This 1987 Buick Grand National Shocked Owners – These hidden Features Will Blow Your Mind! - Coaching Toolbox

Understanding the Context

Launched as a sportier, more accessible option in the Buick lineup, the Grand National might not match the luxury appeal of other Cadillac or Oldsmobile models—but its engineering and hidden amenities make it a standout. Given the computational and design limitations of the late 1980s, the Grand National quietly packed impressive features that still fascinate vintage car lovers today.

Hidden Features That Shaped the 1987 Grand National

1. Advanced Electronic Fuel Injection System

Back in ’87, fuel injection was just gaining traction in American sedans. The Grand National’s electronic fuel injection (EFI) was a notable upgrade over carburetors, ensuring efficient combustion, better mileage, and smoother acceleration. Unlike older models, this system was carefully tuned for responsiveness, making highway cruising effortless and reducing erratic performance.

Key Insights

2. Rear-Wheel Steering (Under Exclusive Rear Brand, Rarely Highlighted)

Here’s a little-known gem: some high-spec Grand National models included an experimental rear-wheel steering feature. Engaging this system adjusted rear wheels 1–3 degrees in coordination with the front wheels, improving low-speed maneuverability—particularly handy in tight garage turns or crowded city streets. It offered a blend of agility not commonly found in its class.

3. Selectively Available Integrated Cooling System

To keep emissions and performance in check, early electronic engine management systems sequestered heat carefully. The 1987 Grand National’s cooling setup combined a variable electric fan and improved radiator design, working more closely with the EFI to prevent overheating, even under prolonged highway loads—an unsung hero in performance reliability.

4. Lightweight Yet Sturdy FMV Interiors with Factory Warnings

Final Thoughts

Under the hood isn’t the only place to find smart engineering. With fiberglass-reinforced plastic body panels and a uniquely tuned frame, the Grand National boasted solid ride quality paired with an “invisible” sound deadening system—something most buyers never expect but notice through enhanced quietness in the cabin.

5. Customizable Potentiometer-Tuned Suspension (Optional, Naturally)

While not standard, several owners opted to rolling-out a selective suspension upgrade. Featuring progressive shock absorbers and steering dampers, this tuned ride transformed handling—blending comfort with sporty responsiveness, especially for drivers seeking both city ease and weekend performance.

6. Early OBD-L Diagnostic Preparation

Though the diagnostic era hadn’t fully bloomed, the Grand National’s wiring harness was designed with foresight—leaving pathways for future diagnostic tools. Savvy owners used this as a launching pad for custom diagnostics, making troubleshooting much smoother as onboard computers evolved.