Retrospect: '87 Buick Grand National

Adding an extra dimension to an otherwise top-notch but plebeian vehicle has always been a sure way to fuel sales. Whether its equipping a two-wheel drive car with 4-wheel traction or installing a larger engine the public invariably responds. For '87 Buick revised the turbocharger on its Grand National Regal GS, a quintessential family transporter. Without forced-air induction the Regal represents fine value: with the Grand National Package it was quicker than the Corvette's of the day!

Inside and out the rear-drive Grand National retains conservative roots. Its cloth front buckets accommodate even wide people and the split fold/down rear bench accommodates two comfortably, three in a pinch. The trunk is large with a low liftover height.

The turbocharged Regal was positioned against the "high-line" versions of its Ford and Chrysler rivals. Consequently its standard equipment level is high. The steering column tilts; variable effort power rack and pinion steering make parking easy. Dual airbags, traction control, 4-wheel power disc brakes, fog lamps, a special air filtration system, daytime running lights and five-mile-per-hour bumpers also make the car attractive. Instrumentation, though, was sparse. Two mediocre cupholders were standard; nook and cranny storage space was abundant. Electric locks, power windows and much more made the vehicle even more attractive.

Underhood the 3,520 pound Grand National - slightly more than 25,000 were produced - utilized a 3.8 liter V6. This two valve per cylinder iron powerplant was woefully underrated at 240 HP. Zero to 60 times from the fuel-injected, premium petrol-drinking engine averaged 5.7 seconds; observed mileage was 14 city and 18 highway (EPA 18/28). Quarter-mile times were recorded at 13.6 real-world seconds, making it the fastest family vehicle of the day. All performance parameters were exceptional, particularly for such a smooth, quiet and torquey engine. Note motors with turbochargers generally require lots more care than standard units, so be cognizant! Towing isn't recommended at all.

The powerplant was mated to General Motor's then standard electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter. It shifted smoothly but firmly. As a bonus the unit offered driver-selectable "Performance" and "Economy" settings ... but some Grand Nationals inexplicably left the factory without this feature. Neither was necessary, nor does either make an appreciable real-world difference. No manual tranny was offered. Beware: Grand Nationals manufactured prior to '87 don't have nearly the horsepower or reliability of this, the last Grand National of note. Don't be fooled and buy an earlier model! Though on paper previous year engines are almost identical to the '87 version it produces 100 HP more than the previous year. Its 240 HP rating was a sham invented to satisfy insurance companies, which back then slapped performance cars with incredibly high premium "surcharges."

The Grand National's ride was - and is - mostly smooth and supple. A tiny amount of "float," disconcertingly, sometimes filtered through. Bumps and frost heave are negotiated without fanfare by the 4-wheel independent suspension ... but "bottoming" does occur. Its rigid body exhibits minimal flex; despite this overall driving "feel" definitely remains American. There's no European influence at all!

Handling merits a slightly better than average rating. Body lean in corners is acceptable for a large family 4-door but its standard mud and snow radials were extremely slippery. You need to buy the softist, widest tires available for all four wheels. The engine has so much horsepower any but the best available will simply shred in a few thousand miles. The turning circle, at just over 37 feet, is satisfactory.

The standard AM/FM stereo tape sound system provided acceptable fidelity. Its antenna is incorporated in the windshield: signal pulling power needs improvement. An aftermarket antenna is highly recommended!

The dual-zone CFC-free air conditioner was adequate to 90 degrees; the heater is excellent. Overall quality control was acceptable but some areas, such as mouldings, needed attention in those days of yore.

At $23,500 base and $25,500 as tested in '87 Buick's Grand National represents an All-American bargain. Its price today, in good condition and with 100,000 miles on the clock, is about the same as the original sticker! Note a limited edition GNX with even more power was briefly available. Only 500 were produced and they're infinitely more valuable as collector's items than Sunday drivers.

Note over the years the Grand National (a handful of "cheapo" Regals were also equipped with turbochargers but without the Grand National Package) has had many troubles. The turbocharger (it was rumored to produce more than 20 pounds of boost!)usually fries itself in less than 40,000 miles. The transmission and rear axle, too, just weren't strong enough to handle its enormous horsepower. Beware! The Grand National is, however, an excellent base for a hot rod: add an aftermarket intercooler, change the 3:42 rear axle ratio to a 4:11 with strengthened internals, add a modern high-performance ignition system, an electric fuel pump to replace the inadequate mechanical unit, put in a heavy duty automatic transmission (preferably a unit with a high stall speed torque converter and more than four gears), an electric radiator fan to replace the mechanical one, an alternator cut-out and performance tires ... at least at the rear! Auxiliary oil, transmission, and rear axle coolers will help ensure longevity, but don't count on this beast living forever! Be sure to use synthetic crankcase oil if you're certain your engine's seals are tight. Synthetics tend to leak from older cars but a 50-50 mix (or less) with standard oil will sometimes solve leak problems over a few thousand miles. Any amount of synthetic will increase engine durability! From here horsepower can easily be added by increasing turbo boost pressure. Many aftermarket stores, such as www.bellengineering.net, offer suitable parts.

If you appreciate vehicles with traditional American "feel" along with performance that's contemporary even by early 21st century standards this is the car for you!