OA Turbo 400 on 1971 Buick Stage 1s

Discussion in 'The "Paper Trail"' started by Slgenge, Oct 24, 2021.

  1. Slgenge

    Slgenge Dream Buick!

    I am wondering if one of the experts chan chime in here, doing some research on a 1971 Buick Stage 1, I know there was a strike at GM and some of 1971 models have unique parts ie Oldsmobile W-30 OA transmission being put into Stage 1s, any idea what percentage this might be? Thanks Shawn
     
  2. JCP

    JCP Well-Known Member

    The OW Turbo 400s seem to be on the early 1971 build date cars. My Sept of 1970 build Stage 1 has an OW trans. I pay a little bit of attention to this and it seem like its about a 50/50 OW to BB split. Some real data collection would have to be done to come up with an accurate number.
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2021
    GS44667 likes this.
  3. Slgenge

    Slgenge Dream Buick!

    Thanks Jim
     
    JCP likes this.
  4. Mike B in SC

    Mike B in SC Well-Known Member

    My early build Stage 1 had the OW transmission.
     
    Slgenge likes this.
  5. Dan Healey

    Dan Healey Well-Known Member

    Which had nothing to do with the strike, but rather the FIRE at the transmission plant...
     
  6. Hawken

    Hawken Hawken

    Was the Old's OW TH400 essentially the same as Buick's BB TH400? Did it have the same 3rd gear-to-1st gear downshift valve body? Same modified governor for higher RPM shifts?
     
  7. Mike B in SC

    Mike B in SC Well-Known Member

    Mine did all things a BB would do.
     
  8. N360LL

    N360LL milehi71Stage1

    The BB/OW code transmissions are identical in every respect except the external ID code and the serial number associated with the car. Same parts down to the smallest detail. I've spent too much time in the parts catalog and the service manual for both the Buick and Olds. My 08/25/70 built car has a BB.
     
  9. Dan Healey

    Dan Healey Well-Known Member

    That only means your BB was manufactured prior to the fire. Keep searching for dates codes on the BB, or post a picture of the ID plate.
     

Share This Page