Flashback...1987 Corvette L98 vs GNX V6 Turbo Intercooler
#1
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Flashback...1987 Corvette L98 vs GNX V6 Turbo Intercooler
Ok gents, I was admiring an awesome looking 1987 Buick Grand National GNX; I came home knowing that I had a DVR from American Muscle (Speed TV). I watch the episode and lots of question came thru my mind. This two are for any of you that may own a 1987 brand new then (21 years ago).
The GNX came with a governor, the Corvette took it on top speed but, how bout the 1/4 mile? Did the GNX smoke the 1987 Corvette?
I think this one is going to have multiple opinions
The GNX came with a governor, the Corvette took it on top speed but, how bout the 1/4 mile? Did the GNX smoke the 1987 Corvette?
I think this one is going to have multiple opinions
#2
Team Owner
Oh absolutely, the GNX is much faster than the Corvette that year. With a few cheap upgrades they can easily push 500 HP. As far as the governor is concerned, well that can be removed
If I remember correctly the GNX was 0-60 in 5.0 seconds, 1/4 in high 13's. Corvette was 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, 1/4 in low 14's.
If I remember correctly the GNX was 0-60 in 5.0 seconds, 1/4 in high 13's. Corvette was 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, 1/4 in low 14's.
#3
Burning Brakes
the GNX was the badass from the entire GM line up that year.....but don't stop there, check out the 89 3.8 liter turbo'ed GTA......
#4
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a May 1986 issue of Turbo & Hi-Tech Performance Magazine featuring the article "We Brake For Corvettes" that highlighted the 1986 Intercooled Turbo Buick Grand National
#5
Burning Brakes
Yes the GNX was a 13 second car and the Vette of that year was not. http://www.buickgnx.com/ The link says 13.3. I don't know that they were all that fast but some were actually faster so that is a pretty safe number. And that is with a slush box so your granny could knock those times off all day long. And Like cmashark says, that same cool power plant was in the Trans Am one year.
#7
Team Owner
A stock GNX would sssssssssmoke a stock L98 (at the drag strip). I believe I've heard of them going low 13s. Obviously a road course would yield different results.
#8
Le Mans Master
The regular GN in 1987 would probably also smoke a Corvette of the same year in the 1/4 mile. If you've ever ridden in one though, you'll know why it has a limiter. I don't think I'd want to push the top speed in a car like that.
#9
Pro
Vette vs. 3.8 Turbo
I have an 87 Buick Regal Turbo. I bought it new, it now has 130000 miles on it . It was drag raced from day 1. My two sons drove it on the street for many years (at night, I wonder what they were doing?). For many years we took it to the track 3 times a week. There has to be 1000 runs on this car. It consistantly ran 13.30's at 104 MPH. I have the time slips and the trophy's to prove it. The best ET was 13.19 at 106 MPH. It was raced with MT slicks and a K&N air filter. I was able to remove the catalytic converter on day 1 and it never went back on. I put a "Pitbull" chip in the computer on day 1, and that is still in there. Last summer we took it out to Byron Dragway, it ran a 13.50 @ 98 MPH. Not bad for a tired old race horse with 130000 miles. The motor has never been apart, in fact I never even removed a valve cover, the original cork gaskets are still in there. The one weak spot-- the turbo 200R4 trans. I did go through 3 of them. One of the guys at the track told me of a guy in Melrose Park who builds "bulletproof" transmissions. So about 60000 miles ago I had him build us a trans and it has been "bulletproof". At that time we added a 3000 RPM stall speed torque converter. I still own this car and it has been a joy to me and my boys. I also own a 96 LT4 coupe. The Vette runs 13.40 @ 104 MPH, so they are pretty close.
Just my .02 cents
Just my .02 cents
#10
Team Owner
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Member Since: Aug 2005
Location: Riverside County Southern California
Posts: 34,988
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Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
I have an 87 Buick Regal Turbo. I bought it new, it now has 130000 miles on it . It was drag raced from day 1. My two sons drove it on the street for many years (at night, I wonder what they were doing?). For many years we took it to the track 3 times a week. There has to be 1000 runs on this car. It consistantly ran 13.30's at 104 MPH. I have the time slips and the trophy's to prove it. The best ET was 13.19 at 106 MPH. It was raced with MT slicks and a K&N air filter. I was able to remove the catalytic converter on day 1 and it never went back on. I put a "Pitbull" chip in the computer on day 1, and that is still in there. Last summer we took it out to Byron Dragway, it ran a 13.50 @ 98 MPH. Not bad for a tired old race horse with 130000 miles. The motor has never been apart, in fact I never even removed a valve cover, the original cork gaskets are still in there. The one weak spot-- the turbo 200R4 trans. I did go through 3 of them. One of the guys at the track told me of a guy in Melrose Park who builds "bulletproof" transmissions. So about 60000 miles ago I had him build us a trans and it has been "bulletproof". At that time we added a 3000 RPM stall speed torque converter. I still own this car and it has been a joy to me and my boys. I also own a 96 LT4 coupe. The Vette runs 13.40 @ 104 MPH, so they are pretty close.
Just my .02 cents
Just my .02 cents
130K miles, I guess the good old 3.8 SFI is a great engine. Thanks
#11
Pro
Vette vs. 3.8 Turbo
Yes and it's all true. I used only 10w30 Mobil 1. The oil was changed every month-expensive, yes but I never broke the engine. The only other maintenance was spark plugs and every 5000 miles I drained the rear end and filled it with Mobil 1 75-90 gear oil. They don't make 'em like that any more. I guess I got a good one--it's a keeper.