Rdmarsiii Posted September 23, 2006 Share Posted September 23, 2006 So I just bought a 1991 Buick Reatta. I know.... Its a Buick... But its not your typical Buick. Not sure who all has heard of it, but they were hand built in Michigan. I wanted it because its unique. They only made 1214 of mine, so I think it will be something not many people will get a chance to see. Under the hood is a TPI 3.8. I think its quite a bit of power for a little two seater car. It has every option (yes, all three of them) Buick offered, which was 16 way power seats, sunroof, and a cd player. I've already put a new radio in it, including Focal speakers. When I got it it already had a K&N airfilter and flowmasters, but im not sure if i like how loud it is. It doesn't sound like any V6 I've ever heard. Any thoughts/opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flannj Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 Just my opinion. If you like it, drive it. It may gain or lose value, but either way it won't be a lot. So go ahead and put lots of miles on it, enjoy it, and don't feel guilty. It has some unique appeal, but not enough to make it worth saving / storing / investing in. - Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunburnwilly Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 Here's a cool looking Reatta ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSport Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 ...the Buick 3.8 liter should be between 165 and 175 HP...plenty for that car and some fun...the engine is near bulletproof...they were cool cars in their day...enjoy! Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarence Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 Congrats, I'm sure we dont have to have the "cars are a bad investment" speech. to echo previous statements, drive it if it makes you happy. I wouldent call it a collector car by any means. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 my friend has a Reatta ..... they are becoming very collectable, esp. the few convertables that were made body parts can be a problem to get Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 I liked'em when I saw'em. Make sure if you are using a K&N filter that you clean and re-oil it correctly (just in case you don't already know about these). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 ...the Buick 3.8 liter should be between 165 and 175 HP...plenty for that car and some fun...the engine is near bulletproof...they were cool cars in their day...enjoy! Bill You would think with that much displacement HP would be higher....for example 1988 bmw 325i 2.5L has 167 hp, 1970 1.8L Alfa injected has 135 hp, 1991 3.0L Alfa V6 has 192 hp..........bullet proof is always nice though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSport Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 American cars (pushrod type) are built for the feeling of power...TORQUE...it should have about 215-225 ft/lbs of torque...how bout that Bimmer or Alphie now...[]...kidding aside...Bimmers and the Alfas are sweet... Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 That's cool, torque rules! The euro sweetness has to do with their ability to lay every bit of hp on the road because of how the torque matches up. Not to mention the handling ability. Fort Worth is close enough to me, maybe someday I can not only hear his Klipsch but catch a ride in the Reatta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 A really different car. Sometimes GM does something strange and it can work out. Not a fan of the cars dash. Congrats, the 3.8L V-6 is an uniquely american style engine that I am fond of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 I also liked the last Riviera, nice car could be collectable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 I think the Olds Aurora will be a collectors item. It was just too little too late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 Not too shabby looking the Riviera JB. Sort of looks like a poor man's Jaguar. On the topic, flowmaster is a good exhaust system, get used to the sound and worry about anything different when it needs replacing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMcD Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 I met a woman a long time ago, a friend of a friend of a friend. She bought one new and loved it. Then she bought another used when they went out of production. This is not to imply it is lady's car; though I can't think of any such vehicle. Well, I think it is good practice for anyone to have a car that is their signature. The money is going to be spent anyway. Good luck with your personal machine. Gil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rdmarsiii Posted September 24, 2006 Author Share Posted September 24, 2006 Thanks for all the comments. The car does have enough power to lay a nice pair of black marks, which Im sure is helped out by the filter and exhaust. I have recharged the filter, and next on the list is an oil change, plugs and wires, and probably a new left front wheel bearing. The car doesn't have the ugly touch screen crt, since it is a 91. I think 89 was the last year for those. I did put the biggest tire that would fit on it, 225 55 16's. It rides really well IMO. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 well ... it IS kinda a Ladies car .... real men drive Corvette's... eh, O.B........[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rdmarsiii Posted September 24, 2006 Author Share Posted September 24, 2006 Haha once you hear it and hear/smell/taste the rubber it leaves behind i bet you'll still say its a ladies car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 That car had a lot of parts from the Pontiac Fiero (which by the way was supposed to be the "new" 1982 Pontiac GTO). The Fiero was pulled mainly for a problem with not enough insulation between the engine bay and the passenger's compartment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuisis Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 My dad had a reatta for several years, until my brother wrecked it, still a sore spot at family gatherings!! I can attest to the body parts being hard to find, that's why it was totalled. The other parts are mostly from the riviera and toronado from the same years, not sure about the fiero. Most replacement parts, brakes, exhaust, shocks and such are readily available. The car had 201,000 miles on it when my brother wrecked it so it was durable and very reliable. I think it needed a water pump once. I took it to Philadelphia and to Columbus from Pittsburgh and enjoyed driving it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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