I was sitting at the gas station, just getting done filling up and writing it down in my check register, when a gorgeous black BuickGrand National pulls in. It looked like he had just got done waxing it and it looked awesome with the stockblack wheels with the chrome lip.The guy parks in front to go in and get a pop or something. He revved it and looked at me before he got out. I figured I didn't even stand a chance if I tried to race. It's hard to tell what you're getting yourself into when you lineup with one. I had to wait for my buddy to get out from taking a piss before I could take off. And, when he finally got back out, the guy with the GN was leaving too. I decided I'd follow him out on the highway, just to see what it had, and see how bad I could get smoked by one of the greatest muscle cars of the 80's. I got up next to him and yelled, "Nice car." He kind of grins and starts blipping the throttle. We were stuck behind a couple SUV's, so we couldn't really do a whole lot. Once we finally got ahead of them, I was in front and he was behind me. He switched lanes to go by (4 lane highway), and I dropped into 3rd, from around 55 or so, in case he felt like trying it. Could've gone 2nd, but oh well. I hear the turbo spool up and him try to get past me, so I hammer it. He didn't pull at all, and I actually started to pull atiny bit, so I let off, thinking he did. I could still hearhis turbo, and his nose came up to my door,so I got back into it.But, then, I missed 4th horribly and he got by me(damn clutch [:@]). I gave him a thumbs up as I turned off and he waived.

not a bad death
GNs are tits i would love to own one
how bad do you figure you wouldve had him by going from digg?

Sounds like you ran into one of the very few nearly stock GN's out there. Nice kill - until 4th that is lol

nice, those cars are sweet:D

niceeeeee i was expecting a different outcome lol, u see u beating him from a dig great job man

Nice job! looks like you found one thats basically stock[8D]


thats the thing with those- a 10 second one and a 13 sec look nearly the same. only exterior that gives it away would be a set of stickys

Nice race. I remember when those things first started showing up on front street in philly when they first came out. Those guys that owned those, made alot of money because nobody know what they were and they'd play up the little six cylinder angle.

Interesting... Finally I found someone else that uses their check register.

ORIGINAL: 35thAnni99GT

Interesting... Finally I found someone else that uses their check register.


lol. Well, I had my identity stolen and $100 taken out of my account last week. So, we had to get everything balanced out. And I'm keeping real close track of everything now, to make sure it doesn't happen again. I used to just swipe the debit card and go, without writing anything down.

ORIGINAL: TRBOPWR

Sounds like you ran into one of the very few nearly stock GN's out there. Nice kill - until 4th that is lol

Yeah, I was quite surprised that it was stock, or close to it. And there will be no more missed gears in a few days. I'm finally taking the car to get a new clutch put in later. And everything else fixed that's wrong with it. (Header bolts for the exhaust leak, plugs, plug wires) I think that's it. lol

Oddly enoughI lined up with one at a stoplight yesterday on a long straight road with no other cars around. I was really excited! I gunned it a bit off the line to see if he would play but he didn't, he just pulledaway fromthe light like normal.:(Even though he was moving slowly I could still hear the turbo spool, it's pretty loud.

Don't know why GM killed them.

That'd be cool if they brought them back in.

ORIGINAL: LT1RUNNER

Don't know why GM killed them.

I read on Wikipedia that it was because it was outperforming the Corvette, and GM wanted the Corvette to be the top dog and Buick not to really be known as a performance company. And I'd say that they were outperforming the Vette. The '87 GNX ran low 13's. In '87, the Vette had the L98, I believe. Which was only good for a low-mid 14, on an awesome run.

sounds good, but yeah you can never let out of it until you see them slow down or something, that always happens hah, but atleast you know you would've had him if you kept going that's what mainly matters. So next time you roll up to one you pretty much know the outcome haha

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: TRBOPWR

Sounds like you ran into one of the very few nearly stock GN's out there. Nice kill - until 4th that is lol

Yeah, I was quite surprised that it was stock, or close to it. And there will be no more missed gears in a few days. I'm finally taking the car to get a new clutch put in later. And everything else fixed that's wrong with it. (Header bolts for the exhaust leak, plugs, plug wires) I think that's it. lol

About ****ing time!!!
There is a guy around here with one running a big cam and a GT35 and a huge FMIC running around here I want a shot at him :D

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: TRBOPWR

Sounds like you ran into one of the very few nearly stock GN's out there. Nice kill - until 4th that is lol

