Hey Fellas, Did the 74 LeSabre Luxus come equipped with an optional 455 Stage I engine? I'm doing a little research here. I appreciate your help.
Yes it did. I have looked at a 74 Lesabre with the STage 1 but it is nothing but fluff. The 74 heads are way open with LOW compression. The one I found was a convert.
I don't believe there was actually any engine modifications, maybe dual exhaust. From what I have read, it was a handling package.
Yeah, I don't expect it to be the ground pounder of the earlier Stage I, but for a cruiser, it probably ain't all bad to a have a legit Stage I. Was 74 the last year of the Stage I?
The handling package was the "LeSabre Luxus ride and performance package". This package did include a 4 barrel 455 engine, a rear sway bar, whitewall radial tires, trunk trim, Custom steeing wheel, Custom mouldings, a litter container and an accent stripe. It did not the Stage1 package. The Stage1 engines were available on the LeSabre and Electra that year. It was a performance upgrade over the regular 2 and 4 barrel 455 and it did include HEI ignition and a chrome plated air cleaner for 1974. I think it also included a different cam and larger valves too... Some 1974 LeSabres with the 455 had a 455 badge, others didn't. I even saw one with a Stage1 badge but I don't know if it was original or not. I saw a Stage1 with a 455 badge too... If I remember correctly, the 455 badge was also installed on some LeSabre 2 barrel 455.
I drove a low mileage (approx 14000) stage 1 '74 lesabre a couple of years ago and was surprised at how slow it felt...seat of the pants about 10 sec 0-60.
1974 was the last year of the Stage 1 option. Not sure of the first year but it was offered on the 400 and the 430 as well as the 455. Anyone know what other big cars had this option?
Interesting thread. Anyone know what the '71 Riv GS engine really was? I've heard the same build as the Stage 1 but cannot verify. GM Buick Dealer Service Info. Bulletin stated about 500 '71 Centurions built after July 12/71 at the Fairfax plant were shipped with the TA engine from the '71 Riv. GS.
Yes, according to my books, the Riviera GS came with the 345 HP Stage 1 engine in 1971 at no extra charge.
