from Factory. This is why the paint checkers. The urethane bumper fills in time fall apart and deteriorate. There wasn't 1 car GM produced with perfect body gaps.
Wish that I could get my hands on black lacquer. My Suburban's hood & roof were painted with it, 25 years ago. Some fade or, chalky areas. Still, the paint is glossy around the edges. 1995 Suburban 'HotRod'
Excellent video and very informative! I am in the early stages of looking for a 1987 and now a 1986 Buick GN. The reason that I say "now an 1986" is because I didn't know that the 1986s came with the intercooler! Wow, I didn't know that! Thanks for the information!
My Grand National was ordered with the optional digital dash. So therefore technically not all Grand Nationals had a tach. My dash also only has a yellow and a red light for the turbo instead of incremental lights.
I couldn’t afford this car when it was new. I couldn’t afford the Typhoon when it was new. So I bought a 2016 F165 (F150 2.7 ecoboost) new. I wish I could could hear the turbo like you could in the GN.
THE VIDEO IS WRONG -- The 1982 GN were built mostly with the 4.1 V6. However the 4.1 non intercooled Turbo, was an option for buyers. This was called the "sport coupe package" there were only 16 produced with the sport coupe package.
Wrong every.GN had a 342 posi.There were no optional gears.And also Tre brakes were a nitrogen pressurized system you could actually shut the car off while moving and still have the ability to a stop with power assist for 5 or so stops.
@@joealleva1576 Wrong. Not every GN had posi. It was an option. 3.42 yea, but not posi. If it had aluminum brake drums and no G80 code, it was a one-legger.
Splitting hairs on technicality... The ONLT TRUE Buick Grand Nationals. were produced after Sept 03, 1987, when they became the "Package cars" 1SA, 1SB, 1SC on the trunk SPID label.. That was because GM was making the front wheel drive Regal for 1988 model year, but wanted to continue the Grand National, The LC2 turbo engine was not certified for 1988 model year, so the 'continuation' cars were called " Buick Grand National" and listed as 1987 model, while GM was making 1988 MonteCarl, Grand Prix on the same line Cars built prior to September 03, 1987 were actually Buick Regal with the WE2 Grand National option. On those cars, then Limited slip AKA 'posi' was an option. Look at the window sticker and door sticker to know.
They are 8.5" 3.42 rear end with TH200-4R transmission with BRF valve body that was unique to the Turbo Buicks. Not 8" rear end with TH700-4R transmission. The headliners, visors, and bumper fillers are known to fail from age.
Top 3 of my favorite cars ever made, the Turbo Buick V6s. My Dad was into them in the early 90s, he had a few back then, and the GN and T-Type represent my first memories of finding enjoyment through cars. They have fueled my passion for cars for my entire life. He has a mint '87 with 27,000 miles on it he got a few years ago and I love driving it now, thinking back to when he used to drive me around in his GN and T Types back in the 90's. These are very special cars. Nice video.
@@TommyZTrains Power-Master Brake switch, Accumulator, and the brake fluid distribution block was covered by the power-master recall. There was also an emissions recall that used that same decal/ sticker. You'd have to see the sticker and get the campaign number from it to know.
There were a few 1982 Turbo V6 GN's. The total number is in dispute. Best info is there may have been around 20. I suspect there are less than 10 running today.
Great video!! Very interesting and informative. I've always liked the Grand National. Compared to other performance cars of the time, it offers a unique driving experience and sound. The Turbo TA is pretty cool, too.
What's interesting is that the Porsche 930 year 75/77 with no intercooler go for more moneys than the 78/79 with intercooler.That never made any sense to me.Love the Buick G/N
I acquired two 87,s - one was rolled beyond recognizing but has the stage 1 motor replacement with a brand new locker 10 bolt with a gnx cluster, it was put into a hardtop 87 and left the factory gauges, after pulling the gnx cluster, behind it was a pcv tube for gauge wires and what not, but it was fiberglassed pcv tube mess, guages had factory g.m. stickers on the backside. How did the gnx cluster go in? Was it messy like most of the car except that intercooler and big turbo. By the way, led bubble's are there in my t-top wreck and the hardtop roller. It is a cool car to have.
Also I have the double humped tranny pan with the 200 4r and 8.5 locker, breaking down the wrecked 87 was awesome 😎, no wonder why it was rolled at 90 hitting 3rd gear going out from the driver will make a bad day worse.
11:26 in, the one part I look for that hasn’t been talked about is, the trunk badge. If the bottom of the 6 logo isn’t right at the trunk like where it’s supposed to be. To me that’s a red flag as well.
I have 87 t top grand national after watching this I see I have all options model I have the power seats in mines currently doing a restoration on mines will post updates not keeping it stock upgrading everything.
