All other things being equal if you think that a stock pre 70 Buick engine can run with a stock 70 455 you are just mistaken. It is just a fact that all other things being equal they will not whether you are talking top end or bottom end. A tuned 430 will be the closest to the 455.
I think it goes way past "SS" classification also. I had a 66 Chevy II SuperSport, 283, Powerglide, and YES, it was an original SS, And It DID have the correct engine in it. It DEFINATELY WAS NOT a musclecar. Now, had it had the 350 Horsepower 327, then that would have been a different story. Every classic definition I have read in magazines, and books over the years has led back the Horsepower/Weight ratio. With that said....How about a 409 Belair from 1962? John
While I agree with you on the facts Jim, I must disagree on the pre '70 thing. The '65 GS was pretty fast. It was small, had a big motor, and could hunt some other muscle cars. Can't really compare a 455 to much smaller like the 401 for instance, that's like comparing a 350 to a 231. And yes, I consider the Riv GS a muscle car.
When I say "all things being equal" I mean the same body, gear ratio, track conditions, temperature, altitude, etc. It is just a fact of performance evolution over time that the 70 455 was the top dog in the chain because of the reduction of CR beginning in 71.
I love that car!! I first layed eyes on it in Flint 2 years ago. That's the exact car I always wanted (except it doesn't have a/c) that I built mine into. If I'd have known the guy in Ohio had that for sale I would have had to win a bidding war. :laugh:
yeah that is true but the fact is that the weight and other stuff is not the same, but the motors themselves are obvious in performance
