Last night my 1972 skylark had its first opportunity to open up against a competitive car, probably not anything new to the rest of the board, but its a big smile for me, so I thought I would share. I followed a couple low rider impalas that kept racing each other and kept up at about half throttle, a good warm up. My first run was against a 1966 GTO. A pretty cool car with mag wheels chrome sidepipes and an unknown V8, There was no competition, I just kept infront of him, and barely had to give it enough gas to open the secondaries. I also ran against an early 70's nova and a '78 455 trans am both of which ive seen running slicks several years ago, I knew these were quick, but not much else about them. At the light they both inched forward about about a door, on green I think we all had the same look of surprise as my faded fairly ratty looking skylark pulled ahead of the pack until I couldnt see either of the other 2 out my side window within the first 25 feet. I knew I was buying one of my dream cars when I bought this a few weeks ago, but I did NOT expect it to run like this! I was expecting so much more sweat blood and money before it was capable of keeping up with anything. Im lovin' it.
I wonder if shifting early will make it faster, 300 hp up top is quite a bit less than 450 torque down low, If you wind it up you are taking advantage of a lower gear, but if you shift a little early, you can take advantage of the lower rpm torque. Anybody know which will get better acceleration?
... need to know more about your setup to determine - like engine buildup, single or dual plane intake, trans, rear gear and tire size ... and shift point/rpm.
Thanks for help understanding this. 1972 skylark, stock rear end, I believe is either 3.08 or 3.38 stock resealed Engine/trans from a 1971 riviera, 455, q-jet, turbo 400 trans I believe it originally made 315 hp 450ft lbs at sea level new. Havent dynod it.
You'd be surprised how good a tuned up stock 455 buick can run. :Brow: I'd leave it in drive and beat up on them. Nothing worse than losing to a guy who has one hand on the wheel and the other on top of the passengers seat!!!!! :rant:
Sounds great, but either there is no kickdown to keep it in gear, or the mystery shift kit that came with the car doesnt hold gear, because at wot its in 3rd before 30, Otherwise I would do just that... and love every second of it.
