Couple Things...

[Saladin45]

Hey guys

I wanted to ask y'all a few questions since y'all have so much experience with these cars.

Ya see, I'm a very new driver. And anyway, ever since last year I've been very interested in Grand National's. Now what I want to know is how long I should wait until I try to get my hands on one of these babies. Alot of people have told me that I should wait until much longer. But... I really want to get into these cars NOW! You know? I'm putting 95% of the money I am making at my job toward my bank account to keep it for the car.

Right now I'm driving a Saturn and I'm doing pretty good. I'm not a terrible driver, but I'm not a very good driver either. Now alot of people have told me that a Grand National would be too much power. (As in, the change from Saturn to Grand National would be too much for me) My brother has told me to get the car, but slowly acclimate myself to it rather than just jumping and going.

One of my buddies told me about the same thing.

But my thing is, do y'all think that it would be a foolish mistake to try and grab a GN now? Or should I wait? Better yet, what would you guys do in my position?

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Get one as soon as possible before the prices get out of reach, the value of these cars is steadily rising!

Make sure you buy some new tires and brakes for it asap, will save your butt a few times im sure.

I dont think it would be too much power, but you have to respect the car and not beat on it all the time or it will eventually suffer some damage.

The best thing for the car is a safe tune, a scantool, and a level headed driver. Get those things going for you and the car will last alot longer.

Once you get used to it, a chip and methanol setup will get you 60 more horses and be just as reliable.
Better radiator and cooling fan is a must if its really hot there in PA during the summer.

BW

 

[Saladin45]

Alright, thanks for that Quick6. It makes me feel a little more justified.

My thing about it is when people tell me that I'm going to crash, or I'm stupid for trying to do it. Anybody get that from people before? Generally it's just peers of mine who don't care/understand cars that much, but it's damn annoying.

Oh and trust me. If I shovel out as much cash as it seems I will have to, then trust me, I won't be doing anything stupid.

 

[vader87]

Let me put it this way. I would not let my wife drive mine with out the boost turned down....WAY DOWN! If you get a stock TB, then you should be alright. If you get a highly modified TB, they will get away from you if you're not ready for it. I drive mine a few times a year (stationed overseas) and it still scares me sometimes! I have been driving for 24 years now and I think I am a good driver. They are fun to drive but you have to take care of it! Try not to be tempted to floor it a every green light. Sometimes friends will get you in trouble.

 

[Saladin45]

With the car I drive right now, I have a rule.

No more than 1 person in the car with me at a time.

I stand by that rule very harshly. Much to the dismay of my friends however.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

I think i purchased my first turbo regal when i was 21 or 22, im 31 now and going from a 355 Small block chevy in a 84 S-10 to a turbo regal really woke me up, the turbo bug got to me.

The S-10 was a high 13 second truck (traction limited) , and at the time i purchased my first TR, the TR was a major upgrade in comfort, reliability, and actually quicker and faster the first month than the truck ever was.

I did get sideways in my first Turbo regal on a on ramp getting on the highway Friday the 13th the first year i purchased the car, i hit a guard rail and bent the bumper, header panel,the pass fender, inner fender, ect at 35MPH... I hit a ice patch or slick spot in a hair pin turn.
Luckily nobody else was involved in the accident.

Anyway, to this day, if there is water, dew or even a chance of ice, i wont give it 1/8th throttle around a corner.

Not trying to scare you at all, but the rear end does come around fairly quick in these cars. Once the boost even starts, theres alot of torque that multiplies quick, and that spells trouble for traction.

Anyway, that probably why i told you to buy new tires in my last post :biggrin:

If you do get one, just realize that even stock the car does have some decent power... Very easy to add an additional 100 horse over stock with just bolt ons, and even more than that with minimal bolt ons..

Pick your color combo here www.efi-street.com

BW

 

[jdpolzin]

I say get one, why not?? Have respect for the car though. My first car was an 86 442 with a 450HP motor in it. Needless to say I rolled it 9 times 13 days after I got my liscence. I didnt know what the power could do. These cars are totally diffferent. The best thing I can say is to learn the car. Turbo cars (most of them anyways!), do not have instant power. It applies more power as boost raises which ca really throw you off. i have almost lost my cars many times around corners and even going straight down the road. BE CAREFUL, get a car to drive everyday besides the GN. HAVE FUN!!! ------Jeremy

 

[Saladin45]

That just made me want a Grand National all the more. (The link)

I just can't wait to get this car. I've been telling everyone that I'm sleeping in it the first night I get it.

Now this is something I want to know. Alot of people have told me that muscle cars are not very good at handling. They say only imports are good at turning on the dime, etc. But my thing is, if you lower your car enough and tune it right, etc, you can get any car that good at handling, right? My brother was telling me that, and that the only reason that most Muscle cars aren't good at handling is because they lower the front and raise the back, etc. Or keep it too high.

Now this is my thing. Why is it that people say that imports are so much better at handling? Is it for that reason in general?

There's actually a kid round' here with a Jetta who thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread. So I'm actually rather hungering to give him a taste of Buick-ness.

(Also, the Saturn is my everyday car)

 

[sandmann]

my fist CAR was an 86 GN 10 years ago. since then i've had a formula, 2 very fast fox body stang street cars, and a 520 rwhp 04 cobra. now i'm back in a turbo buick and expect it to be my fastest yet. very fun cars.

 

[vader87]

The imports handle so much better because of the suspension and weight. TB are not built from the factory to hug corners. There are things you can do to make it handle, a few have done it. If you are looking to ralley race, a TB would not be my first choice. Straight line racing, TB hands down! My kids drive imports and they handle great especially with the right suspension mods. But when my kids want to go fast, they ride in the Grand National!:biggrin:

 

[Saladin45]

Well I don't think I will do many rally's until one really comes up that interests me.

I'm just going to be doing the straight line racing. Since that's how like 90% of these races are anyway.

 

[ttypewe4jim]

Im only 20 Ive been around these cars since I was like 16...baught my first one when I was 17 been driving it ever since you just have to respect it. where in philly area you from?

 

[Saladin45]

Germantown area.

You in Philly also?

I've actually also been looking into Buick Regal's also.

Now here's a new question.

Besides the name, what's the real difference between a Grand National and a Regal? I've noticed that many Regal's are V8's and most Grand National's are V6's. I mean, outside of that difference, is there really anything holding the other back, etc?

Because right now, the Regal's look more appealing due to the fact that their starting prices for a used one from the 80's is cheap. Most selling for 2000-3000 that run fine. Grand National's that run fine are like 5000-7000 starting. Ya know?

 

[ttypewe4jim]

Im down by chester (not in the city but right outside of it lol) shoot me a Im when your on aim sometime Il give you some info

 

[Saladin45]

What's your AIM name?

Also, your actually quite close.

Oh and, just an update but I am closing in on a deal for one of these cars.

You have no clue how happy I am. Or wait, y'all probably do.