I wish I still owned my 87 Grandnational and 87 white TType at different times though, because I know your the best at doing these cars and with out a doubt I would have sent it to you to do your magic.
I grew up with these cars my neighbor and Uncle owned 87 GN’s. So much respect for maintaining and making these cars better. Love your passion. I’m 48 now and thinking about a GN but know I need a car that’s has been gone through. These cars are 35 years old. A low miles car does not mean no problems.
Great looking car and a great job! My first car was a 1980 Buick Regal Sport Coupe with a , at that time , 4 barrel carbureted 3.8 litre non intercoolered turbo v6. It was black with a black Landau roof and a tan interior. Loved the turbo whistle and that started my love for these cars. A couple of my friends had GN’s , but I never owned one. Hopefully someday I can find myself in a Turbo Buick again. I will definitely be giving you guys a call if that happens!
Great videos, I have an 86 gn cam rockers heads 62-60 turbo meth injected absolutely most fun car ever to drive . I smile every time I leave my garage with it. Built by joe Derry
Watts performance where did this name come from I remember growing up in watts there were grand nationals always around there still a couple of guys who still have one .
I would give limited body parts for one. In 1987 I bought a 1976 Buick Regal with 13K miles on it. My new bride and I put a lot of fun fun travel miles in it from coast to coast. Even though it had the 5.0 V 8 in it with 60 series tires it would rock. Wish I still had it. That body style was the best handling car with perfect weight distribution.
A guy I work for occasionally has two Buick GN’s at his window shop here on Long Island. I believe it’s called Windowworld in Farmingdale. Maybe one day he will sell one of them.
We offer a service where we help clients sell/purchase 86/87 grand nationals. If you're interested in learning more, send an email to dev@wattsperformance.com
I had an 86 GN with low miles the thing was pristine but I had to sell it about 7 years ago when I moved to a new state. WORST decision I ever made and still regret it to this day. But I swear on my life I will own one of these magnificent machines again some day soon. I'd like to try to find a T type with the WE4 package.
WATTS I LOVE YOU I SEE THE PASSION ON YOUR FACE BRO LC2 ALL THE WAY Subscribed!!!! If you ever need any statistics on These cars or information I'll help you free of charge I used to sell these turbo Buicks and the 89 TTA
Awesome car! Can you please tell me more specs on this car? Dyno and torque numbers? I have the same turbo and intercooler. Same Meth kit, also I have TA headers, 3” DP and exhaust. Getting ready to do ported heads and intake. 70mm TB and upper intake. Wanting to get around 25lbs of boost. What power am I looking at? New subscriber also. Thanks
Well… since this is real world, and since we do work on them daily, I’d somewhat agree with that statement: “The Grand National is easy to build on” The main 3 challenges are: 1.) Limited supply chain. We have less than 10 trusted vendors for the entire Grand National ecosystem. When one hurts for parts, we all hurt for parts. Timeliness to get everything that you need requires patience and your pockets require depth. 2.) Managing ambiguity with today’s advancements in technology. Sure there are proven recipes from the 90’s and early 2000’s, but they really suck when compared to the combinations that we provide for our customers. Our customers want the latest and greatest & that’s what we give them. Our customers can expect for their build to keep up with modern v6/v8 platforms, along with having a significantly increased chance of reliability within their drivetrain. 3.) Qualified & Trusted GN Tech’s Even once you have all the parts, there are very few people to trust. Unfortunately, your local shop isn’t qualified to touch these cars. That’s where we come in. We aren’t creating magic here….Just discipline, determination, and focus. So yes, it’s “easier” - For us. -Dev
Thank you! New Yorkers are welcome down south. We’re located in Atlanta. The car had 15 inch rims along with a 275/50/15 nitto 555rII tire. Very comfortable ride.
Question: with the potential of putting out 500 plus horsepower do you start to worry about the rigidity of the frame with the t-tops? Perhaps you address this in the video if you did I missed it I know you upgraded the engine I was curious if anything on the frame was strengthened because of the added torque and horsepower........ Perhaps it's strong enough to hold that kind of power I don't know. Question 2: I was unclear on the transmission it sounds like you changed the torque converter and overhauled the transmission but did not buy a new one correct? That's an upgraded factory GN tranny completely overhauled with a diff torque converter? And question number three: does that stall torque converter you added effect drivability? Does it shift hard when you're easy on it? ..... Thanks in advance I just found your channel but absolutely love the 1987 Grand national it's one of my dream cars.
