Turbo Buick verification

[Maytag]

Thanks for the replies. I don't know enough about these cars. Thanks for the clarificatoin on the grille differences between 86 and 87; I though the 86 had the chrome strip running down the center, and 87 didn't so I made the incorrect assumption that the grille on the car was an 87.

As the VIN (1G4GJ47A2GP444351) indicates Buick Regal, could this car be a Buick Regal Limited which someone put in the 3.8 SFI turbo drivetrain? Does the VIN disqualify the SFI turbo engine from being original? Once I have the car towed to my place, maybe I can get the VIN derivative off the driver side of the trans and the block under cyl 1 and confirm that it does not match the car. Or is it known quantity that there is no way this car was originally a turbo car so there is no need? I wish the SPID decal was intact!

Thanks!
Maytag

 

["Turbo-T"]

Maytag, the vin you posted shows up as a 1986 Regal with the standard V6 engine, and not the turbo 6 engine that your car now has. That means either someone swapped vins on your car (possible theft) or someone went to great lengths to convert your car into a turbo car.

Also your vin indicates you have a basic Regal, not a Limited. The Limited's have an M in the vin, Regals have J's. Unless of course, again if your vin was swapped.

More vin info...

Turbo Regal Vehicle Identification Numbers

So to recap, your vin says you have a standard '86 Regal with the standard 2 bbl V6 that made a tire frying 110 hp and a neck snapping 190 ft lbs of torque.

Now...it is possible that someone swapped vins on your car....which is why you need to check. I'm pretty sure 1987 was the only year a turbo 6 could come standard in a Limited....1986 a turbo 6 was either found in a Grand National or a T type.

So in other words if someone had an 87 Limited parts donor with the LC2 engine, and an 86 standard Regal that needed an engine and an interior, then a swap could have happened. Or (gasp) your car could be really an 87 Limited turbo that someone swapped out the vin tag for the one you have...but you have ruled out the vin tag swap correct? There's a few other hidden areas of the car where the vin is stamped into the metal...I don't know where at exactly but someone else should chime in....make sure they match whatever the vin says.

The grille on an 86 Regal or GN does have a chrome strip that runs across the top that has "BUICK" embossed into it. It looks like yours has been painted over.

Either way if all checks out good as long as it's not a major cancer bucket, I wouldn't part it. It could be a good father/son project.

 

[Maytag]

Thanks for the very informative reply. I'll have to check the frame rail for the VIN, though the rivets do not look disturbed. Is the VIN on the rear frame rail? Where would it be located? Am I going to need something like a dental mirror to find it to go between the body panel and the frame rail?

Maytag

 

[charlief1]

The VIN is on the frame under the drivers side seat if I remember right. Someone correct me if I wrong.

 

[turboc87gn]

Isnt it on the trans pan rail also, another thing you could do is remove the door panels and rear seat and hunt for a build sheet...Theres almost always one behind the rear seat..From what i heat the frame one is a pita to see even once you have found it