Dec. 17th, 2002
Goal: small-block V8, 5-spd 1987 Buick Regal disguised as a GNX.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a 1987 Buick Regal that is 1) not a Grand National and 2) not cursed with a vinyl top? I wonder if they even exist. See, I don't want to ruin a grand national by ripping out the Buick turbo/auto and dropping in a V8/5-spd, but I fear that removing the vinyl top from a regular Regal will practically require replacing the roof. Imagine fifteen years' worth of hidden rust.
I think my best option is to find a Grand National with a shot powertrain, if any of those exist.