I had my GS out today and got to thinking about something I heard about the 72 455 being a dog, well if that is the case I can't even think of the power of a 70 455!!! My 72 is basicly stock and is scarery fast, :3gears: AL.
72 Gs I can say the 68 Corvette is quick even being a small block with 3:55 gears but don't have the low end torque of the Buick 455 :3gears: AL.
I believe that some of the HP hype in differences of the years deals with the way it was rated. If I recall correctly, in 1972, they started to rate HP at the rear wheels - not at the flywheel. Not to say that the 72 is as powerful as the 70, but there is not as much of a difference as the numbers show. Also, each year after - the power kept decreasing more and more. Mike
72 Buick GS Mike, thanks for the post! :beer I from time to time here some people raggin on the 72 model year :af: . This the first big block 4 speed :3gears: GS I've ever owned and does more then I would have expected as far as a stock GS. Other cool thing on the 72 455 are a improved design for strength, oiling and are ok with lead free fuels. AL.
Mike - In 1970, the ratings were brake HP, at the flywheel, with no accessories. Starting in 1971, the ratings were net HP, at the flywheel. Net HP was derived while the engine was using all the accessories (like water pump, alternator). They did not use a 'rear wheel HP' method. Al - A registry member owned his since new (actually, he sold it twice and bought it back twice), and he told me 13.41 - showroom stock! 1972 is no slouch :3gears:
72 Buick GS I can say after owning 350s for the last 25+ years and now owning a 455 I could not go back :Brow: AL.
I was always under the impression that the 455 didnt really get weak until they put the open chamber heads on in 1975. I have always heard that 71 to 74 were virtually the same as far as everything but maybe cam.
