Cloning a Regal

[jake616]

Ok I am still interested in turbo buicks but money is a major factor in my purchase. I would really love to own a Grand National..if even jsut for the name. It is so respected and jsut plain special! lol. But me and ronnie (equalizer442) have been talking about what would eb the best bet for me and we have came up witht his:

Me purchasing a 1986-87 Buick Regal with a V8(307ci) and clonign it into a GN. While looking for a 3.8L v6 and havign that built up, I wpould be turnign the body into a GN clone.

Now for my ?s and hopefully alot of answers:

What items will I need to turn a regal(non ttype) into a GN?
Where do I go about findign me a 3.8v6 turbo?
What problems will I run into swappign v8 to v6 turbo?
What do I need to do to the suspension to mirror a GN's?

*If you have any other ideas/suggestions/tips/ etc. PLEASE RESPOND

Thanks Tons!
jake

 

[jake616]

starter

just for an idea of what I want to turn into a GN:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2414233286&category=6141

Mirrored Thread:
http://www.turbobuicks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=003964

Thanks alot guys!

 

[WakkoSS]

If you can get a car like that, go for it. Alot of the cosmetic work is already done. As far as transplanting a TR motor into a N/A Regal, it's not too terribly hard...but you'll be scroungin for parts alot. You're better off buying a wrecked TR and transferring the stuff over since you'll have it all there. IMO, buy the Ebay car for looks and save your cash. When you get some, buy a REAL GN or T. Even a hot air.

 

[jmidolo]

By the time you do this, not counting your time, you will be well into the cost of just buying a higher mile 87 GN driver. You can pick them up in the 5-6k range.

You will easily spend 5-6k for example:

87 Regal -1500+
GN interior complete - 1500 (CONSERVATIVE estimate!!!)
Rims & Tires 600
Spoiler 200
Emblems 300
Used engine 1500 (CONSERVATIVE estimate!!!)
Wiring Harness 300
Transmission 1000
Steering box 150

Save yourself a lotta time and money and just buy one

 

[SinistrV6]

I know you want a GN, but.....

Have you considered building a "sleeper". I mean, an '87 Regal without making a GN clone. Put the LC2 motor in but leave it looking stock on the outside and inside. I've been in a few "sleepers" and I can't tell you how much fun it is outrunning someone when they thought they were gonna leave you in the dust! Just a thought.

 

[GNVAIR]

My $.02 after doing just a drivetrain swap on a Monte SS..........
You simply change everything and then you have a complete swap
Seriously though, there is a TON of stuff that is different between a regular NA 3.8 or 307 powered Regal and a Turbo Regal........besides all the extra specialized stuff that makes a Grand National.
I have over $6K into the drivetrain swap on the Monte SS. That is just the drivetrain. I didnt touch anything to do with the body or interior except adding a boost gauge.
You have to realize that just because you can buy a used intercooled engine for $1500-$2500 doesnt mean it wont need a rebuild. Same goes for a transmission and rear. I went through this. I bought a somewhat complete engine for $800 minus the turbo only to find out it needed to be rebuild. Samething with the transmission and rear. By the time you get done collecting all of the parts and assembling it and getting it running you will be well over $5k and that doesnt included purchase of another car or changing any of the specific body work or interior pieces to make it a GN. My advice is to either buy a complete Turbo Regal parts car and swap parts OR just save the headaches and buy a running and driving Turbo Regal.
Please note I am not trying to dash anybody's hopes, I am just giving my point of view on it. It is not an easy swap for someone who isnt patient and mechanically inclined and financially secure.
These cars are expensive and do require spending good money to buy them and maintain them. They are no different in my opinion than owning a Corvette or a lower end Porsche. The old addage of "You will have to pay if you want to play" comes to mind.

 

[WIKEDV6]

Hey Jake, I see that you are somewhere in IL, I live in West Chicago, IL. What I would suggest is that; even if you don't have the money for an 86-87 get an 84-85 turbo regal for around 1000-3000k and convert it to an 86-87 setup down the line. It is much easier,I have done plenty of those swaps. I restore Turbo Buicks and sell them as a hobby. If you need to get in touch with me I can be reached at 630-965-1987. I will be more than glad to help you find one and give you all the advice you need.

Later
Prasad

 

[jake616]

differences

can somebody please explain the differences between:

T-type
Turbo gn(84-85)
gn(86-87)
turbo regal
regal v8

i know there is probaly quite a bit but other than most body work...whats the major/minor differences?

 

[jake616]

update

Update on the mirror ? at turbobuicks.com:

http://www.turbobuicks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=003964

well..... i don't have all teh $$ right away for one and the bank doesnt loan on used cars. they ahrdly let me do anythign with my Probe GT. i would really like a project and somethign that looked cool when it was done... i am thinking about jsut saving...but still: if i wanted to do this..how would i go about doing it? thanks!

 

[PNYKLR]

regal swap

That looks like a good starting point (the ebay car) I started with an 85 Regal bought TType Rims , a GN hood, grill and spoiler
everything for around $300 (Im just lucky) picked up a GN posi rear for $500. If you scrounge around enough and are in the right place at the right time, youll find deals. You just have to be lucky
http://community.webshots.com/album/47785292ajOSwA
There's the link to my car you have to cut and paste it

 

[equalizer442]

i think he could do it with junk yard parts for pretty cheap, besides the engine swap. do you really need all that power tell ya the truth jake the reasion you need to build a gn clone is because by the time you get the money up and you spend the time and learn how to do it your self you will know every thing about the car and how to drive it. gns are not like normal cars, you really have to know how to tune on them and such so you dont blow the engine. on the same note if your not used to a rwd car with alot of power and a posi rear end you can get your self in to alot of trouble.

 

[MeanBuicks]

That '86 Regal is a nice little street car as it sits. I like the 'Estimate Your Monthly Payment' link on that thing. Plug in 15% interest, financed over 60 months. I can deal with $17.13/mo.

 

[equalizer442]

if you look closley thats one of them v8 t types to boot, id love to have that car but with my fleet of g bodys and older buicks i just dont have a place to keep a 17th car

 

[jake616]

Re: differences

Originally posted by jake616
can somebody please explain the differences between:

T-type
Turbo gn(84-85)
gn(86-87)
turbo regal
regal v8

i know there is probaly quite a bit but other than most body work...whats the major/minor differences?

ttt

thanks

 

[MeanBuicks]

Head on over to www.gnttype.org .

 

[The Don]

I have a gutted 86 3.8 regal in my yard! for $3000 I will have a 8.5 rear end, tr-200brf tranny and a "231" engine what problems can I expect?

 

[The Don]

I know the v8 carborated fuel system is diff but will a fuel inj v6's fuel system work with a turbo 231? also all the parts are garenteed and have low miles

 

[The Don]

OH YEAH r there any versions of the non-turbo regal with t-tops?

 

[The Don]

oh yeah the engine is 100% complete

 

[jmidolo]

I don't think you're going to get very many replies because I just read all 4 of your posts about 3 times and still can't figure out what the hell you are asking or even talking about!!???