I own both a T-Type(Turbo T in 87) and a Grand National so I know what they are. I was just busting ***** on the T-Type GN comment. I found it funny.
Also, you can get a T-Type optioned just the same as a GN if you desired so. Could even get one with leather so I am not sure where the "poor man's GN" comment is coming from. -Mat-

 

The "poor" man terminology came from my friend that owned the T-Type. When asked what the difference was, he said the T-Type was the poor man's GN as it did not cost as much, but had all the performance options. he had ordered the T-Type to save a few dollars as I understood it.

 

I like SVT F150 have owned both a GN and a T-Type. They were both '87's. Like F150 said, they have the exact same drive train, but the GN only came in black with the two-tone cloth bucket seats and center console with floor shifter. The GN also got a rear spoiler and unique chrome 15" wheels. The T-Type could be ordered in any color combination and interior set-up you wanted. The T-Types also had unique 15" aluminum wheels.

Hot Rod magazine listed the T-Type as the fasted production car built in America for 1986. T-Types were just a hair quicker in the quarter mile due to lighter weight. Like the L's, the turbo buicks could be made wicked fast with just a few mods. One big advantage they have over the L is fuel ecconomy. I got just over 29 MPG on a trip back from South Lake Tahoe with 3 people in the car and the AC running. Ran consistant 13.5's at full weight with all the stereo equipment, full tank of gas and full air pressure in the tires. I loved both those cars. I wish I still had the GN.

 

They were neat cars. My friend would drive his to work all week, then on Friday, drive 125 miles from Abilene, Tx to Fort Worth and run at an i/8 track on Friday nights. He would spend the night, then drive about 40 miles to Texas Motorplex and run the 1/4 mile on Saturday. he would then drive it back home to Abilene and street race on Sundays at a local place we had set up. He carried his slicks in the truck. He had a blast with it.

 

JL