Great video . I have an 87 GN all original unmolested digital dash, I'm the 2nd owner California car purchase 5 yrs ago. The paint is all original it looks great but you see all the cracking on the paint when you get near , would I be making a mistake if I was to repainted ? Not to mention the first owner hand me a binder full of provenance all the services, purchases etc ... even some letters from Buick from the 80s ,Up until I purchased the car no one had ever sat on the back seat and very little wear on the passenger if at all
I'm in the same boat. Mine is an 86 that I bought new and now has 4750 miles on it . Never driven in the rain or wet road. Wipers never turned on. The paint is starting to show it's age.
Thir are collectors who never drive and won't drive because it's a investment..then there are some who want showroom shine and want to drive and enjoy what they spent on car ..so enjoy what ur preference is ..I personally would enjoy the moment and not go to my grave with it sitting in storage ...
I've never heard of so many inaccuracies about the grand national. I'm surprised he didn't say they also come twin turbo. The 8" rear end is really an 8.5" accumulator ball not booster ball, no 700r4 only 2004r with BRF valve body plus monte ss came 2004r, they are emblems not stickers, car was not painted, but later said oh I guess this car has been repainted. Its obvious the car has more mileage look at the amount of wear on crankshaft pulley, amount of fluid residue on transmission crossmember and rear sway bar, passenger side dash has been repaired, amount of putting on steering wheel spokes, accumulator ball missing yellow colored print, factory put weights on both sides of wheel if needed, only 86 and 87 got accumulator ball braking system the 84 85 runs off power steering pump. Not mentioning WE2. I know I'm nitpicking and not saying it's a bad car just almost all info was wrong. I bought mine one owner car title showed 14 miles odometer showed 40k, I could have easily wrote down any number could have even had exempt for miles on title, but since I wasn't ever going to sell so no need to lie my title is 140k like it truly has. It was nice enough to fool people to thinking it's under 50k. No records of milage was ever written down on my car so it is easy to lie about milage if you get one that is not well documented. From experience I believe this car is incorrect for mileage. But not everyone can say they have one I wish mine had t-tops.
The Accumulator ball is BLACK from the factory; the yellow stickered ones are aftermarket. No Turbo Regal EVER came factory twin turbo. Only the 1984 and early 1985 T-types and GN's had the Hydro-boost brake system; Later 85's had the Power-Master system but the reservoir was angular instead of square.
@@stevencovington4715 Why repeat what I just said back to the person saying it and on top that you felt that I needed to be corrected with your not accurate information. I only said his accumulator ball was black not black with yellow and what I said was true his clearly was that. You went to explain that all black was factory and yellow writing was aftermarket. That's incorrect all black was GM first design and black with yellow on tip was GM second design. Now the aftermarket ones are black with yellow, but are slightly bigger and yellow letters is usually just a label/sticker placed on its side not silkscreeened yellow letters like original.
@@owood5243 Well, I am the original owner (and ordered ) my 1987 Turbo Regal Limited, Currently own it, a 1986 Regal T-Type WH1, a 1986 Regal T-type black with grey bench interior, and 1984 T-type that has a 1986 T-Type powertrain swap. Previously had 1986 gold T-type, 1987 WE4, 1987 dark blue Regal with turbo with WO2, 1986 light blue T-Type. And I formerly was one of the tech inspectors for the Turbo Regal classes at the GS Nationals for the Carolina's chapter, which sets up the show. So yeah, I think that I just might happen to know a thing or two about Turbo Regals...I stand with my knowledge.
I had an 84 and it was the first to go all black look, identical to a 86 and 87 except for rims, less performance with no intercooler and smaller intake and heads and the interior was different, it came with recaro bucket seats and the color was beige and grey
True the Grand Nationals one of the few cars that grows in value even though it's been modified modified Grand Nationals does not hurt the price a highly modified can fetch 60 $70,000 I see them all
You almost need someone to do a forensic check on a car as some guys out there are pros at copying anything and everything in any car, especially if big bucks are involved in the sale of the car.
Also one under the rear seat stapled to the foam! Tells the day the car went down the line. Mine was built dec 5th 87. I believe production ended on the 12th of dec.
I have an 87 Grand National with 21K original miles. Should I be concerned that: when I ride over things such as railroad tracks, speed bumps and sometimes making turns, I notice that the "Low Fuel" light (I have a digital dash) will flash on then off. How can that be fixed?
Maybe you'll cover this later in the video and I'll finish it later but I recently found a Grand National for a decent price however this car has the GNX fender vents. That in of its self is already placing a huge question mark in my mind because as far I know the GNX model is the only GN that has those vents which did help the car but they were never offered or even added to the regular Grand National. So my question is, did Buick add fender vents to the regular Grand National too or only to the GNX and if it's the latter then am I looking at a clone, a modded fender vent, or a mislabeled Grand National?
The GNX fender flares were added at ASC during the conversion process. NONE were done at GM assembly. A real GNX will have RPO T2L in addition to the regular GN specific codes. each and every 1984 through 1987 Grand National will have code WE2, in addition to other specific codes.
