He did. But the later years package is different. The '69 didn't include the heads, Kustom headers, nor 455" pistons. I'm trying to find out the release date to the dealers. So far all the information I can find says 1972. I'm not so sure that is correct. Maybe Jim Bell would remember....
The original owner of the 4 bolt block and tunnel port heads was the late Tony Branson from Burlington N.C. Originally installed in a 69 GS.
Interesting.....the guy I got it from said the Buick engineers delivered it brand new to him personally complete with oil in it and he ran it in a 66. Maybe they were passing it aroundo No:
John, After Tony was done racing Buicks, (at a later date) the complete engine made its way back to a local dealership. The dealership mechanics, not engineers, stuck it in the back of a pickup and gave it to a local Buick Racer. That is the guy you got the engine from................... Duane
Thank you Duane and Dave. Very cool to still be learning about the chain of events all these years later. Very cool information
I know Thumper had the heads and Kustom headers. Which was a 1970. And I don't know how he acquired them...would be an interesting story! But his '69 did not. Heck, the prototype heads were not out until spring of 1970. (I have the letter) Hope Gary chimes in...
CHECK THIS OUT!...1969 Buick Stage 2...for real! I have a copy of "ENGINES" 5th edition by the editors of Hot Rod Magazine. Copyright 1969. On page 168 is an article about Buick engines ("Addin' "Pop" to the Buick") including the stage 1 and stage 2 engines. At the end of the article on page 173 is a picture of two stage 2 heads and says " they are not yet available". However, on page 171 is a picture of an engine in a 69 Buick all stock appearing, power steering etc, that has stage 2 heads. The header flange is directly under the edge of the valve covers, but the 1969 valve cover lable says "400-4 stage 1"! But-but, the heads ARE stage 2. Note: The "Pop" is of course Pop Kennedy of Kenne-Bell fame. BTW if anybody wants this book, in pretty good shape, I'll take $4000 for it.
I don't know what to think of your post. Maybe you're just kidding around and not saying so. If so, that's a great way to mess up the true history of the little factory performance years we get to enjoy. It's strange Dennis never mentioned testing the Stg2 heads in 1969 car. It's strange Dennis first mentions in a Buick inter-departmental letter signed by him and dated April 1st 1970, to begin the testing of the Stg2 heads and package in a 1970 GS. It's strange the first Stg2 prototype heads used for testing have no bosses to mount power steering yet you mention the 1969 car to have that. (yes they are a left and right heads with mounting pads for JUST the alternator, I have the set) The only 1969 car that was used to test the Tunnel Port heads was Tony Bransons' car. And that was later in 1970. And they were not stg2 heads... What color was the car? Is that $4000.00 with shipping?
What are probably the same pictures (they are from a 68 or 69 car magazine) were in an issue of The GSXtra last year. The magazine didn't mention the Stage 2 heads in the caption but they are clearly there in the photo. The car is Pops Kennedy's 68 GS racecar I believe. In another photo of the engine, it has the regular heads on it. Buick was trying out the 455 block & Stage 2 heads well before the 1970 cars came out. I will look for the issue tonight and post pictures. I also think I have the original magazine from the sixties with the article in it, but that will take a lot of digging...
Please do. there are conflicting stories here from Dennis and these pics. I do know they were testing the up and coming 455" in '69 with the Reynolds '68 car. Pete told me that. But no mention of Stg2 heads either from Dennis nor Pete.
ALL TRUE...The $4000 was a joke to get your attention...& it worked!!! But the facts are ALL TRUE as I stated. NOW THAT I'VE GOT YOUR ATTENTION....here is the plan: I will back up what I said with an offer to let this book go to the best respected authority amoung you. Sort this out, pick the right person, and he gets the book....FREE.... I said FREE. I also want him to quote the best of the info, and post the photos, on this sight for all of you to see. I suspected there was something new in my book, that is why i posted it. But I want a notable person to present it all here.
Interesting... Gary / Mike, Is this in book form or an actual Hot Rod magazine? I have the Hot Rod magazine with the experimental V8's on the cover dated Mat 1970. And in it shows the Tunnel Port head along with the Stg2 vertical boss head. And states the Stg2 heads are not released to the public yet. Then there's this. Note the date.
Prototype vertical boss Stg2 head. Note this is a right hand only head. Back side does not have pads to mount power steering if used on the left side. They attempted to add them by nickel welding but never drilled and tapped. Reynolds car never had p/s. Another view to show the mounting pads for the alternator. Other head is the complete opposite.
The GSX-TRA is the May/June 2013 issue, a little older than I thought. The original article was in a 1969 Hot Rod magazine and the car was Pop's 69 GS, not 68. Here are photos of the article:
I will try to find the Hot Rod magazine, I know I have it. It has a lot more pictures but only the one with the Stage 2 heads I think...
