Possible new GN owner

[gm2376]

Hi All
Looking heavily at getting a 87 GN. 50k miles. Paint looks good, interior looks great. Says it is bone stock. Any advice on what I should look for? I have been a f body and 5th gen guy....so the G Body is all new to me. If I get, the first thing I want to do is add some gnx replica wheel....can you also recommend wheel and tire sizes? thinking staggers 18 and 19 rears....what do you think?
Thanks Greg

 

[pontiacgp]

with the amount of money it's probably costing you I would bring it to a reputable person to inspect the vehicle. After that I would be changing all the body and suspension bushings, rubber has a life expectancy used or not and the rubber in these cars have long since expired

 

[gm2376]

Thanks. It is currently at a performance shop in Metro Detroit that does all the work on my 5th gen. He specializes in G Bodys and says it is a great. Have some photos...they aren't the best, but i head there to drive it and look at it more tomorrow.

 

[69hurstolds]

Yeah, go drive it. If it's bone stock, it's MUCH better for you as a blank canvas should you decide to mod it to your liking.

It'll have an 8.5 rear with 3.42 I believe. Make sure to pop the trunk and look at the SPID sticker under there. Look for code G80 for posi. It was optional, but cool if it has it. It MUST have WE2 on the SPID also for a real GN.

Check the body tag under the hood for what was it on 87??? Was it WE2 on the body tag or something like that? Sorry, not an expert on GNs.

BRF trans tag on the passenger side. Check to see if the numbers match. VIN derivative on the block on the back of the block somewhere. The transmission VIN derivative is stamped right above where the pan meets the trans on the driver side.

VIN will have a 7 in the 8th spot for turbo engine, and an H in the 10th spot to designate a 1987 model year.

Looks legit though from the pics. If it's not a stupid price, I'd be all over that.

First, I'd verify everything I could about the car, try to go over it with a fine tooth comb, then consider purchase. After you buy it and get it home, THAT is the time to worry about GNX wheels or whatever.

Good luck to you. Looks like a nice car.

 

[gm2376]

Thank you...i will check that out asap!!

 

[turbogeezer]

Great advice from 69hurstolds. I had a 86 GN and loved it. I always look for the G80 code. Good luck. Bill WV

 

[L92 OLDS]

There are some good YouTube videos showing exactly what to look for. here’s one example

 

[spidereyes455]

It appears from the pics you posted that it isn't quite 100% stock original. Not that's it's nessicarially a bad thing. 2 things I can see right off the bat is it looks to have a 145mph speedo, stock was 85mph. And it also looks to have been converted to hydroboost brakes, a power master electric brake booster was used from mid 85 till 87. They are troublesome and very expensive to repair , probably why it was converted. But the hydroboost is a good system with a better track record for reliability.

 

[spidereyes455]

It also looks like it has an aftermarket adjustable fuel pressure regulator which is also a good thing.

 

[motorheadmike]

The Grand National / T-Type / Turbo Regal Buick Spring Cleaning Guide

Spring Cleaning Guide for Buick Turbo Regals and Grand Nationals

gnttype.org

There are some basic mods you must do to keep these cars together today. All original is berry berry bad.