1987 BUICK REGAL

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear under load, Delayed engagement when shifting into Drive, Burnt transmission fluid smell and dark red/brown fluid, Complete loss of forward gears

Fix: Rebuild or replacement required; turbo cars stress the TH200-4R beyond design limits. Expect 12-16 hours labor for R&R plus rebuild. Upgraded clutch packs and torque converter recommended for turbo models. Transmission cooler lines and external cooler often need replacement simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under boost, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap

Fix: The 3.8L turbo heads crack between valves or blow gaskets from detonation and heat cycling. Head removal, milling, and gasket replacement takes 18-24 hours. Often discover cracked heads requiring replacement ($400-800 each). While heads are off, replace timing cover gaskets and front seals.

Estimated cost: $2,200-4,500

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on acceleration or deceleration, Heavy oil consumption (1 quart per 500-1000 miles), Knocking noise from bottom end when cold, Low oil pressure at idle when hot

Fix: Turbo engines suffer ring wear and spun bearings from boost abuse and poor oil maintenance. Short block replacement or full rebuild needed; 24-32 hours labor for engine R&R and rebuild. Pistons, rings, bearings, oil pump, timing chain all addressed. Many owners opt for upgraded forged internals at this point.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunk when shifting Drive to Reverse, Vibration at idle that disappears under load, Visible engine movement when revving in Park, Transmission cooler line damage from excessive movement

Fix: Rubber mounts deteriorate and allow excessive drivetrain movement. Transmission mount collapses first, followed by passenger-side engine mount. Replace all three mounts as a set (2.5-4 hours labor). Turbo cars with harder launches fail mounts faster.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under front of car, Fluid sprayed on underside of hood and radiator support, Low transmission fluid level causing delayed shifts, Rubber hoses cracked or steel lines rusted through at connections

Fix: Steel lines rust at crimp fittings and rubber sections crack from heat cycling. Replace entire line set from transmission to radiator, plus external cooler if equipped (2-3 hours labor). Often discovered during transmission mount replacement. Flush system and add 4-6 quarts ATF.

Estimated cost: $250-500

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Stumbling and hesitation under boost or acceleration, Hard starting when hot, Loss of power above 4000 RPM, Fuel pressure drop during wide-open throttle

Fix: In-tank pumps weaken and fuel filters clog from tank sediment. Turbo cars are fuel-sensitive. Replace fuel filter (0.5 hours), then test pressure; if low, drop tank and replace pump (3-4 hours). Consider sending unit or replacing fuel sock/strainer. Clean tank if rusty.

Estimated cost: $300-750

Symptoms: Intermittent stalling when hot, Random misfires under boost, No-start condition after heat soak, Backfiring through intake

Fix: C³I (Computer Controlled Coil Ignition) modules fail from heat and age; coil packs crack internally. Module replacement is 1 hour, coil pack 1.5 hours. Must use quality parts—cheap aftermarket fails quickly. Diagnose with scan tool and spark tester. Often both module and coil pack need replacement together.

Estimated cost: $250-550