30-Years-Owned 1987 Buick Grand National

Description

“The hulking black Grand National will scream from 0 to 60 mph faster than any other car made in America. Is 4.9 seconds fast enough?” Car and Driver’s 1986 track test rocked the performance world. The turbocharged Grand National — dressed in monochromatic black — had just hissed to 60 mph two tenths quicker than a Lamborghini Countach, and went on to post a 13.9-second quarter mile time.

The secret lay in Buick’s 3.8L V6, which combined high-tech Bosch sequential fuel injection, a distributor-less ignition system, an air-to-air intercooler, and 12 pounds of boost from a Garrett turbocharger to create neck-snapping thrust unheard of in the 1980s. The intercooled 1986–87 Turbo Buicks were instant legends, and nearly 40 years later, that legend has only grown.

This example was reportedly stock when purchased by the seller in 1996 at around 40,000 miles. The seller added bolt-on modifications including a Precision PTE-52 turbo, larger intercooler, larger downpipe with high-flow exhaust, bigger injectors, an LT1 MAF with a Translator Plus, and a TurboTweak chip. The transmission has reportedly been overhauled and fitted with a high-stall torque converter with lock-up suited for highway use.

This GN rides on aftermarket 15" wheels, rear drag radials, and smoked headlights.

This 1987 Buick Grand National is now offered with a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report and a clean Indiana title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• 30 years under current ownership

• Hardtop GN with bolt-on performance parts and visual upgrades

• Finished in (19U) Black with (82) Grey/Black interior 

• 15" chrome wheels

• 3.8L turbocharged V6

• 4-speed TH-2004R automatic transmission with overdrive 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Factory Equipment

• Coupe body style

• Perimeter G-body frame

• Monochromatic trim, front air dams, power hood bulge, and rear spoiler

• A-arm front, 4-link rear suspension with coil springs

• Front disc, rear drum brakes

• 8.5" rear end with limited-slip differential and 3.42 gears

• Bucket seats

• Analog gauge cluster with digital rpm and boost readouts

• Dual remote mirrors

• Power windows, locks, and driver's seat 

• Cruise control

Modifications

• Cold air intake system with high-flow filter

• MAF Translator Plus with 3" LT1 mass air flow sensor

• Precision PTE-52 turbocharger

• Stock-location stretch intercooler

• Billet vacuum block

• RJC Racing intake air distribution plate

• 50 lb/hr Seimens injectors and stock-look adjustable fuel pressure regulator

• Walbro 340 fuel pump with hotwire kit and Red's volt booster

• 3" stainless downpipe with dump pipe and 2.5" aluminum exhaust system with Dynomax race mufflers

• TurboTweak street and race chips

• Power-coated intake manifold and Buick Motorsports valve covers

• Black air intake pipe, intercooler up pipe, and turbo cover

• Engine tie-down strap

• Coan transmission rebuild with 3800-stall converter

• Vacuum brake booster

• Aftermarket interior gauges and external fuel pressure gauge with bracket

• Auxiliary switches for line lock, manual fan, and fuel pump

• Air Lift bags

• Chrome differential cover

• 15x8" front, 15x10" rear American Racing chrome wheels

• BFGoodrich radials front, BFGoodrich drag radials rear

• Phillips Color Clear smoked headlights

• Matching center console armrest

• Scanmaster

• Alpine head unit

• "Turbo 6" console applique and floor mats

• Body bracing behind rear seat

Documentation

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint imperfections including cloudy areas, chips, swirls, cracks, and worn area above passenger door

• Air conditioning and power antenna inoperable

• Wear on driver seat bolster

• Cracks in dashboard

• Rear drag radials have low tread

• Front bumper fillers are older

• Tires require replacement

Ownership History

The accompanying clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 1987 Buick Grand National lists registration history in Indiana from new, with a few gaps. The seller has had the car since late 1996 and has added around 56,000 miles in that time.

The seller states, “87 GN, 94,635 miles, 2nd owner, purchased with under 40,000 miles and was all stock at the time. Always garaged, barely seen any weather. The only rain it really ever saw was when it rained buckets on the way to or at the GS Nationals over the years. Zero major rust, only normal surface stuff underneath.

"The car is a driver and the paint needs some help. Rear bumper fillers are newer, front bumper fillers are showing their age and probably should be replaced soon. Best 1/4 mile pass is 12.05 @ 110 mph with me driving. Someone else could easily get it into the 11s."