Yeah, I was quite surprised that it was stock, or close to it. And there will be no more missed gears in a few days. I'm finally taking the car to get a new clutch put in later. And everything else fixed that's wrong with it. (Header bolts for the exhaust leak, plugs, plug wires) I think that's it. lol

About ****ing time!!!
There is a guy around here with one running a big cam and a GT35 and a huge FMIC running around here I want a shot at him :D


lol. I know. Right before I played with the GN was when I decided it had to be done. I was fighting with the car to get into any gear. And the clutchchatter got louder and more annoying. So, I made a little deal with my parents. They'll pay for it right on the spot. Then, I'll pay them back each week, when I get paid. For the clutch and labor, it's only going to be about $500. And putting in the plugs and header bolts, that I already supplied them with, shouldn't cost too much more. So, I should have my parents paid off in about month. I'll just pay 'em $100 a week, or more, if I can.

Don't feel bad Tspence...I was messing with a bike last night on the way home and was creeping on him around 130mph and went for a nice hop into 5th gear only to get denied. (Even after the f*ing Synchro was replaced by the dealership)

ORIGINAL: S8ER01Z

Don't feel bad Tspence...I was messing with a bike last night on the way home and was creeping on him around 130mph and went for a nice hop into 5th gear only to get denied. (Even after the f*ing Synchro was replaced by the dealership)

[:'(]I hate hitting 5th on the fly. I always feel like I'm going to hit reverse for some reason instead.

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: LT1RUNNER

Don't know why GM killed them.

I read on Wikipedia that it was because it was outperforming the Corvette, and GM wanted the Corvette to be the top dog and Buick not to really be known as a performance company. And I'd say that they were outperforming the Vette. The '87 GNX ran low 13's. In '87, the Vette had the L98, I believe. Which was only good for a low-mid 14, on an awesome run.


Can't have a lowly Buick outrunning the almighty Vette. That just won't do. [8D]
There used to be one near my house. It never moved. And then one day it was just gone. No For Sale sign or anything. It was just gone. IT COULD HAVE BEEN MINE!

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: TRBOPWR

Sounds like you ran into one of the very few nearly stock GN's out there. Nice kill - until 4th that is lol

Yeah, I was quite surprised that it was stock, or close to it. And there will be no more missed gears in a few days. I'm finally taking the car to get a new clutch put in later. And everything else fixed that's wrong with it. (Header bolts for the exhaust leak, plugs, plug wires) I think that's it. lol

About ****ing time!!!
There is a guy around here with one running a big cam and a GT35 and a huge FMIC running around here I want a shot at him :D


lol. I know. Right before I played with the GN was when I decided it had to be done. I was fighting with the car to get into any gear. And the clutchchatter got louder and more annoying. So, I made a little deal with my parents. They'll pay for it right on the spot. Then, I'll pay them back each week, when I get paid. For the clutch and labor, it's only going to be about $500. And putting in the plugs and header bolts, that I already supplied them with, shouldn't cost too much more. So, I should have my parents paid off in about month. I'll just pay 'em $100 a week, or more, if I can.

Just curious, but how old are you?
I know how it goes having something that needs to be fixed and no money...[&o]

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: TRBOPWR

Sounds like you ran into one of the very few nearly stock GN's out there. Nice kill - until 4th that is lol

Yeah, I was quite surprised that it was stock, or close to it. And there will be no more missed gears in a few days. I'm finally taking the car to get a new clutch put in later. And everything else fixed that's wrong with it. (Header bolts for the exhaust leak, plugs, plug wires) I think that's it. lol

About ****ing time!!!
There is a guy around here with one running a big cam and a GT35 and a huge FMIC running around here I want a shot at him :D


lol. I know. Right before I played with the GN was when I decided it had to be done. I was fighting with the car to get into any gear. And the clutchchatter got louder and more annoying. So, I made a little deal with my parents. They'll pay for it right on the spot. Then, I'll pay them back each week, when I get paid. For the clutch and labor, it's only going to be about $500. And putting in the plugs and header bolts, that I already supplied them with, shouldn't cost too much more. So, I should have my parents paid off in about month. I'll just pay 'em $100 a week, or more, if I can.