I’m not saying that car doesn’t have 8000 miles on it but that car had one of the easiest speedometers to roll back and you would never ever ever know it. Once you had the dash apart those could be spun back in less than a minute.
And another thing go ahead and dis the cable I can assure you the car will have numerous issues like no t conv. Lock up and no closed loop operation and the unit will not live long
Just put the differential up on some jack stands, pop it in reverse, drop a copy of "War and Peace" onto the gas pedal go in and make yourself a Dagwood sammich and before you can fart after digesting your sandwich you got yourself a car with 11 original miles on it! LOL!
@WrenchesRides ALSO BACK IN THE 90S A HIGH 13 SECOND CAR WAS VERY FAST AND THE GNX DID THAT NO PROBLEM BUT THE 5.0 AND THE GRAND NATIONAL WAS A LOW 14 SECOND CAR AND BY TODAY'S STANDARD THAT'S NOT FAST BUT BACK THEN IT WAS VERY FAST.
Actually 82 had approximately 20 of the cars did have a turbo ,It was a hot air turbo , Most of the 87’s were repainted directly from dealerships. Orange peel is common from factory. . Your expert is just a guy who owns one .
Inner fenders and gas tank are unique on turbo cars. Body to frame was riveted from factory. See bolts walk away. Worked on my two from new. 1 gn 1 turbo t in rosewood. Most of these cars were crashed at some point regardless of miles. Hope this helps.. My advise have Dennis Kirban look at it before purchase or at least buy the bible.
I knew a guy that had one of these he took the turbo 3.8 out and stuck a 6.0 ls in and that thing screamed every time he hit the gas but I told him he just dropped the value on that car but he said to me I still have the 3.8 turbo💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Depends on the light your using. If it’s bright enough, the lacquer paint is slightly translucent. The chip guard may have been a different base type of the color black and you are seeing that through the top coat. Remember, it was built in the 80’s. Factory paint technology was fairly primitive. Very minimal prep to the metal and short warranty periods on fit and finish.
@@keithhansen2734 First off. I asked these question to the owner of this video. Second, I already know the answers and you are wrong. The GN run higher boost in 2nd. than 1st.
I also have an 87 with a mere 62kms Canadian car..3rd owner. Yes Typical GM paint crap..got mine painted last year..12 grand!! BUT I win shows😊..perhaps I will sell this summer and get my hellcat😁
The factory door body side moldings (B88) and door edge guards (B91) were OPTIONS on the early years. I believe that the door edge guards were part of the car's required package on the LATE (after August 03, 1987) .My resource material is in the storage area with the cars...
GN"s received more body bushings from factory to give the car a tight sports car like feel. Ridgid. Its' twin brother the Regal had less bushings to give it a floating feel
The stuff you are looking for just make the cars unaffordable for most car guys. Oh… & until the tuner guys started their thing, parts and tuning was darn near impossible. Get over yourself and buy a car you can afford and enjoy.
Some details left out: look for the WE2 on the trunk sticker, original hood pad has 9 holes, reproductions will have 10, the recall was on the gray brake switch, the steering wheel emblem is very specific to the GN. It’s black with gray Buick tri-shield.There are no reproductions made on the stock emblem. Up pipe and intercooler should have black and orange rubber connectors with black hose clamps, not chrome. Vacuum lines are stamped 1987. Fuel rail Schrader valve cap should be black. Original AC pressure valve caps were black from the factory. Blue and red shows the conversion from R12. Plug wires are gray. Great video!
Reproduction hood pads are 8 hole, not 10 hole. The NOS pads have the 9th hole in the center closest to the firewall
Oh man. This brings back so many happy memories from my childhood.
My dad had an 86 w the T-Top & the turbocharger.
It was ALL stock. He didnt do anything to it except BABY it.
It was his daily driver.
When he would pick me on weekends I used to LOVE driving around w him in that car. He would take the T- Tops off and put them in these vinyl sleeves and in the holder in the trunk.
(He was a Soldier and when he was deployed he would put it in storage. He also put it into storage evry winter and early spring)
When I get sad and miss him, I think of those days when Daddy would pick me and take me for a long drive. The sun shining down on us w the T-Top off. That car was awesome. I was with him when he bought it.
Man, If I had the $ I'd try and track down that very car & see if it's still kickin round. If so, I'd do whatever I could to convince them to sell it to me.)
A couple of corrections, Turbo Regals had the sturdy 8.5" rear not the weaker 8" and the transmission is a 200-4R not a 700R4. The 200-4R, specific to GN and T, had a different valve body, intermediate servo, and a few other minor changes for really crisp shifts.
How about getting underneath and verifying it has a BRF trans valve body tag as well
Dammmm all FACTS
G8GTJav What’s an easy way to 50 more hp from a stock GN?
@@keithhansen2734 Dude, I stop reading your comment @ hot wire fuel pump. If this was my channel. I would have remove your whole comment.
Some people played with the tsv cable for crispy shifts. Bad move as it burns up the transmission.
