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 :crazy:

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 :D

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.

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......

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

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.

remember the GNX was a limited production option of the already limited production Grand National

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.

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.

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

Awesome story, this is what I was looking for. :thumbs:

130K miles, I guess the good old 3.8 SFI is a great engine. Thanks

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.