1971 Buick 455 GS F/SA G/SA Build

HP HUNTER · 08-28-2016, 10:49 PM

A few years back I bought a 1971 Buick GS 455 stocker 315/330 HP. After taking delivery of the car I rebuilt the rear suspension, changed the fuel system, rejetted the carb, put on fresh tires and headed for the track. I was surprised when the car ran 11.35 on a 11.85 index (F/SA) on a 2130 foot track with a 27.80 baro in July 4500 DA, although the car was 135 pounds light for F/SA. I put the car away for a few years but couldn't help but think the car had potential if the engine was legal. This last week I got the car out of the garage and pulled the engine and put it on the dyno, then a tear down to determine what I was working with. I will post pictures of my engine build as I go, I will be looking for 30 extra HP out of the engine, if I can get that I will then look very hard at the drive line. I can't help but think if I can get a few hundred more RPM peak out of the engine I can then gear up to a 4.30 gear with more converter. Any advice or information on this build will be appreciated. Dyno test as the engine was pulled from the car.

Glenn Briglio · 08-29-2016, 07:38 AM

Got any more dyno pulls with a broader range of rpm? Ie lower and higher.

HP HUNTER · 08-29-2016, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn Briglio

Got any more dyno pulls with a broader range of rpm? Ie lower and higher.

I do have some tests I started @ 3800 but If I remember right I ran the car from 4200 to 5800 on the track. I really didn't want to run it past 5800 until I went through the engine, after its freshened you can be sure it will be run much higher than 5800, in fact I need more RPM to make the driveline changes I want to make. I do have the top end off the engine now and everything appears to be legal. When I look at whole combination of car and driveline and engine I can't imagine not being able to make it faster. I will mention while testing I leaned the carb down, I had a 67 jet with a .062 rod and it picked up from the race setup and I had no jets or rods to go leaner, I test @ 6400 feet elevation. I will look and see if I printed any of the tests starting @ 3800 RPM, if I have them I will post them.

stage1scott · 08-29-2016, 09:32 AM

Subscribed-always nice to see a Buick build. Jason Line still has his world championship GS and at the 4 wides last year (I believe) in C/sa as a 70 he posted some sub 10.50s. Line Performance would be my choice for help with a Buick stocker for sure.

Glenn Briglio · 08-29-2016, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP HUNTER

I do have some tests I started @ 3800 but If I remember right I ran the car from 4200 to 5800 on the track. I really didn't want to run it past 5800 until I went through the engine, after its freshened you can be sure it will be run much higher than 5800, in fact I need more RPM to make the driveline changes I want to make. I do have the top end off the engine now and everything appears to be legal. When I look at whole combination of car and driveline and engine I can't imagine not being able to make it faster. I will mention while testing I leaned the carb down, I had a 67 jet with a .062 rod and it picked up from the race setup and I had no jets or rods to go leaner, I test @ 6400 feet elevation. I will look and see if I printed any of the tests starting @ 3800 RPM, if I have them I will post them.

Gear the car where the engine wants not where you want it to run.

Carguy49 · 08-29-2016, 01:20 PM

What rear end gear is in the car now? You might be surprised how little gear a Buick needs. I know of a 455 Pontiac stocker (same theory as a 455 Buick) that only runs a 4.10 gear and will run in the mid 10's.

Mark Yacavone · 08-29-2016, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carguy49

What rear end gear is in the car now? You might be surprised how little gear a Buick needs. I know of a 455 Pontiac stocker (same theory as a 455 Buick) that only runs a 4.10 gear and will run in the mid 10's.

Ron, The 455 Buick has a much shorter stroke and a bigger piston.
Just sayin'

astikhossw · 08-20-2017, 10:23 AM

The index at Denver for F is 12:60 would have been #1 qualifier at the last national with that run.

PJ305 · 08-20-2017, 10:56 AM

The F/SA index for Pueblo should be around 12.46 a run of 1.06 under at altitude is very impressive!

chris ok · 08-20-2017, 11:27 AM

Great news
I know finding time is key
Same here working on my velle and GS too.
Better get outside now.

08-29-2016, 07:38 AM	#2
Glenn Briglio VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Massapequa Park,NY Posts: 1,282 Likes: 1,890 Liked 969 Times in 307 Posts	Re: 1971 Buick 455 GS F/SA G/SA Build Got any more dyno pulls with a broader range of rpm? Ie lower and higher.

08-29-2016, 09:32 AM	#4
stage1scott Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cornville Posts: 406 Likes: 1,870 Liked 109 Times in 44 Posts	Re: 1971 Buick 455 GS F/SA G/SA Build Subscribed-always nice to see a Buick build. Jason Line still has his world championship GS and at the 4 wides last year (I believe) in C/sa as a 70 he posted some sub 10.50s. Line Performance would be my choice for help with a Buick stocker for sure. __________________ Scott McIntyre-Cornville-retirement at last! 2015 Chevy SS. LS3/ 6 spd Stick-Wolf in sheeps clothing!

08-29-2016, 01:20 PM	#6
Carguy49 VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Fife, Washington Posts: 1,970 Likes: 2,444 Liked 2,919 Times in 701 Posts	Re: 1971 Buick 455 GS F/SA G/SA Build What rear end gear is in the car now? You might be surprised how little gear a Buick needs. I know of a 455 Pontiac stocker (same theory as a 455 Buick) that only runs a 4.10 gear and will run in the mid 10's. __________________ Ron McDowell - Did Race Every day is a Gift - Enjoy with family and friends.

08-20-2017, 10:23 AM	#8
astikhossw Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: moreno valley Ca Posts: 266 Likes: 2 Liked 20 Times in 9 Posts	Re: 1971 Buick 455 GS F/SA G/SA Build The index at Denver for F is 12:60 would have been #1 qualifier at the last national with that run. __________________ 7015 E/SA Sooner Storm

08-20-2017, 10:56 AM	#9
PJ305 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 137 Likes: 0 Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts	Re: 1971 Buick 455 GS F/SA G/SA Build The F/SA index for Pueblo should be around 12.46 a run of 1.06 under at altitude is very impressive!

08-28-2016, 10:49 PM	#1
HP HUNTER Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Colorado Springs Colorado/Thousand Oaks Ca Posts: 656 Likes: 82 Liked 371 Times in 129 Posts	1971 Buick 455 GS F/SA G/SA Build A few years back I bought a 1971 Buick GS 455 stocker 315/330 HP. After taking delivery of the car I rebuilt the rear suspension, changed the fuel system, rejetted the carb, put on fresh tires and headed for the track. I was surprised when the car ran 11.35 on a 11.85 index (F/SA) on a 2130 foot track with a 27.80 baro in July 4500 DA, although the car was 135 pounds light for F/SA. I put the car away for a few years but couldn't help but think the car had potential if the engine was legal. This last week I got the car out of the garage and pulled the engine and put it on the dyno, then a tear down to determine what I was working with. I will post pictures of my engine build as I go, I will be looking for 30 extra HP out of the engine, if I can get that I will then look very hard at the drive line. I can't help but think if I can get a few hundred more RPM peak out of the engine I can then gear up to a 4.30 gear with more converter. Any advice or information on this build will be appreciated. Dyno test as the engine was pulled from the car. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by HP HUNTER; 08-28-2016 at 11:06 PM.

08-20-2017, 11:27 AM	#10
chris ok Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Long Island, New york Posts: 592 Likes: 131 Liked 46 Times in 29 Posts	Re: 1971 Buick 455 GS F/SA G/SA Build Great news I know finding time is key Same here working on my velle and GS too. Better get outside now.