Buick Regal

3507 messages,  Last post on Jun 03, 2013 at 5:33 PM

You are in the Buick Regal Forum.

What is this discussion about? Buick Regal, Sedan

#676 of 3507 1994 Buick Regal by mthoskins1

Mar 18, 2001 (3:27 pm)

Hello all,
I purchase a used 1994 Buick Regal last August and it now has 80000 miles on it. It has the 3800. I was wondering if anyone had any performance improvements I can make to the engine. Ultimately to produce improved power and gas mileage if possible. If you could also direct me to some instructions or parts that I may need. I really have no complaints except for the ac compressor is shot and making a lot of noice but I am getting that replaced. Thank you for any improvements...

#677 of 3507 mthoskins1 by jackjt

Mar 18, 2001 (9:16 pm)

You can try http://www.thrasher-ep.com/l67_htm/L67.shtm

for some performance information.

#678 of 3507 jackjt by yurakm

Mar 18, 2001 (10:07 pm)

I do not think so.
 
The Trasher site is about performance modifications for supercharged Series II 3800 engine, 1997 to 2000 or 2001 Grand Prix GTP and Buick GS. The modifications are for race only: most of them are not street-legal.
 
On the other hand, mthoskins1 have a 94 Buick. Probably with naturally aspirated Series I engine. Not a good candidate for Trasher mods.
 
The car was bought used, now with 80k miles. Hard to tell, how it was cared for and used (or even abused) by the previous owner. The owner can be a parent, or trusted friend, or complete stranger. On the other hand, it is possible that stranger did all maintenance, while parents skipped some services...
 
The obvious "performance modifications" would be tuning, valve / injectors cleaning, transaxle liquid / filter service, new plugs, etc., according to 60k mile schedule - if not sure that the car had the service.
 
This is reasonable safe. Though things happens: I lost an engine (3.0l, 1988 Ford Taurus) soon after tuning it up. Probably, the first tuning in 110k miles. It was too hard for the old engine.

#679 of 3507 Centruy Does Not Equal Old Age by michaelpsu

Mar 19, 2001 (2:41 pm)

So, the typical Century owner is an AARP'er, but I bought my '99 when I was only 24. Yes, I get teased that I drive a grandmother's car, but who cares?!?! For about the same price that my friends were paying for little Corollas and Civics, I got a "loaded" Century Custom. AWESOME Concert Sound III system sounds better then my 16 year old cousin's $1000 system, the 3100 and auto shifter are seamless in operation, and I can get 35+mpg on the highway, while cruising in comfort!! I traded a 97 Legacy GT in "rio red" for my white Century, and it took a little getting used to. But, I kept my payment the same, and my insurance fell from over $1100 per year to just less than $600, so it was all worth it. Another plus, this car is almost invisible on the highway--I have blown past State Troopers going 70+ MPH in a 55 MPH zone, and they do not even flinch. Try doing that in a Maxima, Intrigue, or even a Regal GS!! I should have this thing paid off within the year, and it will be time to trade.... up to a Limited with leather and a sunroof!!

#680 of 3507 michaelpsu by yurakm

Mar 19, 2001 (3:19 pm)

Congratulations with excellent car selection!
 
And not only with car. If you know substance from appearance so well when 24, most probably will avoid a lot of life problems.
 
Couple of words concerning the Regal GS. Well, in my experience the highway police does not get interested with the car either. Very probably, they do not care if this is a Regal, Century, 88, or Malibu, even less about the trims.
 
Not only police. Looks as nobody knows the car. Friends, neighbors, colleagues. Even mechanics.
 
When I changed oil at Firestone, my mechanic took the car in, drained the old oil, replaced the filter, lowered the car. Than opened the hood to put new oil - and almost run, agitated, to the waiting room. "Congratulations! What car! What engine! Supercharged 3800! Did not realize, till seeing it"...
 
The maroon color does not attract attention either. Stealth cars... I like it so much.

#681 of 3507 Racing my Regal GS by jpstax

Mar 19, 2001 (8:10 pm)

Are there any '99, '00, or '01 GS owners that have raced their cars? If so, What were your times? I have been to Route 66 Raceway (near Joliet, IL) for the past 3 years, and have yet to see any Regal GS races. I'd like to try it this spring, but don't want to make a fool of myself. Is the car fast enough to try it? I don't even know what class I'd be in. Anyone know? Thanks.

#682 of 3507 Would look awesome... by obyone

Mar 19, 2001 (8:27 pm)

Smokin the front tires. Probably be the only one there that could do it, too.

#683 of 3507 michaelpsu by etharmon

Mar 19, 2001 (8:34 pm)

Okay, I didn't really mean the Century is an elderly person's car. Heck, in my opinion the Camry and Accord are just as conservative looking. And your correct about the Century's value. If your looking for a well equipped mid sized sedan, it's not a bad choice. I personally lean more toward performance though. Hence a Regal would get my nod over the Century. The Regal's biggest assets over the Century are it's 4 wheel wheel disc brakes, 3800 V6 engine, and firmer suspension. But for what a 4 cylinder Camry costs, you can get a well equipped V6 powered Century.

#684 of 3507 What else did you test drive? by jackjt

Mar 20, 2001 (5:25 am)

I looked at a whole raft of cars before settling on the GS. Looked/drove Maximas, BMW's, Passats, Linclon LS and for the horse power, comfort, room (esp. front seat leg room), price, I chose the GS! So far I have not been dissappointed. Why pay close to if not $40,000 for a BMW or LS, when you can get a GS in the mid 20's!

#685 of 3507 My Two Cents by armtdm

Mar 20, 2001 (9:06 am)

Traded a Maxima SE stick shift for a Buick Regal GSE last month ( an old 2000 model sitting around for a while) so here are the observations.
 
Supercharger very smooth, in fact, unlike a turbo, cannot even tell when it kicks in. Front end is sluggish, not as responsive as the Maxima, does not handle quite as well as the SE did. Power, yes, plenty. Rear seating space, smaller then the SE. Dealer/manufacturer issues read on
 
Small paint chip by mirror, nut/wing nut that hold the plastic cowling on the engine was missing, all four tires had different air pressure and spare at 45 lbs in lieu of 60. License plate not on tight (put on by dealer) supercharged emblem missing (had to order from parts) and at 733 miles I was leaking oil profusely. Dealer had to tighten all of the oil pan bolts, loose from the factory.
I hope that this is it, and police do notice it, I have a ticket to prove it.
 
Great car, tremendous value especially when buying a 2000 model in Feb 2001, the dealers are hurting, cannot give them away, well not quite that bad.
 
Who has had experience as to when the oil change light will come on?????
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