wahoo09goalie

I am going to look at a grand national tomorrow and was wondering how I can determine if it is a grand national or just a t type clone. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

05MBMLS2

iTrader: (34)

The RPO code for the factory Grand National package is "WE2". Easiest way to verify its real.

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

just make sure that the VIN on the RPO sheet on the underside of the trunk lid matches the VIN on the dash, then look for the WE2.

trunk lids and hoods seem to rust if it hasnt been painted so people replace them often, thats why I would check. Refer to this site for further questions it has any info you can think of

gnttype.org

rtr2001ss

iTrader: (2)

If it has a Bench seat and column shifter, it's def not a GN.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Yea, my bro just bought a GN and we had looked at some T-Types, WE2 on the trunk lid was a tell tale sign as the VIN matched up as well.

wahoo09goalie

thanks for the quick response guys. i took a look at the car and it was in fact a we2 car. it did however have differents seats then i am used to seeing in GN. Opposed to the typical black cloth seats with the white inserts it had black leather inserts with grayish sides. was this just a different option for the GNs?

rtr2001ss

iTrader: (2)

Could have been a custom job.

casey38boost

iTrader: (3)

What year GN where u looking at?

early gn's had a Rare factory seat option:

Lear Siegler front and rear seats (trim code 995)

It was leather seats, or it could have been a later GN with the earlier seats put in...

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

they make aftermarket reproduction covers for the Gn and they are very expensive, somewher in the 800 range. http://www.jaxseatcover.com/gn/leather.cfm

wahoo09goalie

thanks for all the help guys, to answer some of the questions it is a 84. I looked up the Lear Siegler seats and those are without a doubt what are in the car, so it sounds like its got a fairly rare option, however the seats are not in that great of shape. Regardless, for the price i dont think i can go wrong on the car and plan on going back later this week to pick it up. thanks again

blubaldmontess

iTrader: (4)

also check out

www.turbobuick.com and www.turbobuicks.com those guys know their stuff. I was chasing after some grand nationals for a while, but never could find one that I wanted Good luck with it!

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

Cool, post some pics if/when ya get it.
I remember the earlier GNs and T-types well (my ex-sister-in-law's dad actually bought a brand new turbo Regal back in 1978, first or second year of production I believe), those '84s weren't as fast as the '86s/'87s but they are still badass rides.

rtr2001ss

iTrader: (2)

That's right about the year. 1978 was the first year of the G-Body, even though it was still called the A Body. 1982 was the "Official" year of it being called a G Body.

As far as Turbobuick(s).com, they def know their stuff. I sold my T-Type within 4 hours of posting there too.

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

IMO stay away from an 84, they are not nearly as sought upon and go for very very cheap. The hot air cars 84/85 are slow and i dont even think one has been faster then 12.90s with a ton of stuff done. At least get an 86 your gonna spend more but your gonna have a solid investment whereas the 84 will depreciate. Ive seen tons for sale for 3k in good shape. If you have any other ???? feel free to PM me.

Raist103

iTrader: (12)

yeah 84/85 are the years to stay away from. my 84s ran 12's with work but the 86/87 runs 12s with a tire and a couple turns of the wastegate rod. i would not get an 84/85, unless you plan to keep it stock and just cruise. look for the g80 option "posi" also it should be a must. turbotweek chip, scan master and ls1 maf translator are a must buy asap. alky wakes these cars up "only use razor kits". i used to run 32psi and 35' timing in each gear before i did heads and cam with alky.

wahoo09goalie

thanks guys, i knew they werent as fast or valuable, but i didnt know it was quite that extreme. i figured that 5 grand was a good price considering i typically see 86-87 sell for 10-15

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

yea id only pay 5 grand for an 84/85 if it was mint condition, and even then I would swap an 86/87 driveline in it but thats somewhat of a pain. keep your eye out, i just picked up an 87 ttype with fresh paint and rebuilt motor/trans bigger turbo for 3k, all i had to do was put the interior completely back together and exterior trim pcs. motor runs great. deals are out there but i think youll be let down with a hot air car.

wahoo09goalie

any good places to look besides the regular craigslist, car.com, autotrader ect?

jfg455

iTrader: (5)

see if you can find an astro roof T type. They are rare and are starting to bring good money. Also 86's had a chrome suround on the grille as apposed to the 87's that were all black. There were way more 87's then 86's so an 86 will bring good money as well. Or find an 89 TTA only 1500 of those made.

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

86/87 GN's bring about the same money if not more money for 87's.......check out turbobuick.com what are you looking to spend?