Just curious, but how old are you?
I know how it goes having something that needs to be fixed and no money...[&o]


19. I'll be 20 in August. I wouldn't have a problem with having the money, if I was good at managing it. But, saving has never really been a main priority of mine. I find something I want, and spend it. I would've had the money for the clutch, without having to borrow from my parents. But, I found the amazing deal on my ZR1 rims, and spent my clutch money. lol. I really thought I could make the clutch last a couple more months, so it'd be fine. I was wrong.

Ahh gotcha. Good luck with that LT1 bud[sm=gears.gif]
You get the exhaust leak and all that fixed?

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

Ahh gotcha. Good luck with that LT1 bud[sm=gears.gif]
You get the exhaust leak and all that fixed?


It's getting everything done while it's in. Header bolts for the exhaust leak, clutch, NGK TR-55 plugs, rims and tires are being balanced and put on. I'm getting the tailpipes centered, welded in, and actual hangers put on. I think that's it, until I find something else I want him to do. I was going to do plug wires, but I'll wait a couple weeks to build some money back up, since the MSD's cost around $100.

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

Ahh gotcha. Good luck with that LT1 bud[sm=gears.gif]
You get the exhaust leak and all that fixed?


It's getting everything done while it's in. Header bolts for the exhaust leak, clutch, NGK TR-55 plugs, rims and tires are being balanced and put on. I'm getting the tailpipes centered, welded in, and actual hangers put on. I think that's it, until I find something else I want him to do. I was going to do plug wires, but I'll wait a couple weeks to build some money back up, since the MSD's cost around $100.

Cool deal. Should run a lot harder after you get everything done. Was is you that had the opticrap problem or am I thinking of somebody else?

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

Ahh gotcha. Good luck with that LT1 bud[sm=gears.gif]
You get the exhaust leak and all that fixed?


It's getting everything done while it's in. Header bolts for the exhaust leak, clutch, NGK TR-55 plugs, rims and tires are being balanced and put on. I'm getting the tailpipes centered, welded in, and actual hangers put on. I think that's it, until I find something else I want him to do. I was going to do plug wires, but I'll wait a couple weeks to build some money back up, since the MSD's cost around $100.

Cool deal. Should run a lot harder after you get everything done. Was is you that had the opticrap problem or am I thinking of somebody else?


Wasn't me. Mine should be fine for a while, hopefully. It was replaced afew weeks before I bought the car, back in January and only had 7 miles put on it before I got the car.

I actually had the chance to get an 87 GN as my first car. Problem was that it was 3x's the price and needed substantially more work to get it running and looking good. I was seriously considering getting it when I found the SVO. Oh well, I guess I can always hop in dad's T-Type if I feel like driving one :D

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

ORIGINAL: tspence45

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

Ahh gotcha. Good luck with that LT1 bud[sm=gears.gif]
You get the exhaust leak and all that fixed?


It's getting everything done while it's in. Header bolts for the exhaust leak, clutch, NGK TR-55 plugs, rims and tires are being balanced and put on. I'm getting the tailpipes centered, welded in, and actual hangers put on. I think that's it, until I find something else I want him to do. I was going to do plug wires, but I'll wait a couple weeks to build some money back up, since the MSD's cost around $100.

Cool deal. Should run a lot harder after you get everything done. Was is you that had the opticrap problem or am I thinking of somebody else?


Wasn't me. Mine should be fine for a while, hopefully. It was replaced afew weeks before I bought the car, back in January and only had 7 miles put on it before I got the car.

Yeah that's what I was thinking but couldn't remember. What kind of exhaust are you getting? or are you just getting the current one fixed?

^^^Just the current one welded up. I put on a Flowmaster 80 series and a buddy and I fabricated new tailpipes. I just need it all welded in and hangers put on, because we didn't have a long enough cord, and the only plug-in for the welder was on the opposite side of his shop, from the pit.

ORIGINAL: tspence45

^^^Just the current one welded up. I put on a Flowmaster 80 series and a buddy and I fabricated new tailpipes. I just need it all welded in and hangers put on, because we didn't have a long enough cord, and the only plug-in for the welder was on the opposite side of his shop, from the pit.

Ah gotcha. I haven't heard the 80 series on a LT1 that I can remember...

