All-new Regal arrives with a 195-hp L36 3800 in LS form and a 240-hp supercharged L67 in the GS. Buick deliberately positions the GS as the performance focus car.
Platforms / GM W-Body / W2 / Buick Regal
1997–2004 · W2
Buick Regal
The fourth-generation Regal is one of the great W-body sleepers. The LS offers smooth L36 3800 power; the GS adds the same 240-hp L67 supercharged formula that made the Grand Prix GTP famous, but in a quieter and more understated package.
Model years1997–2004
Body4-door sedan
Enthusiast trimsLS · GS
Top engineL67 3.8 S/C
CharacterSleeper sedan
MODEL-YEAR CHRONOLOGY
How the enthusiast story developed
The LS/GS split remains simple and effective: naturally aspirated refinement versus supercharged torque. The GS develops a loyal enthusiast following despite restrained styling.
Mature W2 years. These cars become especially attractive to enthusiasts because the drivetrain ecosystem is well-understood and shared with other 3800 W-bodies.
Final model year for this Regal generation, closing one of Buick’s most important front-drive sleeper chapters.
POWERTRAIN GUIDE
Engines that define this model
| Trim | Engine | Factory output | Character | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 3.8L L36 3800 Series II | 195–200 hp range | Smooth, torquey naturally aspirated sedan | 4T65-E family |
| GS | 3.8L L67 supercharged 3800 Series II | 240 hp / 280 lb-ft | Factory sleeper / torque-heavy performance sedan | 4T65-E HD family |
OWNERSHIP & BUILD FOCUS
What matters now
Why the GS matters
Period testing put the 240-hp Regal GS in the mid-six-second 0–60 range—serious pace for a Buick sedan whose appearance barely advertised what was under the hood.
Shared performance DNA
L67 tuning knowledge, service parts and many upgrade concepts cross over from GTP and other supercharged 3800 applications, but chassis and packaging details still need model-specific verification.
Preserve the sleeper
A clean GS works because it is subtle. Stock-style exterior presentation with carefully upgraded brakes, cooling, tires and drivetrain can preserve the personality that makes the car special.
REFERENCE STANDARD
Master Customs prioritizes factory-era documentation and period road tests, then uses established enthusiast references for service and ownership context. Equipment changed by model year and RPO; verify a specific car by VIN/RPO and factory service information before ordering parts.