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Grand_87_national

I lika... do da cha cha.
Joined
May 1, 2016
Hello, all. Just purchased a 1987 Grand National on e85 with some go fast goodies. Runs fantastic, but needs a few things, one is that it has coolant seeping out of the bottom rear head stud on the drivers side... but that's for a different thread. Just wanted to introduce myself to the members, hope to pick some brains in the near future. Cheers!
 

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Thank you, and I can already tell I'm going to need to figure out how to post pics. My attached file is small and garbage quality. Lol.
 
Yes sir. The way I see it, I wanted it to be quick, so why not buy one already built? Stock gn's seem to cost more anyhow, so no reason to pay extra for original parts that I want upgraded anyway. I paid $12k, and believe me, it's no perfect show car, and needs a couple things, but I couldn't touch an original for that in the same condition. The car has a ton of money in aftermarket parts, so I'm already ahead.... right? Lol.
 
Yes sir. The way I see it, I wanted it to be quick, so why not buy one already built? Stock gn's seem to cost more anyhow, so no reason to pay extra for original parts that I want upgraded anyway. I paid $12k, and believe me, it's no perfect show car, and needs a couple things, but I couldn't touch an original for that in the same condition. The car has a ton of money in aftermarket parts, so I'm already ahead.... right? Lol.

HOLY SMOKES! I'd say so! That's a helluva deal there! Wow!!!
 
HOLY SMOKES! I'd say so! That's a helluva deal there! Wow!!!
There is certainly plenty to do on the car, starting with the small coolant leak. The previous owner who performed the work, admitted to me that he had not thrown in a few coolant seal tabs after the heads went on. I see many swear by them, so I'll try that first. There is no wideband, so I bought one, I'll install it at a later time. The interior is a bit worn so it needs some attention. But, it's a fresh engine with a built trans and rear, so it's a great start. Thanks for the comments!
20160429_162016.jpg
 
There is certainly plenty to do on the car, starting with the small coolant leak. The previous owner who performed the work, admitted to me that he had not thrown in a few coolant seal tabs after the heads went on. I see many swear by them, so I'll try that first. There is no wideband, so I bought one, I'll install it at a later time. The interior is a bit worn so it needs some attention. But, it's a fresh engine with a built trans and rear, so it's a great start. Thanks for the comments! View attachment 278984

Believe it or not the stuff to freshen up the interior on these cars isn't all that bad! And I'd trade cosmetic issues for a built car any day! Trust me, you are light years ahead on this deal!

My car is in pretty good shape body / interior wise, but, it sat up for a good eight years before I got it. So I'm still fighting gremlins there! But, now I have to learn, plan and upgrade. As my car was fairly stock when I got it. Therefore you are way, way ahead! Great buy man!!!
 
Believe it or not the stuff to freshen up the interior on these cars isn't all that bad! And I'd trade cosmetic issues for a built car any day! Trust me, you are light years ahead on this deal!

My car is in pretty good shape body / interior wise, but, it sat up for a good eight years before I got it. So I'm still fighting gremlins there! But, now I have to learn, plan and upgrade. As my car was fairly stock when I got it. Therefore you are way, way ahead! Great buy man!!!
Thank you for the kind words, it's reassuring to hear that from another owner. This is my first forced induction car, and the tuning seems a bit overwhelming to me right now. It's only on 19lbs of boost right now, which should be mild for an e85 car, I assume. The previous owner told me he didn't want to push too much boost until he put a power logger on it, so really I'm just watching my o2 voltage on the scanmaster and resisting many full throttle pulls, though it's tough. Lol. I have stabbed into it a couple times and it's not pulling any timing, so that's good... o2 voltage seems to be in the upper 700 to lower 800 range. Feels healthy, and the street radials just don't stand a chance. Lol. It's pretty cool to roll into the throttle in 2nd gear and obliterate the tires.
 
Thank you for the kind words, it's reassuring to hear that from another owner. This is my first forced induction car, and the tuning seems a bit overwhelming to me right now. It's only on 19lbs of boost right now, which should be mild for an e85 car, I assume. The previous owner told me he didn't want to push too much boost until he put a power logger on it, so really I'm just watching my o2 voltage on the scanmaster and resisting many full throttle pulls, though it's tough. Lol. I have stabbed into it a couple times and it's not pulling any timing, so that's good... o2 voltage seems to be in the upper 700 to lower 800 range. Feels healthy, and the street radials just don't stand a chance. Lol. It's pretty cool to roll into the throttle in 2nd gear and obliterate the tires.

That's awesome! Before I got this car, I just thought I knew cars. However, this is my first turbo car too. So my eyes have been opened up to a whole new world. And there are so many things that you have to weigh out or consider with these cars until I feel like I live on this forum and or looking up what does what and why! But that's ok as I'll get my Turbo Ph D in due time!

I tell you this forum is the turbo Buick knowledge of the world! And the guys on here will not steer you wrong! (Unfortunately I can't say the same about some local owners)! So be careful and if you are in doubt post it up! Because a TB Dr is always on call on here! And dude these guys give help (real help as in Rock Solid Advice), so don't hesitate to ask. As that's how we all learn! :)
 
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