I still have my Syclone I bought new. 9000 miles on it.
Are you freaking serious????? You gotta post a video!
Wanna sell it? 😆
My father was the baddest dude ever back in the days. I was 7 years old when my dad introduced me to what it felt like to be thrown back into my seat. He passed away in 08. He was a service advisor for a local Buick dealership. Went from the Buick dealership to a chevy dealership where he had his foot ran over by a disgruntled customer that couldn't wait 45 mins for a 15 minute oil change offer that was going on. It was then he found out he had a brain tumor after seeing the doctors for his foot being crushed. Needless to say that lawsuit bought him an 87 Buick Grand National t-top just like this one. I own the car now. It only has just shy of 50,000 miles. Oh it has its flaws from its age. Filler pieces crumbled. Rocker paint is showing some peeling on the passenger side. He kept the original first oil filter from his first oil change. I have log sheets he would take documents of when he filled the tank up with premium fuel. Mileage at the fill up. Odometer before reset was logged in. The story is he loved this car. I was a kid. I couldn't fart in his car. I couldn't do nothing that was humanly normal like pick my nose in that car. I'll be 40 in May of 2020. I know exactly why now he was the way he was about that car. I'm a paint and body guy that own my own business and that car is in my possession and it will go down to my son when the time comes. Moral of the story is that car isn't just a car. It's really something to be proud to have if you do own one. It's a car that you just don't pound on or daily drive it cause assholes these days that text and drive could easily turn that car into a POS and that's not an option to happen with this car. Thanks for reading fellas.
Awesome comment! Sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like an awesome guy and I am sure you miss him. Take care of his car bud.
Your passion and love for your GN mirrors my own . I'm 37 and I can remember falling in love with the grand national the first time I saw one , I was 14 at the time . I owned my 87 gn for 7 yrs now and purchased it from the original owner, along with the car the original owner gave me a binder full of provinonce , like the window sticker , build sheet . Also has a digital dash and it still has the decal on the visor , just an all original unmolested gn . I feel the same way , when I take it out for a spin , I'm always worry about those texters out driving.
Daddydollaboi 80 . I hope my son feels the same way. I’m 54 and owned 3 of these over the years. The one in the garage is his one day. I’m sure he will think of me when he drives it . That’s only going to happen when I go to the great dragstrip in the sky.
Hi I’m 12 and my dream car is a Buick grand national turbo my uncle has one and when I saw it I was obsessed he lives in San Diego and I’m going to work on the car I’m very sorry for your loss I hope your future son loves the car
God bless you . And lucky because I want one baddd !
I bought an 86 in 1987 with only 1300 miles cause the owner was told 86 was the last year but when he heard the 87 was available he bought that too so I got a smoking deal on the 86.I just found an 87 that's been parked for 18 years all stock all original 2 owner documented car with oil change book .Paint is checked everywhere and filler panels crumbled when I touched them.She is shined up all fluids changed and running great again.Thanks for this video.
My suggestion to your video viewers is to interview Pete Hoffman , anyone that knows him knows he is the Godfather of All GM Grand National and GNX cars built !!!🙏🇺🇸… God Bless America 💫💯%.
1987 Turbo T Types "WE4" were much rarer then the 1987 Grand National "WE2". Of course with only 547 produced the GNX is the rarest for 1987 Turbo G body's
I had a 11, sec gray T -Type back in 97 I always had to say ''when talking about it'' Its like a GN but not black , I got so sick of saying that .....
The four speeds on these do shift really hard, especially 1-2
The 200-4R trans, It’s basically a Turbo350 w/OD
My dad thought something was wrong between 1st and 2nd.
20:47 GN had a crank driven fan to keep the intercooler cool.
Other things to look for. Air bags in rear shocks and drive shaft loop. All signs it has been raced. Also look for aftermarket rims. They make aluminum ones that look very similar but not quite as shiny as chrome. easy to spot if you know to look. Check under dash to make sure wiring hasn't been messed with. Biggest issue on these cars is weather stripping on doors and t-tops. Nobody makes a decent replacement. Very poor fit and finish on aftermarket and they leak air and water. Also look at injectors. Many swap them for higher pressure.Check chip in ECM to see if aftermarket. Its becoming difficult to find original cars now. Most have been modified and raced
I need t top seals, I've been told by a few people that the new seals are a nightmare to deal with
G body's arguably are the most versytal and arguably the most popular GM platform ever!!
Buick almost put alky injection on the 87s. But decided against,.thought it would discourage people from buying.
They actually had alky kits built and installed on I believe 2 test cars. Alky is the biggest bang for your buck mod you can do to these cars. Allows you to run higher boost without knock/detonation. Theres a vid on YT called buick grand national facts by m Foote. He was a designer of the gn, I believe and talks about the alky kits.
bought mine, 1987 in 1999 for 14K now its appraised for 40K with 16,594 original miles/paint/upholstery/wheels/tires and signed by Molly
They were painted in Laquer from Factory. This is why the paint checkers. The urethane bumper fills in time fall apart and deteriorate. There wasn't 1 car GM produced with perfect body gaps.
