86 or 87 Grand National?

[socalfandabodys]

Well I have finally decided to buy one of my dream cars a Buick Grand National. Ive dabbled in chevelles and camaros for a long time and now its time for a change. I have a couple quick questions I know you guys can answer. Are there any differences between 86 and 87 GN's. What would you look for on one of these cars as I have no idea what to look for. How much does a daily driver quality car go for. Thanks for your help.

[scogin918]

I personally like an '87 but other than the front grill being blacked out vs chrome, there really isn't that much difference. I think there is a thread about this very topic on here somewhere already.

[jy211]

just don't buy a T top...I made that mistake :pat:

[olds87]

I thought on 87 GN have a intercooler that was stock and the other years do not have it. If I remember right.

[Buick Motorsports]

86'S had the chrome outlines in the grill and the horsepower output was a little less than the 87.

The 87 is considered more desirable but there were fewer 86's produced. I have always liked the 86 myself.

go to http://www.gnttype.org/ everything you ever want to know about the turbo cars is there. inclusing what to look for when purchasing.

[motorheadmike]

Same car. Same power. It is up to you if you like the chrome on the grille or not.

Prices range from 10-30K depending on the mileage and options.

Personally, I wouldn't buy one as a DD. The stock parts are too hard to come by, once you start to modify the car to make up for missing/broken parts it is a crap shoot if it is going to run everytime you turn the key.

[shmoov69]

I had an 87 and I like the black grill shell better, but that is me! Like Mike said, for a DD, it would not be the best choice, but for a "toy", it is a wonderful car! There is one in the classified section now.

[GBodyGMachine]

www.turbobuick.com/forums

GOOD SOURCE

[motorheadmike]

www.turbobuick.com/forums (http://www.turbobuick.com/forums)

GOOD SOURCE

http://turbobuicks.com

BETTER SOURCE

;)

[socalfandabodys]

Its not going to be a Daily Driver Im just saying I would want one that is not a show car. I have my truck as my daily driver and this would be a Saturday night strip car. Thanks for your help

[motorheadmike]

How much does a daily driver quality car go for.

My mistake? :squint:

[ProVette]

I owned one 1986 and have three 1987's. Short anwser, ten more horsepower in 1987 with different heads, 1987 had black grill and my 1986 had climate control that was not available in 87. The 86 are lot rarer, however, apples to apples, the 87s bring more.

[K5Cruiser]

www.turbobuick.com/forums (http://www.turbobuick.com/forums)

GOOD SOURCE

Second that! You'll be fine with an 86 or an 87. Not much difference except for the front grill. Prices seem to be lower now compared to a year or so ago. You can get a nice driver from $9 - $15 these days.

[Leader One]

87's had Intercooolers and 86's didn't. 87 is the year to get if you are getting one.

[ProVette]

87's had Intercooolers and 86's didn't. 87 is the year to get if you are getting one.

All 1986 GN's have intercoolers, the same ones as 1987's. The only real difference between 86's and 87's (not counting the GNX's) is the heads (approx ten more on 87's, the front grill and a minor few options). There are far few 1986s than 1987s, therefore I like the 86s better, but 87s bring more - apples to apples.

There a quite a few 1987's that have less than 100 miles on their open MSO (you could still get the MSO back in 87 with cash) that are now selling for around $39k to $43K. All option cars without the moonroof, t-tops (sold roof cars) or digital dash options are the most sought after.

[Whistler]

The 85 and earlier cars are the non-intercooled cars that some seem to be confusing with the 86s.

[motorheadmike]

All 1986 GN's have intercoolers, the same ones as 1987's. The only real difference between 86's and 87's (not counting the GNX's) is the heads (approx ten more on 87's, the front grill and a minor few options). There are far few 1986s than 1987s, therefore I like the 86s better, but 87s bring more - apples to apples.

Um, no. The 86 and 87 Turbo Regals all had the "8445" casting number cylinder heads. The power figures were always rated +5hp over the Corvette just to get Chevy's goat both years with no actual change to the drivetrains. The only cylinder head change came on the 89 Turbo Trans Ams as they had to use the FWD cylinder heads to clear the strut towers and allow the use of A/C.

I have no idea where you got your facts? However, I'd avoid the cruise night tech if I were you.

[ProVette]

Your right, sorry