1987 Buick Grand National on 2040-cars

I bought this beautiful Grand National on eBay Motors in January, 2010 from an owner in Florida. I've had extensive work done on improving performance and really having it idle and run smoothly and get decent gas mileage. I haven't raced or had this at the strip. Out on the interstate I do like to ease up on German sedans and new Camaros and Mustangs then see if they can pull away….they can't. I had long conversations with the owner before I bought it and most everything he related was true and accurate. The core of our discussions accepted the fact that this is a 1980's vehicle, a G-body that shake-rattle-and rolls. I've done some things to tighten it up, particularly in the front end, but it still makes some racket over very harsh surfaces.  That's just the way it is.

It came with a beautiful repaint, but since I have driven it 25,000 miles since I got it there is some road rash on the front air dam, grill and front painted surfaces, but no dents, cracks, hazing, or scratches. It could use a professional buffing using a reciprocating buffer and compound. There is no rust of any kind on the body or undercarriage and I don't drive it in the rain or snow so from November through mid-May it sits in the garage and I drive my battered Totota Echo, a coffin on wheels. Fit and finish overall is pretty good for a G-body, no wide or unusual gaps. Windshield is clean with no scratches or chips.

The interior has a new headliner, the footwells and carpet or spotless with no wear. The previous owner installed leather seat covers and door panels by JAX Interiors in GN color scheme with turboBuick logo stitched on the head rests. I do not know the condition of the seats. The seats are firm and tight with no seat noise, front, back or lateral movement issues. The dash is clean and perfect, no cracks. Has a JVC radio/CD deck. Only the back speakers work.

Here is a list of items and info provided by the previous owner:

NEW MOTOR installed in 2006. When I got it there was 900 miles on the odometer. Current mileage is 26, 690

Applied Technologies Research (ATR) Hydraulic Cam RP314B…214/208-109

Applied Technologies Research (ATR)  Stainless Steel Headers

51 Precision Turbocharger

42 injectors

Larger (than the Garrett) Precision intercooler

28 stall spped converter

342 rear end 

Larger sway bars

ATR coil springs

4 coil radiator.

Portland Speed Industries is a master race and tuning shop in Hillsboro, Oregon. I had them do the following work (receipts provided with sale):

Idler arm left/right tie rod assembly                                        adjustment sleeves

Center link sway bar bushings                                                  sway bar link kit

Rear main seal Oil pan gasket                                                         oil pump R&R

Valve cover gasket manifold gaskets                                                     turbo outlet gasket

Tranny filter kit Flow Master resonator                                            repair fuel injector

Alignment   Custom EGR plate                                                  oil pressure switch

Completely new wiring harness under hood

R&R machine heads   Performance intake manifold                                  camshaft position sensor

Ignition module Multilayer head gasket (4.06)                                  alternator

New head studs

PSI  did dyno runs before/after. Proof of results provided on sale or go to PSI's website and look in dyno archives: Engine produced 350hp at the wheels and 401.36 torque at 11 lbs of boost.    Any low mileage GN for sale, under 75k miles, is going to need all this work done in short order  due to tremendous under-hood heat that wears out components and quality of OEM parts. If you know about GN's, they are high maintenance vehicles compared to a Honda, but they offer performance opportunities which can be tempting. I have kept mine to a minimum so I am not selling a "racer" or "dragster" or some kind of backyard mechanic modified car.

I run Mobil 1 and engine idles smoothly and rumbly (has a great sound of course) at 10-15 psi oil pressure  hot.   

Other notes to consider:

Wheels are perfect, no rust, dents or flaking. 3" cold air intake and down pipe. Horn works!

Tires are Mastercraft Avenger Touring with 10K on them.

Windows are tinted.

One of the photos shows an original newspaper ad to be included.

Video recorded on a chilly morning and condensation is coming out of the pipes, not smoke.

ITEMS NEEDING ATTENTION:

Shifter handle will need a repair kit. Handle is wobbly and can be pulled up and off. Just haven't done it-about $50-$75. But it shifts fine.

Speedo is starting to buzz and jump a little.