Buick Grand National
11-21-2006, 12:18 PM
#17
Originally Posted by Red1
Like ***. Seriously. One of my best friends has had one for years. I considered buying one when they were new right up to the point of the test drive. They were hyped as this awesome car, blah blah blah. Nuts. I wasn't impressed.
The GN is the epitome of the one-trick pony. It can be brutally fast in a straight line. That's it. Anything else you could ask of it it'll suck. Braking, cornering, stopping, really anything at all it's horrible. More body roll than Oprah and more chassis flex than a convertible Solara. Don't even get me started on the ribbon speedometer, LED tachometer and boost gauge.
It was a pity the GNX dash wasn't the standard for the GN. GM made some of the worst dash layouts in automotive history in the 80's, and the GN was just another victim. Aftermarket dashes are available for about $1000 though, and if it were me I'd have to upgrade that.
Of course, to true GN lovers 1/4 mile speed is all that matters. I guess for some people that's good enough. It'd be a boring world if we all had the same tastes.
The GN is the epitome of the one-trick pony. It can be brutally fast in a straight line. That's it. Anything else you could ask of it it'll suck. Braking, cornering, stopping, really anything at all it's horrible. More body roll than Oprah and more chassis flex than a convertible Solara. Don't even get me started on the ribbon speedometer, LED tachometer and boost gauge.
It was a pity the GNX dash wasn't the standard for the GN. GM made some of the worst dash layouts in automotive history in the 80's, and the GN was just another victim. Aftermarket dashes are available for about $1000 though, and if it were me I'd have to upgrade that. Of course, to true GN lovers 1/4 mile speed is all that matters. I guess for some people that's good enough. It'd be a boring world if we all had the same tastes.
http://www.turbobuick.com/dale_cherry_car.html
Best ET 8.31 @167 MPH
11-21-2006, 12:38 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by 89magic98
I would love, just once, to need to pull a drag chute on the street:
It's the thought that there's no way to control that power that gives the ride it's white-knuckle quality. Not for me, thanks.
11-21-2006, 01:06 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by AndyK
Anyway, the motor is so fast, it wants to tear the car in half at the door pillars!! There are cracks there to prove it too!
Last edited by 944Fest (aka Dan P); 11-21-2006 at 11:57 PM.
11-21-2006, 04:49 PM
#20
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thanks for all the replies, im kinda thinking about getting a second vehicle. I just hate all these mustang owners around here who leave white stains all over their cars because they love them so much. I hate them. That said, i wanted a real all out straight machine to play with them a little bit. However, i kinda want a 951 now too, so i dunno? Any input? How about their reliability? Is it going to be a step down in reliability compared to my s2? Thanks!
11-21-2006, 08:00 PM
#23
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Originally Posted by speedracing944
You could always put a Buick Grand National motor in a 944 and get the best of both worlds.
Hmmm. Where is turbobob when you need him?
Speedy
Hmmm. Where is turbobob when you need him?
Speedy
11-21-2006, 11:52 PM
#25
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i had a gn for years...it handles a lot better than the "snobs" on here lead on..and they are worth more than a 944 turbo...condition to condition and are in most cases much faster, they are not a porsche so they don't handle as well, but good for what they are none the less. Very reliable daily drivers with few real inherant problems...oh..mine was 10.96 1/4 mile...low 11 sec with ac on. Now comparing it to a gnx? no comparison..gnx is WAY more expensive with a beater being in the $40k range. A GN is a good decision if you want a car that is NEVER gonna lose a penny if kept well...much better than any water cooled Porsche. I paid 16k for my 87 new in 88...drove it for 3 years and sold it for 15k...bought another for 8 k a few years later, drove it a lot (sold with 100k) for 12000
11-22-2006, 12:01 AM
#26
Cast Iron Man
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I've always wanted one. A gem in an era of turds.
There was an article in C&D where someone but a GN motor in a BMW (5 series I think). Made a seriously fast car and did pretty well in the corners. A lot of custom work went into the motor mounts and tranny.
There was an article in C&D where someone but a GN motor in a BMW (5 series I think). Made a seriously fast car and did pretty well in the corners. A lot of custom work went into the motor mounts and tranny.
11-22-2006, 01:00 AM
#28
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I agree with nickg. I have had an 87 for years and was really into it - the car clubs, events, etc. With the cat hollowed out, cold air box, and a "Pitbull" chip - maybe $400 total - the car ran 12.91 on street tires and I just sold it for $4,000 more than I paid for it. It was my daily driver and it never ever needed any repairs aside from general wear items even after dozens of 1/4 mle passes. Having said that, I wanted a "driver's car". One that would handle and brake and let you feel the road. The GN handled like a pig in water and the drum brakes in the rear did little to stop the mass quickly. I just got past the straight line-only mentality and have been in love w/ the 951 since the late 80's.
***Note: It is almost impossible to find a GN that has not been abused and they sell for the mid teens in used but clean condition. A 951 can be purchased and modified with similar results and you will still have a couple of dollars left over to spend on gas and tires.
***Note: It is almost impossible to find a GN that has not been abused and they sell for the mid teens in used but clean condition. A 951 can be purchased and modified with similar results and you will still have a couple of dollars left over to spend on gas and tires.
11-22-2006, 01:39 AM
#29
Three Wheelin'
I was in Bowling Green KY about 10 years ago for business during the Grand Nationals. There were tons of them on trailers being hauled around, and they still do it-
http://www.gnregistry.org/events.htm
My brother in law has one with about 30K miles in his garage, itching to get going again..
http://www.gnregistry.org/events.htm
My brother in law has one with about 30K miles in his garage, itching to get going again..
