Mid 80's GNXs

[PxTx]

Although the Turbo T-types and Trans Ams are cool, I think the real Grand Nationals will be the safest bet from an investment perspective.

[markinnaples]

Yes, just to add to the conversation; the 1989 Trans Am Turbo was offered with the '87 Grand National drivetrain.

I believe they were all white with gold trim, and they can be had for reasonable money.

I've always liked those and they're a little different than the regular Grand Nationals.

[Craig_Maiorana]

not only that but on the trans am they had to put a different head on that engine to get it in between the shock towers .... they were 12 second cars right out of the box... and yes white with gold and white badging and tan interiors

[PxTx]

The GN had an 8.5" ring gear in the rear. If those TA's were 12 second cars out of tge box the wimpy 7.5 rears tgey had under them are probably no longer original in mosy of them. How fast were the GN, high 13 at best I thought.

[markinnaples]

More on the Turbo T/A's:

http://89tta.turbobuicks.net/

[Billohio]

Grand nationals didn't have the best paint, so check that out. Alot of mods available so decide if you want stock or hopped up. I had one that i was the second owner and it was around 30k miles. I traded it and next guy blew it up. Some were abused (not by me) lol

[Craig_Maiorana]

haha you guys are hysterical ... (im being serious / not poking fun) .... mark you may be right about the ring gear in the t/a ... I have seen plenty of abused turbo t/a's too .. we had one at or old shop that had 100,000 miles on it and still had the factory oil filter and 3 original plugs but i also watched my bosses son run it down the garden state parkway at 140 mph.. a little maintenence goes a long way with that 3,8 liter .... the typhoon and the syclone are a good buy as well .. you can find them for almost the same money as a turbo regal or t/a

[6pakdave]

I think I'll be looking at the GN model. As Paul said, better investment ,even though I know of only a handfull here in OZ anyway.I have never seen one up close in OZ, and am yet to drive one. Im a big guy,6.3 and 150kgs! So I hope they can accomodate the 'larger' guys! lol.
I will have to wait a little to licence the car, they have to be 25yrs or older in my State for LHD registration. I will not have to convert the steering to RHD. Although I do have a dealers licence plate so I can drive the car on occasions until the 25th anniversery comes.The plus is that a pre-1989 import is less hassle and paperwork to import into the country. Later vehicles req Gov't recognised pre-approval for compulsory RHD steering conversions.[ And that can cost,EG: A brand new GMC truck will cost around AU$40K to convert to RHD!!] Being a pre 89 vehicle I can avoid the RHD conversion.
The Buick V6 engines were fitted in our Aust Commodores from 88-current models!.No turbo, GMH instead decided to have a supercharger option on some models. GMH have refined the 3.8 engine over the years and it is currently the GMH main staple engine, it is a very good performing , quiet engine. Anyways, the bonus is that the mech parts are avail and aussie mechanics are familiar with the engine and tuning.

cheers Dave

[old5.0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pxtx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The GN had an 8.5&quot; ring gear in the rear. If those TA's were 12 second cars out of tge box the wimpy 7.5 rears tgey had under them are probably no longer original in mosy of them. How fast were the GN, high 13 at best I thought. </div></div>

Stock cold air GN should go 13.70s. Knock off half a second for GNX/TTA. In ideal conditions with the right driver... yeah, I wouldn't be shocked to see a Trans Am crack 12.99.

[Craig_Maiorana]

you should have no issue fitting in the GN as a big guy ... with the bucket seats they are very forgiving. I'm 6 foot 2 and i fit in my T-Type. Thats kind of what drew me to that car. I hate feeling cramped in cars. Yes GM used that motor for quite a long time through all of its international divisions obviously. The early 2000's regal all had them with superchargers for the special edition regals.