Buick Grand National

[JD@af]

Anybody know much about the Buick Grand National? I heard about it from a Co-Worker, and am trying to find info on it. Apparently, it had like a turbocharged 4.3-liter 4 cylinder engine (which is absolutely tremendous for a 4 cylinder - its pistons may have been larger than those found on a 8.0-liter V10 Dodge Viper). Just curious.....

I'll try and post more info if I find any.

[crash]

They were actually 3.8 V-6's. I have owned 3 of them, my current being a 1986. The best info can be found here: http://www.gnttype.org

[JD@af]

Thanks for the link. It will be nice to read up on this car. I knew my friend's source information of turbocharged 4.3-liter 4 cylinder sounded too cool to be true!!

[i_rebel]

That has got to be the only worthwhile vehicle to ever bear that god-forsaken Buick badge . . .

Wait a minute . . . didn't they make up a badge for the Grand National? They best Buick ever made, and they knew better than to ruin it's fate with a Buick emblem . . . lol . . .

If I remember correctly anyway . . .

[Lizard King]

Theres been loads of great classic Buicks.

[i_rebel]

like what . . .

I can't think of any . . . you must mean like 60's or 70's . . .

[Lizard King]

20s,30s,40s,50s,60s,70s. OK, most weren't performance cars but they're still great.

I'll find some and post in that other topic I just saw.

[Morpheus XIII]

The Grand National is one of the car gods. Some of things can wheelstand wherever they go. Turbos are for imports only? Yeah right. It can destroy anything in its warpath with CHEAP modifications. CHEAP parts means MORE parts altogether on the car. MORE parts means more power for less money than many imports.

The Buick Grand National Ten Commandments:

-Thou shalt always stare at this car and listen to its powerplant when you pass by

-Thou shalt not transplant the '84+ LM9 EVER.

-Thou shalt never confuse the Grand National with the Regal T-Type

-Thou shalt at least once have driven the GNX

-Thou shalt not own a GNX in any color other than black (unless it you own more than one)

-Thou shalt never pose as a GNX, if not

-Thou shalt not steal.......a GNX emblem.......unless its a poser

-Thou shalt praise Garrett for their mastery

-Thou shalt stop believing all domestics are blown

-Thou shalt not road race a Grand National

[Chris]

The GNX is GODDLY!!!

0-60 in 4.6 seconds... 276 (official) horsepower...faster than a vette.... FUCKIN AWESOME!!! (pardon my language, I just couldn't help it)

They only made 500 or so of these, but their owners are very lucky people.

Some other good buicks:
1) 55 century. 0-60 in 9.8 (1.5 secs quicker than the 55 chevy)
2) 70 GS 455 stage I. 0-60 in 5.5, 1/4 in 13.5 at 105.3mph. An awesome sleeper.

Those are just 2.

[Dylan_Michael]

The GN and GNX are "in my eyes" the last of the muscle cars. They were sedans, family vehicles, turned into raging beasts. It shared its platform with the Olds 442 and the Monte Carlo SS, but neither could touch the precedent of the GN. From its turbo squeal to the lightning fast quarter miles, the GN reigned supreme.

[Chris]

Can someone post the complete specs for the Grand Nash and GNX?? I'm too lazy

[richb]

I agree the GN's are awsome cars. While doe joe that said buick never made anything worth while other than the gn.........I guess he's never came up against a simi stock 455 before. With a couple of light mods.......these can put even the heaviest of cars into the 13's very easy. You have to realize the 70 stage1 was teh fasted muscle car built that year. It was also the heaviest as well as the lowest geared ( 3.64 ) was the highest gear ratio offered. That's preaty amazing and motor trend magazin will back it up. The also made the fast muscel car in 71 and 72. I happen to own one of 680 GS 455 built in 71. I just completed the frame off resto last year. The car is currently in this months issue of Car Carft. It's up for the "win your car in car craft contest" You can see other pictures of the car at www.streetheatcarclub.com. Let me know if you have any further questions about GS's or GN's. I'm fairly smart about both models of Buicks.

[Chris]

I mentioned that car (from MT aswell).
You should start a thread about your car, I would like to learn more about it. A really good sleeper, and it was in the 13's stock, wasnt it?? An excellent choice, you wont see yourself coming the other way very often.

[tanjwarrior]

Excuse me.....

What do you mean the only car worthy of the Buick badge?

There have been some fine Buick models:

Buick GS & GSX (Yes, in the early 70's)

But Buick is known for luxury cars, not performance cars. The Grand National and GNX were the exceptions.

Can anyone tell me which Buick from less than 15 years ago was a two-door, two-seater sports/luxury car?

(I know...I drive one)

[Hudson]

The Reatta.