Buick Grand National
The Buick Grand National was a performance version of the Buick Regal coupe. Later versions used a turbocharged 3.8-liter Buick V6, a four-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The 1986 and 1987 models added intercooling and received the highest regular-production Grand National factory output ratings.
Model Overview
The Buick Grand National was based on the rear-wheel-drive G-body Buick Regal. It was sold as a performance-oriented Regal variant during the 1980s and is most commonly associated with the black 1984–1987 turbocharged Regal Grand National models.
The 1984 and 1985 Grand National used a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 without the later intercooler. The 1986 and 1987 versions added an intercooler and received increased output. The 1987 GNX was a separate limited-production ASC/McLaren-modified model and should be documented separately from the standard Grand National.
Core Specifications
| Model | Buick Grand National |
|---|---|
| Model Line | Buick Regal Grand National |
| Model Years | 1984–1987 for turbocharged black Grand National production; earlier 1982 Grand National was a different naturally aspirated appearance/performance package |
| Market | North America |
| Body Style | Two-door notchback coupe |
| Platform | GM G-body |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine | Turbocharged Buick 3.8-liter V6 |
| Engine Code / Family | Buick 231 cu in / 3.8L V6; intercooled LC2 specification for 1986–1987 models |
| Displacement | 3,791 cc / 231.4 cu in |
| Valve Train | OHV, two valves per cylinder |
| Block / Head | Cast-iron block, cast-iron cylinder heads |
| Induction | Turbocharged; air-to-air intercooled on 1986–1987 models |
| Fuel System | Sequential fuel injection on later turbo V6 models |
| 1984–1985 Output | Commonly listed at approximately 200 hp and 300 lb-ft for non-intercooled turbo versions |
| 1986 Output | Commonly listed at approximately 235 hp and 330 lb-ft for intercooled turbo models |
| 1987 Output | 245 hp at 4,400 rpm; 355 lb-ft, commonly listed at 2,000–3,600 rpm depending on reference source |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 in |
| Length | Approximately 200.6 in |
| Width | Approximately 71.6 in |
| Height | Approximately 54.5 in |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 3,370–3,550 lb, depending on model year, equipment, and source |
Specification figures vary by model year and reference source. The 1987 Grand National is commonly listed at 245 hp and 355 lb-ft. The GNX used separate ASC/McLaren modifications and is commonly listed at 276 hp and 360 lb-ft.
Model-Year Notes
| 1982 | Grand National name first appeared on a Regal-based model, but this earlier version differs from the later black turbocharged Grand National specification. |
|---|---|
| 1984–1985 | Turbocharged black Grand National production resumed. These models used the turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 without the 1986–1987 intercooler setup. |
| 1986 | Intercooling was added to the turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. Factory output increased compared with the 1984–1985 non-intercooled versions. |
| 1987 | Final regular-production Grand National model year. Factory output is commonly listed at 245 hp and 355 lb-ft. |
| 1987 GNX | Limited-production ASC/McLaren-modified version based on the Grand National. It should be treated as a separate specification from the standard Grand National. |
Engineering Character
Turbocharged Buick V6
Later Grand National models used Buick’s turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. The 1986–1987 intercooled LC2 version produced the highest regular-production Grand National factory ratings.
Rear-Wheel Drive
The Grand National used the GM G-body rear-wheel-drive platform. This gave it a different layout from later front-wheel-drive Buick performance sedans and coupes.
Four-Speed Automatic
Factory Grand Nationals used a four-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission was not offered as a regular factory Grand National specification.
Regal Coupe Body
The Grand National used the two-door Buick Regal coupe body. Its exterior specification included black paint and model-specific trim on the 1984–1987 turbocharged Grand National models.
Drivetrain And Hardware Notes
| Non-Intercooled Turbo | 1984–1985 turbocharged Grand Nationals used a non-intercooled turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. These cars have different intake, turbo, and calibration details from 1986–1987 cars. |
|---|---|
| Intercooled LC2 | 1986–1987 Grand Nationals used an intercooled version of the turbocharged Buick V6. This configuration is the most common reference point for Grand National factory performance specifications. |
| GNX Differences | The GNX used ASC/McLaren modifications including powertrain, suspension, and exterior identification changes. It should not be grouped with the standard Grand National for exact specification purposes. |
| Factory vs. Modified Specification | Many surviving Grand Nationals have boost, turbocharger, intercooler, fueling, engine-management, exhaust, suspension, wheel, or brake modifications. Factory and modified specifications should be documented separately. |
Modern Enthusiast Relevance
- Turbocharged Buick 3.8-liter V6
- Air-to-air intercooling on 1986–1987 models
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel-drive GM G-body platform
- Two-door Regal coupe body
- 1987 factory rating of 245 hp and 355 lb-ft
- Separation from the 1987 GNX specification
- Relationship to Buick Regal T-Type and Turbo-T models
Comparable Cars
Buick GNX
ASC/McLaren-modified 1987 model based on the Grand National. It used additional powertrain, suspension, and identification changes and should be documented separately.
Buick Regal T-Type
Related turbocharged Regal performance model using much of the same drivetrain context without the same Grand National visual package.
GMC Syclone
Later GM turbocharged V6 performance vehicle. It used all-wheel drive and a compact pickup body rather than the Grand National’s rear-wheel-drive coupe layout.
Ford Mustang GT 5.0
Contemporary American rear-wheel-drive performance coupe using a naturally aspirated V8 rather than a turbocharged V6.
Buying And Ownership Notes
Evaluation should confirm model year, VIN, turbo V6 specification, intercooler configuration, transmission condition, rear axle condition, body corrosion, prior accident repair, trim completeness, and documentation.
Grand Nationals should be distinguished from Regal T-Type, Turbo-T, WE4, and GNX models. These cars share related hardware in some cases but differ in trim, production context, documentation, and valuation.
MSC Taxonomy
Summary
The Buick Grand National is a Regal-based rear-wheel-drive performance coupe most commonly associated with the 1984–1987 black turbocharged models. The 1986–1987 versions used an intercooled turbocharged 3.8-liter Buick V6, four-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, with the 1987 model commonly listed at 245 hp and 355 lb-ft.