Definitely IMHO a nostalgia thing. I've been into Buick's since the mid-80's and the Stage 2 heads & guys that had them always had an aura which I guess carries on wrt orig. iron versions. Shame Buick didn't get farther/earlier on hi-performance engine development although there's a direct lineage I think to the mid-80's TR program. Of course hi-po competition was fierce in '70 and not so much in the mid 80's but certainly Buick sold more cars in '86-7 because of the TR's.
While in the early '60's Buick R&D developed the dual quad Super Wildcat 425 Nailhead, Buick R&D was also working on an even more powerful engine option which made its way to testing in a production car (Wildcat or Riviera, I believe) ... a turbocharged Nailhead. It produced so much torque, that Buick couldn't keep a driveline behind it (transmission or rearend). I also believe that it was this experience with turbocharging which impressed upon Buick Engineers the opportunities of using turbos, especially on smaller engines (like v6s) to get more power during the coming energy crisis of the early (and late) '70's. Also, while Buick certainly experimented in the early '70's with getting more power out of its V8s (the Stage 2 head development may have been related) including an OHC 455 (like Olds (DOHC) and Pontiac), Federal safety & emissions regulations (the latter resulting from the Clean Air Act of 1970) and then the energy crisis following ended all the OEM production fun.
If Buick would’ve introduced the new 400- 430 In 65 like Chevrolet introduced 396 R&D would’ve started two years earlier and Buick may of introduced to stage 2 model for 1970 Along with the stage one option.
Great start to this thread. We have some knowledgeable Buick guys in our group. Like a few of you guys, I have a set of Original stage 2 heads and was thinking of selling them in the future. Feel free to take the thread in any direction. I'm sure we all appreciate any input. Thanks!
Even if they started in 66 i'm thinking the 70 would have both Stage1 and Stage2. Weren't really really close for the Stage 2 in production for 70? Also what is a vertical boss stage2 head?
To answer your question about the vertical boss stage 2 heads they were the first set of stage 2 heads cast I believe early 69 they use them for their own evaluation and also sent sets out to select Buick racers of the time like Kenne bell. There is a picture of a 69GS I believe a KB car with a set of stage two heads under the hood. To answer your other question I don’t believe the stage 2 heads we’re ready for the 70 production year. Buick ended up having casting problems with the stage 2 heads and only 50 to possibly 75 sets we’re good those are the heads that were released in May 1972. After Buick had pulled the plug on the stage 2 program they were going to produce possibly 50 factory GS stage 2 drag Pack cars for 1971.
Frank, Since you don't mind this thread getting off track I'll post. Are these vertical boss heads in this photo? This photo is from a 1969 magazine that my my good friend Gary Bohannon (also a member of V8Buick) bought when it was new but recently gave to me. This magazine was published in 1969 (see proof below) and clearly shows a set of Stage 2 heads install on a '69 GS. Here is the entire article from the 1969 magazine. If anyone wants the full size, higher resolution scans of this 1969 article send me a PM with your email address and I can send it along. I use it as proof when people say "No Stage 2 heads existed in 1969."
Oops. I forgot about my question Stage 2 iron.. I'm confused about the picture of the 69GS and don't know what to look for? The vertical boss Stage 2 heads aren't the ones with the huge intake ports and and the push rod tubing running down the middle or are they? I'm thinking even at starting 1 year earlier even the stage 2 heads would be cast sooner and the kinks sorted out with better casting. We will never know though
Nope, not the tunnel port heads. Here's the early Stage 2 head, post #159. Note the freeze plugs near the ex ports: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/factory-stage-2-heads.88540/page-8 Here's info on the pro stock head, completely different animal. http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/ProStockSetUp.htm Devon
The first set of stage 2 heads cast were with the vertical freeze plug boss on the side of the exhaust without the tunnel port intake. Looking at the tunnel port heads looks like they were cast second. And here’s a picture of what you could call the production head No vertical boss on the side near the exhaust.
Got it now! Thank you both and even Fritz posted a pic from the link you gave Devon. Just somewhat recent JW posted about some Stage 2 heads he has or came across that were basicly ruined by people porting them I know the heart wants more speed but to butcher these rare heads is crazy. Did they think Buick would be casting more??
Could've been an old set owned by Tom Rose. The creator of Great Scat, Salvation Jane, Little Joe, Juan Mo Tyme, etc. He had about 8 sets,I know I saw 5, he got from GM. He tried to improve some and he told me he screwed them up so threw them in a pile. When he sold Juan Mo Tyme to RL I think 2 sets of heads went with it. Most of his cars ,even the street ones,had stage2's on them.
Yeah, I still have a set I got from Tom years ago. Used them on Thumper till I upgraded to the al. stage2s.