Thanks for reaching out. In regard to Q1.) The TLDR is: When it comes to chassis reinforcements, all g-body’s need to be evaluated on a case by case basis. The details: When it comes to T-Top reinforcement and body flexing issues, we take a really close look at the overall condition of the car. The body and frame are the key foundational aspects of the build. We can make miracles happen with these cars. However, if the body/frame isn’t solid, then the budget must open significantly. This particular car had less than 30,000 original miles and the t-top area was in immaculate condition. Not a hint of rust, and the frame was in impeccable condition. Therefore, No T-Top reinforcements were required. On the other hand, this car did have a full UMI suspension kit installed, along with Viking coilovers. This was not because of T-tops, but because you need a suspension to harness the added horsepower. A nice suspension is really the icing on the cake. We build all of our clients cars to have power on demand + dependability + comfort. Q2.) There aren’t any new Grand National transmission available. Every 200-4R transmission that you find for sale would more than likely be a rebuilt unit. We utilize Janis Transmission for the rebuilds. Stage 1 used for 450 horsepower builds. Stage 2 used for 600 horsepower builds. Stage 3 used for 750 horsepower builds. We’ve pushed these units way past the noted limitations, but this is how we guide our clients when it comes to purchasing. Q3.) In regards to converters, we use Circle D billet lock up converters and we love the drive ability when paired with our double ball bearing turbos from Work Turbo Chargers. It’s all about combination, and we’ve gotten it figured out. Our clients cars drive normal, but they are all packed with a punch when you get into the throttle. Sounds like we need to hop on a call and further discuss your build for 2023. Give us a call at 770-545-3663. Ask for Dev
These cars are FAST and RELIABLE once they leave our shop. Before we go fast, we consider safety, brakes, and suspension first. From there we can consider going faster. (Premium parts only) Latest Turbo-$2200 (We always get the newest turbo on the market from Work Turbo chargers) Intercooler- $1150 Fuel system- $850 Stage 1 Transmission build- $2500 Converter- $1000 Chip- $110 Electrical system upgrades- $100-$700 Gauges-$375 Engine valve spring and timing chain upgrade- $1200 Tuning & Labor: The price.
Car is badass but when you think about how you can get a car today off the lot with 700+ hp. The 500hp is cute. It's like tiger cub potentially dangerous but not enough to damage the opponent like a Hellcat.
that's a very nice mild build. but in todays Horse 🐎power wars 500 HP is considered cute. that man is gonna need at least 750 to 800 HP. Which means brand new brake conversion kit. rebuilt to the kilt bored out Motor. hot cam 4 main steel caps. either aluminum heads or highly ported stock heads with a built to the hilt art car Transmission & a heavy duty 9 or 8 in a half in it. 373 to 390 racing gears in the ass end. 25 to 28 pounds of boost VPC 16 blue Racing Gass leaving at 5 pounds of Boost Hang on 4 dear life welcome to the low to mid tens at over 124 MPH that's the only way because with only 500 HP he's gonna have bolted up Wrxs built Hondas BMWs stock Mustangs and Camaros with a power tune all up in his ass. he's gonna have bolted up Dodge chargers & Challengers in his ass he's gonna have stock 707 to 717 stock HP Hell cats with traction running past his ass. I bet you he won't be Smiling then. it's real out in these muscle car streets
Great perspective…. But please understand that there are levels to the game. It’s not safe to jump on any Turbo Buick that comes out of Watts Performance Solutions. This car was setup per the customers intended goals. If he ever wants/needs more power, then we’ve got him covered. If someone wants to race, #1CleanT can handle that! 😎
You notice Dev never said how much torque the car makes. My GN is built similar to this one & I don't have problems with hellcats!!! These cars make a lot of torque which is just as important as hp in a drag race.
Some people REALLY don't understand what a 500hp Turbo Regal is capable of. These cars are extremelly light (mine weighs 3420lbs) compared to todays 4000lb+ performance cars. And they hook up hard on the street with the right tires. I too have just bolt-ons. And my bolt ons are "old school". TE62 turbo, old kenne bell front mount intercooler, old SMC alky kit, 50lb injectors, old Terry Houston 3" DP, and art carr 3000 lock up converter and worked trans. I have never dyno'd my GN, but it runs 11.30's at 117 at a 'ok' track (LVD in NY). I have never been seriously challenged on the street by any WRX, Honda, or challenger, yet. My car is set up the same at the track, as for the street. And BTW, you don't change out gears in a Turbo Buick as the 3.42's are perfect for the torque curve of the LC2 engine. Really enjoyed this video and I had to run to my garage to make sure my car was in it as your customers GN is an exact carbon copy as mine down to the tint, wheels, stance and shine.
Stanley, anyone in these cars knows you know nothing about what you’re saying. You don’t need anything like a 4.1 build to “hang” with a Hellcat. This car, turned up to 500hp (with 6262 is high 20’s in boost) will do it as it sits. And race gas? 93 and meth will do it no problem. Changing the rear gears? What? Come on man, you’re clearly not a GN person.