I was reading and article sometime ago on modified GN's from the factory which had special aluminum part added. Is this correct?
From what I understand, some GNs had aluminum bumper fillers and rear drums. Any other input?
A lot of turbo Regals (not just GNs) had the aluminum rear drums if they did NOT have positraction (RPO G80).
The aluminum bumper supports were fairly common on the 1986 GNs, and some 87 Turbo Regals (RPO VD6, VD7).
I don't believe any GNs/TRs had the aluminum core supports, though I've heard of many people adapting them from earlier G-body cars.
Anyone know if there were any aluminum TR hoods made? Thought I had heard that there was a few, but I won't swear to it. I have seen an aluminum Cutlass hood and it was VERY light compared to steel.
Outside of that, most claims I've seen of 'factory lightweight' TRs are either simply low-option cars or unfounded claims. In the later category I'd place the magazine article touting a TR with a 'rare aluminum tranny case'. Uhh...right. I think GM has used aluminum cases for just about all its automatics for decades if not the better part of a century. Don't think you'll find a steel 200-4R case.
Scott - there was an issue of Car Craft a few years back (maybe even 5 or 6 years ago?), had a big article on fast street racers. There was a GN in the article, from somewhere in the SW, probably California. I remember a heavyset guy was the owner. Think it had a Duttweiler engine. He had an aluminum hood, said it was one of 5 made or something like that. I can find the article if you really want, it'll take some hunting though.
John Estill
I know there was an aluminum hood made. I know a guy thats got one. It's off of an 82 turbo car that he says was the GN prototype. There was an article in Car Craft too like John said. Did you find it John? I had that issue too, just have to dig for it too.
Chris Britton
Chris,
The 82 hood is different from the 84-87 hoods. The body lines are all different. I should know. I tried to bolt an 87 hood on my 82, and it didn't exactly look right, but it did bolt up. Well sorta'.
Brian
Take a look at:
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/bodygauges/hoodno.html
for hood numbers and interchange...
The prototype GN did not have a aluminum turbo hood in 1982. It had a flat hood and a 4.1 engine.
There were aluminum production flat hoods, decklids and core supports on some 1978-80 Regals.
All 1981-1987 Regals share the same hood and other sheet metal. Only the header, grille, headlights and taillights are different. Same body lines. (1978-80 Regals are different than 1981-87.)
Aluminum bumper supports were used on all Turbo Regals from 1981-1986.
Rich George
'82 Regal GN/SC
'83 Regal T Type
Sorry, my 82 that I was referring to is a 4 door (wagon) I forgot that these were different from the 2 doors. They are the same as the earlier 2 doors, but not the 81-87.
Brian
Theres an article in the Oct. issue of Turbo mag. It has an article on 1 of 50 made of the gn lightweight. I may buy it, if I can find out what the car is really worth. 67k miles, excellent condition.
That was the Oct. 1998 issue of Turbo mag. Anyone Know the value of a 87 gn lightweight? Thanks.
No such thing(model). My car is an 87' WE-4 with NO power windows, locks, seats, rear defroster, or moonroof/t-tops & has the aluminum drums & front supports. It's probably lighter than most but is not considered a "lightweight" as far as a "1 of 50" is concerened. Don't spend more money on this car because of this supposedly rare lightweight. Other than the GNX, the Limiteds & WE-4's are the rarest of the 87's. Take care & safe shopping. Jay.
Thanks for the info Jay.
Hey Luke, no problem. I just didn't want you to fall for bogus "claims" that aren't true. If you are really interested in buying a turbo Regal check out the Turbo Trader on the GNTTYPE list. If you can wait & attend the GS Nationals in the Spring you can also check a lot of cars for sale there. Dennis Kirban also sells a book about how to buy/what to look for in Turbo Regals, as well as a "Facts & Figures" book. Anyway, take care & hope you find what you're looking for. Jay.