Wish that I could get my hands on black lacquer. My Suburban's hood & roof were painted with it, 25 years ago. Some fade or, chalky areas. Still, the paint is glossy around the edges. 1995 Suburban 'HotRod'
@@missingremote4388 Lacquer shines beautifully
The 86's were lacquer black/enamel clear coat. 87's were base coat/clear coat
Excellent video and very informative! I am in the early stages of looking for a 1987 and now a 1986 Buick GN. The reason that I say "now an 1986" is because I didn't know that the 1986s came with the intercooler! Wow, I didn't know that! Thanks for the information!
My Grand National was ordered with the optional digital dash. So therefore technically not all Grand Nationals had a tach. My dash also only has a yellow and a red light for the turbo instead of incremental lights.
Me too. I have a digital dash + Astro roof + touch climate 86 GN.
@@I-Teee touch climate control! Awesome! Take a picture of you can.
@@philipiimacedon8299 Can’t post pics on TH-cam 😉
Same here, mines is a 85 with an Astro roof and a digital dash. Everything looks all original in my opinion.
Gnx deletes the hood badge!
This car is so nice. Just the way I want it. $$$$ Thank you for caring to much for this Buick.
I couldn’t afford this car when it was new. I couldn’t afford the Typhoon when it was new. So I bought a 2016 F165 (F150 2.7 ecoboost) new. I wish I could could hear the turbo like you could in the GN.
THE VIDEO IS WRONG -- The 1982 GN were built mostly with the 4.1 V6. However the 4.1 non intercooled Turbo, was an option for buyers. This was called the "sport coupe package" there were only 16 produced with the sport coupe package.
I'm waiting for someone to figure out that there are less - way less- than 50 1982 grand nationals remaining
I have 2
So much for his expertise
Not every grand national had a posi 8.5 rear end
Wrong every.GN had a 342 posi.There were no optional gears.And also Tre brakes were a nitrogen pressurized system you could actually shut the car off while moving and still have the ability to a stop with power assist for 5 or so stops.
@@joealleva1576 Wrong. Not every GN had posi. It was an option. 3.42 yea, but not posi. If it had aluminum brake drums and no G80 code, it was a one-legger.
@@I-Teee - CORRECT - G80 was the option code for POSI rear
Splitting hairs on technicality... The ONLT TRUE Buick Grand Nationals. were produced after Sept 03, 1987, when they became the "Package cars" 1SA, 1SB, 1SC on the trunk SPID label.. That was because GM was making the front wheel drive Regal for 1988 model year, but wanted to continue the Grand National, The LC2 turbo engine was not certified for 1988 model year, so the 'continuation' cars were called " Buick Grand National" and listed as 1987 model, while GM was making 1988 MonteCarl, Grand Prix on the same line
Cars built prior to September 03, 1987 were actually Buick Regal with the WE2 Grand National option. On those cars, then Limited slip AKA 'posi' was an option. Look at the window sticker and door sticker to know.
They are 8.5" 3.42 rear end with TH200-4R transmission with BRF valve body that was unique to the Turbo Buicks. Not 8" rear end with TH700-4R transmission. The headliners, visors, and bumper fillers are known to fail from age.
The interviewer seems more informed then the owner.
It’s the winter thaw when it’s warmer outside then the metal of the car. So u will get moisture inside the trunk and under the hood
Top 3 of my favorite cars ever made, the Turbo Buick V6s. My Dad was into them in the early 90s, he had a few back then, and the GN and T-Type represent my first memories of finding enjoyment through cars. They have fueled my passion for cars for my entire life. He has a mint '87 with 27,000 miles on it he got a few years ago and I love driving it now, thinking back to when he used to drive me around in his GN and T Types back in the 90's. These are very special cars. Nice video.
Ty for sharing, my dentist has 1 with 17 original miles, hes from holland Indiana
That is amazing.
Wow 17 miles ???
That recall was from the power master brake system
Thank you for helping and posting Steven!
For the ball
@@ChristoherWGray The ball and / the Blk. vrs. Grey pressure switch at the pwr-master.
@@TommyZTrains Power-Master Brake switch, Accumulator, and the brake fluid distribution block was covered by the power-master recall.
There was also an emissions recall that used that same decal/ sticker. You'd have to see the sticker and get the campaign number from it to know.
There were a few 1982 Turbo V6 GN's. The total number is in dispute. Best info is there may have been around 20. I suspect there are less than 10 running today.
Great video!! Very interesting and informative. I've always liked the Grand National. Compared to other performance cars of the time, it offers a unique driving experience and sound. The Turbo TA is pretty cool, too.
If you look in the background, You should be able to see a Turbo TA back there.
