Hey, Im currently a new member on this webstite. Everyone can call me Lardo. I currently own a 1968 Buick Gran Sport-California. It has a newly rebuilt 350 engine. The engine is bored .30 over, comp cam, Postons intake, and a 670cfm Holley Street Avenger Carb. Im wondering if there is anyone out there that knows a ton of info on my specific car.
Welcome aboard! Welcome to the group! What kind of info are you looking for? I've got a '69 GS California that I've been toying with for about 13 years and have managed to learn a few things about the Californias and running the 350 engine. Where ya from?
Welcome to V8Buick! There's lots of us 68/69 guys here, check 'em out in the Members Rides forum HERE
Hey Lardo! (I feel kind of funny calling you that) p Welcome aboard man. Listen, I have a 69 GS 400, not a 68 Cali, but ANYTHING I can help decipher for you, just holler! I know quite a bit about the 69's and 68's. David and Ken (The other Ken) would be better suited to discuss the 68 stuff since they actually own them.
Well i am living in Minneapolis,MN. The main thing i would like to know is how to get some good power out of my 350. I already have a couple things done to my engine. Im not sure how far you can take a buick 350. Parts seem to be hard to find.
350 performance... Lardo, You've got one of the best Buick performance gurus right in your back yard! Stop by Tri Shield Performance and talk to Jim Weise and Mike Bucy, they've got the know-how to get your Buick running wild! Right now I'm running a stock quadrajet, stock intake manifold (no milling), stock points ignition, mildy ported stock '69 heads, a TA 290-94H cam, a '69 0.30 over block, TRW forged pistons, and TA headers. I put a Turbo Action shift kit in the TH350, added a 2 1/2" exhuast with X-pipe and Turbo mufflers, and a 3.23 8.5" posi from a '72 Skylark. I've got to do a little suspension work yet, like box the rear control arms, add a rear sway bar, and put some good shocks in the back. It should run quicker if I can get rid of the wheel spin off the line. Of course I'm running normal street tires, Cooper Cobra radials P215-70-14. Have you been to Brainerd for any of the Musclecar Shootouts?
Lardo, Absolutely none. Right now, I have zero performance because there is no engine in it. :grin: My original 400 ran fine while I used it, I still have it, but I just bought a 455 which is going into it this winter. Otherwise, nothing has been done to it. It's a really low optioned Canadian built GS 400. Peg leg rear, 3:08 gears, No AC, No power anything except steering, but, ALL the numbers match.
Since this is a 68/69 thread...I would like to ask you guys who makes good sheetmetal. I need to replace rockers and lower 1/4's on my '69 GS 350 soon. Thanks Dan 1969 GS 350/TH-350 John Osborne Q-Jet T/A 212 cam Verde Green (soon to be Aqua Mist), Black Vinyl top/Pearl int.
Hey Ken its Lardo here. Where is Tri Shield Performance located at? And every year i go up to the NHRA nationals bracket racing which is a great time. Also do you know if i can bolt up a TH350 tranny with the same drive shaft i have right now. Currently im running the two speed transmission which kills me on the hole shot. I would also love to get a posi rear end put in it...im not sure what kind of gears id like though any suggestions?...thanks Lardo "the pig" Lewis 68 Buick GS-California-350 84 Pontiac Bonneville "winter beater"
Lardo.. Give us a ring.. The shop is located in Anoka, feel free to stop by and have a look for yourself.. Phone number in the signature is the shop. Welcome to the board. JW
Dan, here's some NOS 69 1/4's on the board: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18293 Not cheap though...
Hey Jim I found your website last night. And i got the adress and everything. Im thinking about stopping by today(friday) with the GS...thanks Lardo "the pig" Lewis 68 buick GS-California-350 "Wouldnt you rather have a buick?"
