I received an email from an associate editor from Hemmings.... He's looking for info on the 'special-build' , or 'pilot' GS's built in 1966. Specifically, these '66 GS's received engine 'enhancements' for use as prototypes (the pilot L76 car), or for racing in, ahhhemmm, 'stock' classes... :laugh: I've heard of a few.... Ed finkes car, thought to be a pilot-L76 car (prototype for the Q-jet option??). Recently sold BTW.... The stroked 470 cid GS in Florida....appeared on the GSCA board around Dec 2003. Supposed to be one of thirteen... The blue 4-speed car (from Indiana?? now in Tx) was a 'maybe' .... did you ever find anything definite? I'm also trying to determine exactly what an 'L76' car is.....I'm told it's the Q-jet option, 340 hp 400/401. Apparently, the 1966 assembly manual shows L76 as the code for this option. Can anyone confirm this? In addition, what are the codes for the stock MR engine, and optional MU and MS engines????? A few Q-jet optioned cars I know of: Bobs race car in New England was a Q-jet car originally. My own MU code 401 340 hp car... Anybody else???????? These are in effect the first 'Stage One' Gs's.....they just didn't call them that at the time! A significant part of the GS history.....let's get the story! Thanks!
Walt Seems like Dennis Manner would be a good source as he began working with the Buick engine department in 1959.
Walt, Right out of the 66 assembly manual UPC code L76, Sales code A9 ENGINE-HI PERF V8-400 CU IN 4 BBL CARB-NOTE. TO BE USED WITH AUTO TRANS ONLY & N.A. ON AIR COND JOBS Also in the engine section it lists Ultra High Comp. - 4-Barrel (401 G.S. 400) Eng. Code-Manuf. Code-Part #-Description MS - RR - 1395466 - Automatic with Power Steering MS - RS - 1395467 - Automatic, California MS - RT - 1395457 - Automatic The engine codes stay the same, but the Manufacturer codes show the different set-ups. Hope this helps. Duane
Thanks Duane! :TU: A few more questions.... -Does it specify which engine (code) is included in the A9/L76 package.....the MU code, or the MS code? -What are the manufacture codes for the MR and MU code 401's? .....The manuf code for Ed's car was RM, which was 'x'ed out, and RZ was typed next to it. -Any idea if the Ultra High Comp 401 was an option, or only sold as a complete engine over-the-counter? I'll foreward you the e-mail I got from the Hemmings guy, maybe you could supply him with info. Did you get the cowl plate and build sheets pics I mailed you last week? If not, I must have an old email address of yours..... Jason, yup.... Ed's car is red, and the new owner already has too many '66's! (It's not me...)
Time is running out! We're getting down to the wire here guys! The first draft is written, story is slated for the Feb 2005 issue. If there's any additional info out there, we need to know quick! Anyone with any knowledge of original, 11:1 Compression Ratio, or Q-jet optioned (with 'BUICK WILDCAT GS', instead of 'BUICK WILDCAT 445' on the air cleaner) '66 Skylark GS's speak up now! If you know the engine code on the block, (MR,MS, or MU) that would help ALOT! Story looks pretty cool, it should be a nice feature! Oh... It'll be in Hemmings' 'Muscle Machines'.....
Walt have you posted this on the other Buick boards. How about contacting Russ Martin out in CA. I would bet he could add some more info.
Duane, 1966 Assembly Manual???????????? Never before heard that a 1966 Buick Skylark/GS version was still in existence. Tell me more about what you have.
Harry, I have a complete copy that a fellow board member sent to me to help complete my library. Duane