What's interesting is that the Porsche 930 year 75/77 with no intercooler go for more moneys than the 78/79 with intercooler.That never made any sense to me.Love the Buick G/N
I got to ride in my uncles 86,and 87 Buick GN
Any body know how many white 87 they made
@@jaythornton8499 - None all WE2 WE4 and GNX are ALL Black - if it white it a Limited Base TurboT
Nationals had firm shifts from the factory.
I acquired two 87,s - one was rolled beyond recognizing but has the stage 1 motor replacement with a brand new locker 10 bolt with a gnx cluster, it was put into a hardtop 87 and left the factory gauges, after pulling the gnx cluster, behind it was a pcv tube for gauge wires and what not, but it was fiberglassed pcv tube mess, guages had factory g.m. stickers on the backside. How did the gnx cluster go in? Was it messy like most of the car except that intercooler and big turbo. By the way, led bubble's are there in my t-top wreck and the hardtop roller. It is a cool car to have.
Also I have the double humped tranny pan with the 200 4r and 8.5 locker, breaking down the wrecked 87 was awesome 😎, no wonder why it was rolled at 90 hitting 3rd gear going out from the driver will make a bad day worse.
Does he want to buy a twin of that car I no someone that has one with 7,000 miles
Yeah, I'm interested in a Grand National. Contact me.
11:26 in, the one part I look for that hasn’t been talked about is, the trunk badge. If the bottom of the 6 logo isn’t right at the trunk like where it’s supposed to be. To me that’s a red flag as well.
I have 87 t top grand national after watching this I see I have all options model I have the power seats in mines currently doing a restoration on mines will post updates not keeping it stock upgrading everything.
We would love to see it!
Great video thanks for the ride down memory lane the good old days
Glad we could make this video. Thanks for watching.
About the tranny: it’s a 200 4R BRF. Very important to locate the yellow tag saying BRF on side of tranny.
Great video . I have an 87 GN all original unmolested digital dash, I'm the 2nd owner California car purchase 5 yrs ago. The paint is all original it looks great but you see all the cracking on the paint when you get near , would I be making a mistake if I was to repainted ? Not to mention the first owner hand me a binder full of provenance all the services, purchases etc ... even some letters from Buick from the 80s ,Up until I purchased the car no one had ever sat on the back seat and very little wear on the passenger if at all
Only original once... IMO, nothing wrong with some imperfections in the original paint.
I'm in the same boat. Mine is an 86 that I bought new and now has 4750 miles on it . Never driven in the rain or wet road. Wipers never turned on. The paint is starting to show it's age.
NO! The Buick has the 2004R transmission stock. It used the BRF valve body which was specific to the T-Type/GN/GNX/Turbo TA
Thir are collectors who never drive and won't drive because it's a investment..then there are some who want showroom shine and want to drive and enjoy what they spent on car ..so enjoy what ur preference is ..I personally would enjoy the moment and not go to my grave with it sitting in storage ...
I've never heard of so many inaccuracies about the grand national. I'm surprised he didn't say they also come twin turbo. The 8" rear end is really an 8.5" accumulator ball not booster ball, no 700r4 only 2004r with BRF valve body plus monte ss came 2004r, they are emblems not stickers, car was not painted, but later said oh I guess this car has been repainted. Its obvious the car has more mileage look at the amount of wear on crankshaft pulley, amount of fluid residue on transmission crossmember and rear sway bar, passenger side dash has been repaired, amount of putting on steering wheel spokes, accumulator ball missing yellow colored print, factory put weights on both sides of wheel if needed, only 86 and 87 got accumulator ball braking system the 84 85 runs off power steering pump. Not mentioning WE2. I know I'm nitpicking and not saying it's a bad car just almost all info was wrong.
I bought mine one owner car title showed 14 miles odometer showed 40k, I could have easily wrote down any number could have even had exempt for miles on title, but since I wasn't ever going to sell so no need to lie my title is 140k like it truly has. It was nice enough to fool people to thinking it's under 50k. No records of milage was ever written down on my car so it is easy to lie about milage if you get one that is not well documented. From experience I believe this car is incorrect for mileage. But not everyone can say they have one I wish mine had t-tops.
The Accumulator ball is BLACK from the factory; the yellow stickered ones are aftermarket. No Turbo Regal EVER came factory twin turbo. Only the 1984 and early 1985 T-types and GN's had the Hydro-boost brake system; Later 85's had the Power-Master system but the reservoir was angular instead of square.
@@stevencovington4715 Why repeat what I just said back to the person saying it and on top that you felt that I needed to be corrected with your not accurate information. I only said his accumulator ball was black not black with yellow and what I said was true his clearly was that. You went to explain that all black was factory and yellow writing was aftermarket. That's incorrect all black was GM first design and black with yellow on tip was GM second design. Now the aftermarket ones are black with yellow, but are slightly bigger and yellow letters is usually just a label/sticker placed on its side not silkscreeened yellow letters like original.
