Considering delving into the "black" side...

[el ess1]

Hi everyone. It's been a while since I've been here.

I'm an Olds 442, Hurst/Olds and Camaro guy mainly, but have seriously been considering getting behind the wheel of a (perferably) 87 GN, stock or even mildly and tastefully modded. Not looking for a T-type, because I'm looking for a GN. No offense to the T-type guys. Nothing fancy, no trailer queen, or pavement melting moster power, no GNX clones, and I don't even care about a roof option. Just wanting to garner some information from those in the know about what a GN "noob" ought to be looking for when searching for a good regular stock-ish GN. I'm not a complete dummy about GNs, but I'm also smart enough to know I need to ask the experts for advice.

Owning several Olds G-bodies, I KIND of got an idea on where to look as far as frame rust, and other known body rot points on a G-body (hence sort of wanting to stay away from T-tops). I've been reading on the forum and I kinda got an idea how many $$ it may take to get a decent one. I figured my price range would be anywhere from 15-22K, maybe a tad more, for a really decent one. I do not want to have to restore one and not looking for a project. I think my price range is close to the mark, but obviously, I could be wrong on that as well.

This post isn't about "cars wanted" really. It's about someone who's never had a GN before, but was seriously considering adding one to the fleet. But I also know I don't know squat about the nuances of the GNs, and I'd like to get a bit more info on things to ask for, look at, or to avoid. I also know that one thread isn't going to make me a GN Mensa member overnight. But it's a start.

I'm a noob here, but not an auto forum noob, and I've already tried the search feature to try and find any previous discussions on this, and came up empty, so I'm apologizing in advance if this has been hashed out before and I couldn't locate it.

Any and all advice is welcome.

 

[imjoesnuffy]

If you are serious about getting one, I'd get one of these......1986 1987 Buick Regal Grand National Turbo T T-Type GNX KIRBAN'S GUIDE TO BUYING A USED 1986 and 1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL BOOK #6846 You can also find used copies from time to time.

Might save you a lot of money in the long run. Or of you find one you want to have checked out, post up and get someone to go with you to look it over.

Good luck!

 

[Little6pack]

Maybe you should ask if anyone here is from your area. But I see you don't mention were you live. I am guessing north if your talking rust issues.

Maybe a member in your area could help you look over anything local for sale.
Maybe there are a few guys in your area that have a get together or meeting spot that you can check out there cars. Maybe one will give you a ride & you will get hooked to the DARK SIDE.. Heck you may even sell off those 442's & camaros.

As the 1st responder said get the book and read it.

Also here is a online guide The Turbo Regal Buyer's Guide

 

[datant69]

best reply i've heard

i've joined awhile back when i bought my car. if you don't mind turning wrenches and learning about this car it's a great car. real head turner, not for a 1st timer or someone who'll take it to a dealership unless you have that kinda grip. basic knowledge of atleast the normal upkeep like a tuneup or more would help. from the money your considering investing i'm sure you can find one but as those of us who own one expect to work on it if you have the capability and knowledge to do it. just do alittle research and check the for sale in this website for cars in your area. since you said you had a stable then i'm guessing either you have the funds to pay someone to fix it or can do it yourself. regardless it's not something to jump into immediately. i have some winter to do list to do on my car and most i can do. the rest i've got a mechanic that specializes in it within 10 miles from me and he's good.


good luck.

 

[el ess1]

Thanks for the replies. The manuals mentioned will be a good start.

And no, this isn't my first rodeo. I live in South Carolina, but depending on where the potential car resides, it could have those rust issues to worry about. If I got to travel for the right car, I will. I got a car trailer.

It's just that I am not up on turbos, wastegates, the quirky hydro-boost and mods to those systems. What should be on the car and what shouldn't. For example, I've got the impression that all 87 GN's came with the Buick logo imprint under the hood. If it's not there, then it's obviously not from that car. Some cars I've seen had a turbo cover, some had nothing, and if the intake pipe is polished, is that a factory or aftermarket part? Those kind of things.

In fact I do have a stable, and I can do pretty much everything but body work/paint. I ressurected an 84 Hurst/Olds and went through nearly every inch of the car. I still got an 85 Olds I bought new. I'm the type that "adopts" a car and for whatever reason, I can't seem to let them go!

I'm not afraid to work on cars, but if I'm going to be spending the kind of price tag I'm expecting for one of these beasts, I don't expect to have to do much wrench turning on it, unless something breaks. If I was spending a lot less than that, then yes, I know I'd be in for some refurbish action. Condition obviously has a lot to do with the price tag. I'm just getting to old to restore a bunch of cars.

Again, thanks for the comments.

 

[krom]

Best car day of my life when I bought my Limited. They are really all about the combination. To many people deviate from proven formulas and wonder why their car is slow or will not run correctly. They are 25 years old so things will go bad.