1970 Buick GS455. A True (446370H) 455GS. Purchased from a barber in Fairfax, VA in 1998 who did a pretty decent re-store on the beast. That's Aqua mist metallic paint with black interior (original for the car). This GS came with an Edelbrock performer intake, which was the only modification done by the previous owner.
Factory options include:
Three speed auto on the column
P/S, P/B, P/W, P/bench seat
Factory GS package
Factory tinted glass
Rally steering wheel
In dash tachometer
Rear defrost
A/C (since removed)
Options I added:
Front discs
Power trunk release
Rally oil/temp/fuel gage
Bullet mirrors
Power door locks (soon)
Engine:
After spinning a rod bearing several years ago I did a complete performance rebuild of the transmission and engine. Upon tearing down the engine I discovered damage from a previous thrown rod incident. I set the 70 block aside and picked up a 75 455 complete engine from a Lesabre which has better oiling passages and a better casting. From there I had the crank, rods, new forged flat top pistons and aluminum flex plate balanced. Bolted the rotating parts up with ARP hardware, had the 70 heads ported/polished, larger stainless intake/exhaust valves were installed along with roller rockers, 3/8 push rods, dual valve springs, Hi-rev lifters, and a Poston's cam(I don't have the specs, but I think it has a 108 centerline.) An HEI distributor throws spark through 8.5mm Accel wires and then to AC-delco rapid fire plugs. An 850cfm Holley double pump carb supplies the fuel. The exhaust starts with Torque Tech headers with 1-7/8in primaries down to 3.5 collectors blow to a full 3" mandrel bent (w/ X pipe) exhaust system w/ Flow master 40 series delta flow mufflers. A Griffin aluminum 2-core radiator and a heavy duty 80's style Volvo electric fan help keep the beast cool.
Transmission:
The TH-400 received a performance rebuild, a 3000 Hughes stall converter and a heavy duty transmission cooler.
Rear axle:
Rear-end was the stock BOP 10-bolt w/2.93's but was destroyed at the track. I believe the axle was low on gear fluid; Eventually the stock posi disintegrated and a chunk of the side gear went through the center section. I ended up finding a wimpy(and dirt cheap) Chevy 10-bolt w/3.36's and modified the posi for better performance. The Chevy axle is only a temporary fix until I can locate either a 8.5, 12-bolt or a 9".
Suspension:
Suspension consists of all polyurethane bushings, new ball joints, tie rods, and center link. Heavy duty front and rear sway bars and performance rear control arms. 245-50-15 Dunlop GT Qualifiers wrap around the stock 15” rally’s.
What's going on now/future plans:
Currently working on some interior items. I just finished restoring the dash bezel with an oil/temp/fuel rally gage, rebuilt original tack, new wood grain, and did some wiring repairs.
The fastest time in the 1/4 was 12.8 sec. This was done with the Chevy rear and radial tires. I'll try to find the time slip when I get a chance.
Future plans: I need to do some R and R on the transmission to re-seal everything. I have a real bad leak and I believe it's the front seal. I want to pull the engine as well, tear it down for inspection and re-seal. Finally, find an axle as mentioned above. Maybe on some random weekend!!!
A litte noise from the 455!
More info to come......