@@owood5243 Well, I am the original owner (and ordered ) my 1987 Turbo Regal Limited, Currently own it, a 1986 Regal T-Type WH1, a 1986 Regal T-type black with grey bench interior, and 1984 T-type that has a 1986 T-Type powertrain swap. Previously had 1986 gold T-type, 1987 WE4, 1987 dark blue Regal with turbo with WO2, 1986 light blue T-Type.
And I formerly was one of the tech inspectors for the Turbo Regal classes at the GS Nationals for the Carolina's chapter, which sets up the show. So yeah, I think that I just might happen to know a thing or two about Turbo Regals...I stand with my knowledge.
Some of the 82s has turbos.
Buick was one of the first to put a lock up torque converter in their transmissions and diffrent valve body
I had an 84 and it was the first to go all black look, identical to a 86 and 87 except for rims, less performance with no intercooler and smaller intake and heads and the interior was different, it came with recaro bucket seats and the color was beige and grey
Lear Siegler seats were an option, not Recaros
I seen a pretty heavily modified GN sell for 39 grand
True the Grand Nationals one of the few cars that grows in value even though it's been modified modified Grand Nationals does not hurt the price a highly modified can fetch 60 $70,000 I see them all
Your right buick put a 200 4R and its been reprogrammed and firm shift points its like a factory shift kit
It's a 200-4R everyone says 200-R4 though
I screwed up on the trans, sorry.
@@WorkshopAddict it's cool. Like I said, everyone calls it the R4 because of the more popular 700
@@MikesToolShed I called it the 700-R4 in the end also. Lol.
Lc2. Is turbocharged v6. Ar9. Bucket seats, mw9. The th2004r transmission, g80 is positraction
Mike's Tool Shed , Guilty as charged, I always say that.200 r4
I love the G body line up definitely the buick was worth more originally more than the monte grand prix and olds
You almost need someone to do a forensic check on a car as some guys out there are pros at copying anything and everything in any car, especially if big bucks are involved in the sale of the car.
"I had a couple of Monte Carlo SS's in my life" so sorry to hear
i have my buick lesabre 87
Take off the driver's side door panel, there is a build sheet
r lee - I own a 1987 GN and didn’t know this!
Same here , I will be removing my door panel. Thanks for the info. I still have that sticker on my visor and some small stickers on the side windows
Also one under the rear seat stapled to the foam! Tells the day the car went down the line. Mine was built dec 5th 87. I believe production ended on the 12th of dec.
The favorite cars of the C.I.A.
I have an 87 Grand National with 21K original miles. Should I be concerned that: when I ride over things such as railroad tracks, speed bumps and sometimes making turns, I notice that the "Low Fuel" light (I have a digital dash) will flash on then off. How can that be fixed?
You have some sort of wire chaffing going on somewhere in your wires that go to the sending unit. or a loose conection.
GNX 548? You talking about the one YOU did as a tribute, since they only made 547?
my 87 has 10,700 miles
NICE!!!!
Maybe you'll cover this later in the video and I'll finish it later but I recently found a Grand National for a decent price however this car has the GNX fender vents. That in of its self is already placing a huge question mark in my mind because as far I know the GNX model is the only GN that has those vents which did help the car but they were never offered or even added to the regular Grand National. So my question is, did Buick add fender vents to the regular Grand National too or only to the GNX and if it's the latter then am I looking at a clone, a modded fender vent, or a mislabeled Grand National?
The GNX fender flares were added at ASC during the conversion process. NONE were done at GM assembly. A real GNX will have RPO T2L in addition to the regular GN specific codes. each and every 1984 through 1987 Grand National will have code WE2, in addition to other specific codes.
@@stevencovington4715 Appreciate the reply but sadly the cars been sold and rather quickly I might add
You never see all these original Grand Nationals for sale with the chip guard on them what does that say
The First ones was Regal Turbo, 1978-79✍️Until The 80s Above was called buickgrandnational, YOUR WELCOME🤝
They didn't come with 700r4 they came with 200r4. I am on my 6th GN right now and have never heard of a 700r4 from the factory 🏭
I’m not saying that car doesn’t have 8000 miles on it but that car had one of the easiest speedometers to roll back and you would never ever ever know it. Once you had the dash apart those could be spun back in less than a minute.
Or the cables can be removed in seconds. We went over that at some point in the video.
You think so huh if you turn them back they never line up across the board exactly and as for one minute I highly doubt it.
And another thing go ahead and dis the cable I can assure you the car will have numerous issues like no t conv. Lock up and no closed loop operation and the unit will not live long
Just put the differential up on some jack stands, pop it in reverse, drop a copy of "War and Peace" onto the gas pedal go in and make yourself a Dagwood sammich and before you can fart after digesting your sandwich you got yourself a car with 11 original miles on it! LOL!
