-Car and Driver Aug. 1987
-Hot Rod Oct. 1986
"Buick has dropped another sinister car on us."
"One of the hottest looking entries on the ticket for 1987."
The 87-89 Lesabre T-type
The T-type designation was used by Buick throughout the 80's as a performance package. Its most famous application was the awesome Regal T-type, adding a legendary turbocharged V6 to the midsize coupe, creating one of the fastest cars of the 80's. One car to use this designation that isn't as well known is the Lesabre. Built from '87 to '89, the Lesabre T-type represents the highest performing H-body. Although not as outstanding as its Regal sibling, it was a notch above other Lesabres. Original plans called for a turbo, but transmission durability problems limited engine output. Instead Buick turned to overall improvement. First, acceleration was improved by using a performance axle, geared lower than most Lesabres. Styling was greatly improved by Grand National inspired black out trim, aluminum wheels and front and rear spoilers. The interior was improved by installing a console with shift lever, and front bucket seats. A Pontiac-style red-orange dash cluster was used to accent the t-type badges and other interior changes. Finally, the handling was greatly improved by installing a huge 1.25-inch sway bar in front and a .75-inch bar in the rear.
With all these great features, it's no wonder most T-type owners love their cars, and won't part with them easily. Comfortable but agile, smooth but fast, beautiful but not flashy, the Lesabre T-type is in a class all its own. The power from the Buick 3800 V6 is amazing, the handling is confidence inspiring, and the interior is among the most comfortable. Buick hit the mark with this car, and many will be enjoying this car for years.
-Car and Driver Aug. 1987
-Hot Rod Oct. 1986
"The cabin is spacious, the seats are comfy, and the drivetrain is pleasant and perky."
"It does a great job of blending a performance image with a bread
and butter car that might otherwise be overlooked."
Specifications:
| -General- | ||
| Body style | 2 door coupe | |
| Chassis type | Unit body with isolated subrame | |
| Weight | 3300 lbs | |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | |
| Track F/R | 60.3"/59.8" | |
| Length | 196.5" | |
| Width | 72.4" | Height | 54.7" |
| Oil Capacity | 4.5 quarts | |
| Coolant Capacity | 12.6 quarts | |
| Fuel Tank | 18.0 gal. | |
| -Drivetrain- | ||
| Drivetrain | Front engine, Front drive | |
| Engine type | 90 deg. V6 Iron Block and Heads | |
| Bore X Stroke | 3.8 X 3.4 | |
| Displacement | 3.8L/231 CID | |
| Valvetrain | OHV 2 valves/cyl. | |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | |
| Fuel system | SFI | |
| Horsepower | 150@4400 (87) 165@5200 (88-89) | |
| Torque | 200@2000 (87) 210@2000 (88-89) | |
| Redline | 5250 rpm | |
| Trans. type | 4-spd. Auto | |
| Axle ratio | 2.97:1 | |
| -Suspension/Steering- | ||
| Front Suspension | Strut, control arm, coil spring, anti-roll bar | |
| Front Suspension | Strut, control arm, lateral link, coil spring, anti-roll bar | |
| Steering type | Rack and Pinion, Power assisted | |
| Turns lock-to-lock | 3.1 | |
| Turning Circle | 40.9 ft | |
| Front Brakes | 10.1 x 1.0-in. Vented Disc | |
| Rear Brakes | 8.9 x 1.7-in. Drum | |
| -Wheels/Tires- | ||
| Wheel size | 15 x 6.0-in. | |
| Wheel type | Cast Aluminium | |
| Tire Size | P215/65R15 | |
| Tire Pressure | 30/30 psi. | |
| -Interior- | ||
| Front Int. Volume | 55 cu. ft. | |
| Rear Int. Volume | 47 cu. ft. | |
| Trunk volume | 15.7 cu. ft. | |
| F. Legroom | 42.4 | |
| F. Headroom | 38.1 | |
| F. Shoulder Room | 59.0 | |
| F. Hip Room | 53.0 | |
| R. Legroom | 37.4 | |
| R. Headroom | 37.6 | |
| R. Shoulder Room | 57.8 | |
| R. Hip Room | 54.5 | |
| Special Alluminum Wheels | Eagle GT tires | |
| Gran Touring suspension | 2.97:1 ratio transaxle | |
| Leather wrapped sport steering wheel | Red and amber taillamps | |
| Dual exhaust outlets | Black bodyside molding treatment | |
| Lay-down hood ornamnet | Unique 45/45 seats | |
| Power 6 floor mats | Blackout trim | |
| Rear deck spoiler (88-89) | Front air dam | |
| ETR AM/FM stereo with red backlighting | Blacked-out instrument panel controls | |
| Special gauge package with red backlighting | T-type Identification |
15,938 T-types were made over the three years; 4123 in '87, 6426 in '88, and 5389 in '89.
In '86 there was a Lesabre Grand National, 117 were built.
The option code for the T-type was WE2.
T-type can be found in four colors: Black, White, Silver and Maroon.
The only exterior T-type badges are on the pillar, and in the Lesabre badge.
Most if not all 87 T-types did not come with a rear spoiler.
Only '87's came with black and grey GN style seating.
'87's had 150hp '88's and '89's had 165hp.
GM's retail price for a front spoiler is $750.
The T-type package cost about $2000 extra.
The T-type was billed as a seperate model, but was actually a special option package.
The center console and steering wheel can be found on other Buicks.
Some '87 and '88 models had plastic front fenders.
There were H-body 2-door Olds' and Buicks, but no Pontiacs.
A T package was a available on the 4-door Lesabre.
The T-type's suspension was the most aggresive available in an H-body
The Electra T-type shared many parts with the Lesabre T-type.
The T package was available on: Regal, Lesabre, Electra, Century, and Skyhawk in '87.