Photos from NextGen Performance
Let the Buick purists off their leash, because this build is not your ordinary Grand National, and we love it! Before you have a full blown heart attack, we’ll go ahead and tell you that it’s a pre-EFI, non-turbo, 1982 Buick Grand National, so go ahead and delete that angry comment you’ve probably already drafted and enjoy this build.
Buck Anderson brought his 1982 Buick Regal Grand National to NextGen Performance seeking a horsepower boost for his car. Shop owners and LSX experts Josh and Eric Buzzell told him to yank the old 4.1L V6 out of the car, and toss in a LS powertrain and a modern automatic transmission. To kick things off, an L76 engine out of a 2008 Pontiac G8 would serve as the powerhouse for the Grand National. Backing the engine is a sturdy 4L65E with Chevy Performance SuperMatic torque converter.
All it took to get the engine and transmission in place was the help of a Hooker LS engine swap transmission crossmember with add-on bracket and Holley LS retrofit oil pan. This setup feeds into custom driveshaft and a Ford 9”-inch According to the shop, the whole swap was pretty straightforward; do you hear that pre-turbo Buick guys?
Along with the engine, transmission, rearend upgrades, the guys gave the Buick some other goodies to help it utilize the power from the new setup. This included a new exhaust and suspension medications that included new SPC Performance lowering springs, upper control arms, new tie rods, a center link, and QA1 rear sway bar.
The final touch was dyno tuning at SMG Motoring in Mendon, MA. When it was all said and done, the LSX powered 1982 Grand National put down 369 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque to the wheels.
You can see an extensive gallery of the project on the shop’s page here.
Elizabeth is a hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