Sounds pretty good at lower rpms and amazing at idle. But, you can't even hear it at WOT, even with headers and no cat. It just sounds like air flowing, like if you've got your fan on full blast in your car. Just cruising around, taking it to around 2500 or 3000 rpm's,I love the sound. My buddy told me he likes the sound of it too. Which is quite a compliment, coming from a guy with an '04 GT with Flowmaster Super 44's on it. I tried to get some sound clips of it on Sunday. But, the battery went dead on my buddy's camera. It was also kinda distorted and we couldn't figure out how to put it on the PC either, though.

tpence, gut it out ;)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3lvJdmZAmNs

ORIGINAL: S8ER01Z

tpence, gut it out ;)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3lvJdmZAmNs


haha. Yeah, I know I should. But, I'd rather have a true dual setup. Less cackle to it. Or atleast, that's what I've gathered from hearing different exhaust clips. On a side note, I got the car back today. Clutch feels great now. The rims and tires are on too, and the tailpipes were welded up and had actual hangers put on instead of baling wire. lol. Here's a couple pics I took after taking the pressure washer to it earlier. I'm kinda mad, because they didn't want to risk breaking other header bolts trying to remove them. So, I've still got the exhaust leak. And, for some reason, they didn't change the spark plugs for me. I can do that this weekend anyways, myself, though.
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6720/0507081753es4.jpg
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2641/0507081754sk6.jpg

Hell if you weren't some 1600 miles from me I'd help you with the header bolts. Looks nice on the ZR1's:)

ORIGINAL: Sarge_13

Hell if you weren't some 1600 miles from me I'd help you with the header bolts. Looks nice on the ZR1's:)

lol. Thanks. I love having the 275's too. I no longer completely blow the tires off hitting 2nd anymore. Still spins pretty bad. But, no morekicking sideways. And I'm sure I'll find someone to do the header bolts. I don't really feel like trying them myself. I may just wait until I get longtubes. That way, I'll be taking out all the bolts and the current headers anyways.

I'd take the GN over the Vette anyday!

Tspence finally get all his sh*t fixed, about damn time Brother, LOL. Nice run with the GN aswell man.

ORIGINAL: tspence45
I no longer completely blow the tires off hitting 2nd anymore. Still spins pretty bad. But, no morekicking sideways.

Oh how I miss my LT1 on 245 rubber, shifting into 2nd at anything more than 2000rpm resulted in a nice slide almost into the nearest curb. Found memories. I also miss my 20mph tire bark shifting to 2nd (manual valvebody = sweet).

Damn you Tspence :( I thought I was over it.

ORIGINAL: S8ER01Z

ORIGINAL: tspence45
I no longer completely blow the tires off hitting 2nd anymore. Still spins pretty bad. But, no morekicking sideways.

Oh how I miss my LT1 on 245 rubber, shifting into 2nd at anything more than 2000rpm resulted in a nice slide almost into the nearest curb. Found memories. I also miss my 20mph tire bark shifting to 2nd (manual valvebody = sweet).

Damn you Tspence :( I thought I was over it.

Wanna trade? :DI'm keeping the rims though. lol

I know people don't hear this much, but only if you had an auto. :)

Stall + shift kit + valvebody + 3.42s = Me Smiling like a fool.

ORIGINAL: S8ER01Z

I know people don't hear this much, but only if you had an auto. :)

Stall + shift kit + valvebody + 3.42s = Me Smiling like a fool.

I do actually hear it quite a bit out of Fbody guys though. I know that, with modifications, like you listed, the 4L60E is better than the T56. But, I prefer manual trannies. It's just more fun for me.

ORIGINAL: 1BAD3V

Tspence finally get all his sh*t fixed, about damn time Brother, LOL. Nice run with the GN aswell man.

lol. Yep, finally. Now it's time to go GTO hunting, from that thread I had quite a while back. I'm not going to waste the gas trying to race the '98SS I mentioned though. Turns out he has quite a bit more than I was told by a buddy of mine. It was the kid I was in contact with, in buying the rims. And he said he has lid, headers(shorties), catted Y, no muffler, 3.73's, bigger TB, and a tune. He did only run a best of 13.3, up at Cordova last weekend though. My guess is an absolutely horrible 60' time.

Iremember when the Grand Nationals were ceasing production, andBuick actually extended the production date a little longer due to demand. Typical GM...they refine a design towhere it should be, and then kill it. The GN wasone of my favorite cars.Highly receptive to modification, and quiet.

True. I always thought the GNX's were the shiznit. I'm not really old enough to have thought about modding them while they were out, but I sure as hell remember how fast they were. I remember watching a GNX take on both a C4 Vette and an SVO and win. Of course I didn't know jack about what mods were at the time, but given what I know now, I still wouldn't mind having one. Too bad the GNX's are uber-rare these days.