The 1987 Buick Grand National is already a legendary figure in the world of American muscle, but this specific build elevates that status to a terrifying new level. Following the seller’s acquisition in 2016, this car underwent a total mechanical transformation into a high-tech drag and street weapon. It now features a Dart LSX-based 427ci V8 engine that replaces the original V6 for massive power gains. The exterior remains true to the “Darth Vader” aesthetic with a deep black finish and a sculpted hood. Inside, the cabin balances professional racing hardware with the convenience of modern climate control for a versatile driving experience. Significant fabrication work is visible throughout the engine bay, including custom aluminum inner fenders painted to match the body. Every choice made during this build reflects a commitment to top-tier performance and engineering excellence. It is a machine that commands respect on the drag strip while remaining surprisingly usable on the street.
LSX 427 Turbocharged Engineering and FuelTech Logic
At the heart of this 1987 Buick Grand National is a Thompson Motorsports 427ci LSX block. This reinforced foundation is topped with Frankenstein M311 cylinder heads to handle extreme boost pressures. A massive Bullseye Power 88mm turbocharger provides the induction, supported by a custom liquid-to-air intercooler system. Management of this complex setup is handled by a FuelTech FT600 ECU, which allows for dual-fuel mapping for 93-octane or E85. A CO2 bottle is tucked inside the cabin to precisely manage pressure on the Precision Turbo wastegate spring. This level of electronic control ensures that the engine produces maximum power while maintaining vital safety parameters. The addition of a Wegner Motorsports accessory drive kit keeps the front of the engine organized and reliable. Consequently, the car delivers a level of acceleration that far exceeds its factory-rated ancestors. It is a modern masterpiece of turbocharged small-block engineering.
Pro Drive Transmission and Custom Drivetrain Strength
Managing the immense torque of the turbocharged LSX is a modified 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission from Pro Torque. This unit is built to Pro Drive Series specifications and features a transbrake for aggressive track launches. A revised valve body and a high-performance torque converter ensure that shifts are both fast and incredibly firm. Power is sent to the ground through a custom-fabricated 9-inch rear end assembly provided by TRZ Motorsports. To help the car hook, the build includes a custom fuel cell and a dual exhaust system with Borla mufflers. For the ultimate in track safety and utility, a removable parachute assembly is mounted through the rear bumper. These drivetrain components were selected specifically to handle four-digit horsepower levels without mechanical failure. This setup transforms the 1987 Buick Grand National into a consistent and formidable bracket racer or roll-race contender.
Ridetech Suspension and BC Forged Aesthetics
The stance of this 1987 Buick Grand National is perfected by multi-piece BC Forged 18-inch wheels with dark gray centers. These wheels are wrapped in Continental tires up front and sticky Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S rubber at the rear. The car rides on a Ridetech Tru Turn front suspension system, featuring HQ-series adjustable coilovers for precise tuning. Out back, Strange Engineering double-adjustable coilovers and a TRZ sway bar manage the weight transfer during hard acceleration. Braking is just as impressive, utilizing a hydroboosted system with a Wilwood master cylinder and six-piston front calipers. This setup provides the stopping power necessary to haul the car down from high speeds safely. The inclusion of a manual steering box with a Flaming River joint offers the driver direct, unfiltered road feedback. These chassis upgrades ensure the car remains stable and predictable regardless of the power level being utilized.
Performance Specifications and High Boost Specs
This 1987 Buick Grand National generates massive output from its 427ci LSX V8 and 88mm Bullseye Power turbocharger. The drivetrain consists of a 4L80E automatic transmission with a transbrake and a custom 9-inch rear axle. For cooling, a liquid-to-air intercooler is paired with a trunk-mounted coolant tank to maintain low intake temperatures under boost. Braking performance is handled by a Wilwood and Strange Engineering hybrid four-wheel disc setup with hydroboost assistance. The FuelTech FT600 system replaces the factory gauges, offering full data logging and a digital tachometer for the pilot. A silver roll bar with removable door bars provides necessary structural rigidity and safety for high-speed runs. Additional technical highlights include a Turbosmart bypass valve and a high-capacity fuel system designed for E85 compatibility. These specifications describe a car that was built with zero compromises in the pursuit of absolute velocity.
Summary of a Turbocharged LSX Monster
The 1987 Buick Grand National remains a definitive icon, but this build pushes its legacy into a new dimension of performance. Its combination of a Dart LSX block and an 88mm turbocharger creates a power profile that few cars can match. The attention to detail, from the painted firewall to the integrated FuelTech electronics, is evident in every corner of the vehicle. While it is built for the track, the inclusion of Vintage Air and a Pioneer stereo makes it a comfortable cruiser. Its clean Carfax report and extensive modification records provide a transparent look into the car’s documented history. This vehicle represents the peak of the “restomod” movement, where classic looks meet modern, record-setting technology. As it enters the market, it stands as a unique opportunity for a collector who wants the baddest G-body on the block. This Grand National is a masterclass in modern muscle fabrication.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
