differences between the 86 and 87 Grand Nationals

[XS29L9B]

Definitely knew this was mandatory as of 1986 on every car in the USA. I remember the third brake light on the 911 Porsche looked like “ET” also the Chevy Camaro looked like a last minute add.
Thanks for your feedback.
After all these years , do you still have the same GN , TR ??

For the 1986 Model Year, the Federal Rule was the addition of the Center High Mount Stop Lamp, or 3rd Brake Light. Most companies rambled to scab something on the cars, and most were poorly integrated. Even the 1986 Regal, it was a pedestal housing, placed on the parcel shelf. Not very clean, but okay compared to the 1986 Camaro and Firebird, but nowhere as clean as the 1986 Corvette.

Regarding my own Buick, if the question was directed towards me, no - I sold it over 20 years ago, but looking again...

https://turbobuick.com/threads/new-member-had-an-87-gn-looking-to-buy-an-87-tr.457094/

 

[thomas cory]

Funny , Porsche had the worst added third eye brake light.
Also if you can , get a GN soon as the rise in price quickly. Good luck

 

[corsair231]

Everybody is listing minor changes as the difference but nobody has mentioned the main difference. The main thing is that one is a 1987 and the other is a 1986.



Wait, are you saying that since they are the same, except for those minor differences, the year doesn't matter? Well you're right as far as the car, it's looks, it's performance, and the Turbo Regal owner's club. From what I've seen though is the '87 is just like a '69 Camaro Z/28. They were pretty much the same car as a 1968 Z/28 (except for cosmetic body changes) and they made many times as many as they did in '68 but the '69 is the one everybody wants. They have the most "wow" factor and so they tend to bring more money. Both in purchase and resale. From what I've seen, '87s have the same draw. There may not be enough of a difference in price to influence your decision either way and if you are doing it for the love of the car, then given equal quality it doesn't matter. If you are buying one as an investment or simply for I got the "baddest" bragging rights then hold out for the '87 GN or if your pockets are deep, a GNX.

If you are really and truly doing it for the love of the platform then buy a "T".

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

Everybody is listing minor changes as the difference but nobody has mentioned the main difference. The main thing is that one is a 1987 and the other is a 1986.



Wait, are you saying that since they are the same, except for those minor differences, the year doesn't matter? Well you're right as far as the car, it's looks, it's performance, and the Turbo Regal owner's club. From what I've seen though is the '87 is just like a '69 Camaro Z/28. They were pretty much the same car as a 1968 Z/28 (except for cosmetic body changes) and they made many times as many as they did in '68 but the '69 is the one everybody wants. They have the most "wow" factor and so they tend to bring more money. Both in purchase and resale. From what I've seen, '87s have the same draw. There may not be enough of a difference in price to influence your decision either way and if you are doing it for the love of the car, then given equal quality it doesn't matter. If you are buying one as an investment or simply for I got the "baddest" bragging rights then hold out for the '87 GN or if your pockets are deep, a GNX.

If you are really and truly doing it for the love of the platform then buy a "T".

I think most want the '87 because they were more publicized and they had more advertised HP, 245 vs 235 for the '86.
How else was the marketing group going to get you to trade your '86 for an '87.

The low numbers were because Corvette was to be the top dog.
Not only did Corvette owners get their feelings hurt, but they got their doors blown off in the process.

During baseline testing by Kenne-bell and ATR, both years put down 265 hp.

I am sure you guys have beat this to death, but bare with me I am new. I have always had a love for the vehicles, but was wondering what the differences in the two years of the vehicle are. Also was wondering pros and cons to the two years.

The '86's were lighter due to the aluminum bumper supports (as well as the '87 WE4 cars).

I do prefer the '87 all black grille, that's why I blacked mine out.
I prefer having 1 of 5,512 vs. 1 of 20,900 something as well, but I think that's just me.

Either year you choose your going to have a blast.

 

[turbo39151]

There's also the 86 ttype - only 1921 produced. Still as fast as the GN of any year ...

 

[Buckshot G/N]

Definitely knew this was mandatory as of 1986 on every car in the USA. I remember the third brake light on the 911 Porsche looked like “ET” also the Chevy Camaro looked like a last minute add.
Thanks for your feedback.
After all these years , do you still have the same GN , TR ??

I do ,I've own my Buick since September, 1987,with 31000 original miles, I never thought about it but that averages 1000 miles a year.

 

[thomas cory]

I do ,I've own my Buick since September, 1987,with 31000 original miles, I never thought about it but that averages 1000 miles a year.

Wow !!!! I’m imagining your GN is immaculate !!!!!! Pictures ????

 

[Buckshot G/N]

Wow !!!! I’m imagining your GN is immaculate !!!!!! Pictures ????

Here are few photos, all stock except for upgrades.

 

[thomas cory]

Here are few photos, all stock except for upgrades.

Absolutely stunning !!!! A few modifications, mostly stock !