Insane 1,500-Horsepower 1987 Buick Grand National

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The 1987 Buick Grand National has long held a special place in the muscle car world, known for its stealthy blacked-out look and performance that embarrassed much larger V8s in its day. This example, currently listed on eBay, takes that reputation and pushes it into an entirely different universe. While it still looks every bit like the Grand National people recognize, nearly everything beneath the surface has been transformed into something far more extreme. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!

According to the seller, this car was purchased in 2016 and subsequently underwent a complete mechanical reimagining. The original turbo V6 has been replaced with a Dart LSX-based 427ci V8, built by Thompson Motorsports and designed to handle enormous boost. Topping the engine is a massive Bullseye Power 88mm turbocharger, supported by a custom liquid-to-air intercooler system. Engine management duties are handled by a FuelTech FT600 ECU, allowing the car to run on either 93-octane fuel or E85 through selectable tuning. The seller claims output in the neighborhood of 1,500 horsepower, which puts this Grand National well into modern supercar—and beyond—territory.

Handling that kind of power requires serious supporting hardware, and this build appears to have it. The drivetrain centers around a Pro Torque–built 4L80E automatic transmission, equipped with a transbrake for aggressive launches. Power is sent rearward through a custom 9-inch rear end from TRZ Motorsports, a proven choice for high-horsepower applications. A removable parachute assembly is mounted at the rear, underscoring just how serious this car is when it’s pushed hard.

The chassis and suspension were addressed as thoroughly as the powertrain. A Ridetech Tru Turn front suspension with adjustable coilovers is paired with Strange Engineering components and TRZ hardware in the rear. Braking is handled by a hydroboost-assisted system with Wilwood six-piston front calipers, ensuring the car can stop as confidently as it accelerates. The wheel and tire setup reflects its dual-purpose nature, with street-friendly rubber up front and Mickey Thompson ET Street tires in the rear.

Inside, the car balances race-focused equipment with street usability. A FuelTech digital display replaces the factory gauges, providing comprehensive engine data, while features like climate control and a modern stereo keep it livable outside the track. A roll bar with removable door bars adds safety without permanently sacrificing access or comfort.

This Grand National isn’t a lightly modified street cruiser—it’s a fully realized, no-compromise build that blends classic G-body presence with modern turbocharged LS performance. For someone seeking one of the most extreme interpretations of Buick’s legendary coupe, this car stands in a category of its own.

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Comments

  1. Cooter CooterMember

    Need a little more cowbell…

    Like 4
  2. Mitchell GildeaMember

    “Oh God” handle above door and spare pair of underwear available separately

    Like 2
    • Stan StanMember

      Is traction an issue 🤔 🏁

      Like 1
  3. DennisMember

    NOPE!!

    Like 1
  4. Fahrvergnugen FahrvergnugenMember

    This oddity might as well have 13,500 HP.

    Like 1
  5. DennisMember

    Put Chevrolet Monte Carlo emblems on it since it has…

    Like 0
  6. DennisMember

    It didn’t sell on the auction site…

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-buick-grand-national-265/
    $78,500 bid

    Like 0
  7. Don H

    Instead of running a Grand National why not just use a regular Regal?

    Like 2
  8. Mark

    Its a beast but I wonder what happened to the original drivetrain/engine and why it was changed out.

    Like 0
  9. A.G.

    I’m with Ralphie Wiggum on this car :
    “unsane”
    This is an unserious automobile.

    The parachute attachment suggests this car will exceed 150 mph in a quarter mile. The parachute-chassis connection appears questionable. The rollbar and down bars are nice to brag about but the lack of a full cage suggests this car has never has a sub-eleven second run. What level of tech inspection will this car pass?

    AFA being streetable, this car is boy-racer material. At least spectators will be impressed.

    Like 1
  10. Todd J. Todd J.Member

    I’m amused by the comments posted by the nitpickers. You know darn well that you’d take a turn behind the wheel if offered the opportunity and that you’d end up with a smile on your face afterwards.

    Like 0

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