Fell down a rabbit hole last night, Buicks and Grandpa

"AMGtech - now with more recalls!" (amgtech) 08/27/2019 at 09:45 • Filed to: None

4

24

Thanks to a certain post about a random 80's Delco radio, I remembered/realized I have a thing for 80's Buick coupes. My grandpa had a few early 90's Regals like this, and always kept them in great condition. He helped me buy my second car (my first is a story for another time), an 88 Buick Skylark coupe in gunmetal grey with sweet aluminum wheels, no sarcasm. Thing was perfect, had only 62k when I got it.

Just like Grandpa’s Regals

Grandpa upgraded to a Riviera after they introduced the then-new body style in 95. Had to be the nicest car anyone in my family ever had. He of course kept it pristine also. That car is still in the family today.

Unfortunately, he was taken from this world too early, almost 12 years ago. It was a tragic semi meets tractor accident. My whole family was absolutely devastated. He was an amazing person.

I think what draws me to 80's Buicks is my memories of Grandpa and my old Skylark. So here’s a link to my rabbit hole!

https://www.autotempest.com/results?make=buick&minyear=1980&maxyear=1992&bodystyle=coupe

JeepJeremy > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 09:53

1

I want a Reatta in a bad way....

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 10:10

2

This one caught my eye: https://www.ebay.com/itm/254337998660

We’ve had quite a few Centurys over the years, the best of which was our 1990 Century Custom with the 3300/4-speed combo. Amazing ride, plenty of power, amazing fuel economy.

Sadly finding a decent one with that drivetrain combo is next to impossible around here anymore.

Sorry to hear about your Grandpa, buy a Buick and keep his dream alive!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JeepJeremy 08/27/2019 at 10:19

1

They’re much cheaper than I expected.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 08/27/2019 at 10:22

0

Century’s doing really do anything for me oddly. Maybe because I’ve spent so much time in clapped out century sedans?

3.3 wasn’t the greatest motor. 3.8 is where it’s at. Might be a big part of it. And rust.

Thanks. I have enough toys right now. But probably in a few years!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 10:24

1

While the 3800 is great, we loved our 3300 powered Centurys, they took abuse like no other and seemed to lack the intake issues of the 3800s. The god damn 3100, which was in most of them however can eat a bag of dicks.

We’ve always had decent ones, so that probably gives a different outlook on them.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 08/27/2019 at 11:04

0

None of the 3800's in my family ever had intake issues. And there were a ton of them. Our 3.1's were solid also, aside from a few intake gasket leaks.

Chariotoflove > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 11:17

1

I’m sorry about your grandpa. I bought a ‘95 Riv when they came out too. 

Goggles Pizzano > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 12:06

1

September 8th is National Grandparents Day. You’ve inspired me to do a “Grampy Car” post.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 12:14

0

Every single one of ours needed replacement at around 80k. Other than that, they are great engines that run damn near forever without issue.

Every single one of our 3100s had gasket issues, a few blew up without warning, and they were all sluggish little things. I absolutely hate that engine, I’ll take the 2.8 over a 3100 any day.

RallyWrench > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 12:24

1

I have a soft spot for Buicks and Oldmobiles of this era as well, also because of grandparents. And because 10 year old me thought it made a damn fine looking race car:

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Goggles Pizzano 08/27/2019 at 12:27

1

#wholesome 

Goggles Pizzano > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 12:30

0

# saudade

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 08/27/2019 at 12:31

1

So interesting. I've worked on a ton of all these. I've never personally seen a 3.8 intake issue, just the plastic coolant pipes. And I've never seen a 3.1 head gasket or complete failure. Tons of 3.1 intake gaskets, but those are cheap-ish and easy. I've always wondered if intake gasket leaks were often misdiagnosed as head gasket leaks.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > RallyWrench 08/27/2019 at 12:34

0

That is a damn fine looking race car. I would love to RWD convert a few of the smaller Buick coupes of the era and fit them with more powerful engines, mild suspension upgrades and the like. But keep everything else stock.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Goggles Pizzano 08/27/2019 at 12:35

1

#wordoftheday

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 12:39

0

Always crazy how different experiences are.

Any of our 3100s have needed intake gaskets, a couple needed HGs, a handful just grenaded around 100k without warning or signs of issue.

All of our 3800s have needed intake gaskets around 80k, with the exception of my dad’s 1990 Toronado, that was still all original at 320k when the trans finally died, causing it’s retirement.

All of our 3300s have been a great combo of reliable, powerful, and efficient, with only one needing a water pump around 150k.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 08/27/2019 at 15:52

1

Ooh toronados! I wouldn’t kick a nice trofeo out of the garage!

3300's were definitely ok. Slow by my memory though.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 16:07

1

Depended on the trans behind them. Most were mated to the 3 speed which made them feel sluggish, those mated to the 4-speed on the other hand felt quite quick.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 08/27/2019 at 16:16

1

That 3 speed was so dumb.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 16:32

1

It was, but it was kinda fun in it’s own right. If you shifted it manually you could get 55 mph out of first gear before hitting the rev limiter, not that I ever tried that or anything, but I’ve heard.

coqui70 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 21:06

0

Bonneville is the right answer

DRN > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 08/27/2019 at 21:59

2

We had a 94GS coupe white on red loved that car. Own 6 Buicks currently with the cream of the crop a 86GN. Love those Buicks!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > coqui70 08/27/2019 at 23:40

0

Yes! But it's not a coupe and not a Buick and not 80's.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > DRN 08/28/2019 at 00:11

0

I would love a GN! Or a T.  Even if it’s not an X.