@WrenchesRides ALSO BACK IN THE 90S A HIGH 13 SECOND CAR WAS VERY FAST AND THE GNX DID THAT NO PROBLEM BUT THE 5.0 AND THE GRAND NATIONAL WAS A LOW 14 SECOND CAR AND BY TODAY'S STANDARD THAT'S NOT FAST BUT BACK THEN IT WAS VERY FAST.
Always loved these cars. You'd think they would be easy to clone.
Corrections:
Fiberglass aftermarket bumper filler not plastic
8.5" rear differential not 8"
Some 82 GN were turbo
No GN in 83
There are quite a few aftermarket plastic bumper fillers, but boy oh boy are they fragile.
Actually 82 had approximately 20 of the cars did have a turbo ,It was a hot air turbo , Most of the 87’s were repainted directly from dealerships. Orange peel is common from factory. . Your expert is just a guy who owns one .
Inner fenders and gas tank are unique on turbo cars. Body to frame was riveted from factory. See bolts walk away. Worked on my two from new. 1 gn 1 turbo t in rosewood. Most of these cars were crashed at some point regardless of miles.
Hope this helps.. My advise have Dennis Kirban look at it before purchase or at least buy the bible.
The same TANK itself was also used on the fuel injected Monte Carlo of that time frame; they used a different fuel pump/ hanger assembly.
I knew a guy that had one of these he took the turbo 3.8 out and stuck a 6.0 ls in and that thing screamed every time he hit the gas but I told him he just dropped the value on that car but he said to me I still have the 3.8 turbo💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Any for sale?
Would the color on the bottom chip gaurd be different to rest of the car under a light on original car. . I noticed mine is more brown
Nope, it is the same color, just with more orange peel look.
Depends on the light your using. If it’s bright enough, the lacquer paint is slightly translucent. The chip guard may have been a different base type of the color black and you are seeing that through the top coat. Remember, it was built in the 80’s. Factory paint technology was fairly primitive. Very minimal prep to the metal and short warranty periods on fit and finish.
We2 on the build sheet. 8th digit on the vin 7
We2 is the only way to know its a GN
OIL LEAKS.... Most prevalent one I see is VALVE COVER GASKETS- Rear main, not so much
Beautiful car.
Is it true they run more boost in 2nd. gear?
@@keithhansen2734 Are you going to answer my question?
@@keithhansen2734 First off. I asked these question to the owner of this video. Second, I already know the answers and you are wrong. The GN run higher boost in 2nd. than 1st.
I have a 86 Buick grand national with 28000
NICE!!!!!!
I also have an 87 with a mere 62kms Canadian car..3rd owner. Yes Typical GM paint crap..got mine painted last year..12 grand!! BUT I win shows😊..perhaps I will sell this summer and get my hellcat😁
Wish they still made this car
They don't come with 700r4 from the factory they come 200-4r the monte Carlo came with the 700r4
T tops are for sn escape when u rk
Great video..please tell why the factory door moldings are not there? Ordered from factory that way??
The factory door body side moldings (B88) and door edge guards (B91) were OPTIONS on the early years. I believe that the door edge guards were part of the car's required package on the LATE (after August 03, 1987) .My resource material is in the storage area with the cars...
I want buy any car with an aftermarket air filter box. The owner has probably done something else stupid trying to more hp.
Did not come with a 700R4 trans. They came with 200R4.
wrong...
@@aegisranger 200-4R
@@keithhansen2734 correct!
Buick should arrange somehow to remove itself from being a division of GM before the fate of olds and pontiac is their fate too.
GN"s received more body bushings from factory to give the car a tight sports car like feel.
Ridgid. Its' twin brother the Regal had less bushings to give it a floating feel
Not true
Only GNX received two extra bushings in the rear wheel arch area.
Missing turbo cover
he said that he took it off to display the turbo, downpipe, and wastegate... around 11:45 time frame.
Love my 84 t-type. I drive it only when I want to feel unique.
LOL, initially he says high option. Then we look at the details.
There were no 1983 Grand Nationals.
Where can I found a good 87 for sale?
86 did’nt have intercooler
@@rickeybrown5377 86/87 had intercooler 84/85 are hot airs no intercooler
My 85 has intercooler.
First and most important tip is being rich to get one of these if not you ain’t getting one.
Coolest car on the planet,a boosted v6 was busting ford and chevys badest cars for half the price 😢or they might have kept making them.
Sell me that GN 🤩
200R 4
There is nothing that keeps the haze off the fillers for more than a few hours.
Paint #1 🤦🏽♂️ engine how it runs and drive #1 idk about paint
a collectors car - is the SAME thing as a collector HOUSE !!
By the time you nit pick a grand national someone else bought it.
The stuff you are looking for just make the cars unaffordable for most car guys. Oh… & until the tuner guys started their thing, parts and tuning was darn near impossible. Get over yourself and buy a car you can afford and enjoy.
Paint from factory is crap.
Bumper filler on my dad’s car completely broke.
This in saginaw
❤️❤️❤️
🔥🔥🔥👍🏽