Question about a 1971 Skylark GS 455 Convertible

[Ray364]

Hi there,

I'm looking to verify two things about the above model. If you know the answers, great. If not, perhaps you can point me to a resource that mgiht help.

1. Regarding the 1971 Skylark GS 455 Convertible, I read that only 165 of them were built. Is this true?
2. Some say that the GS 455 outperformed the Hemis in terms of speed, power and torque. Is this accurate?

Thanks for your help.
Ray

[cjp69]

Hi there,

I'm looking to verify two things about the above model. If you know the answers, great. If not, perhaps you can point me to a resource that mgiht help.

1. Regarding the 1971 Skylark GS 455 Convertible, I read that only 165 of them were built. Is this true?
2. Some say that the GS 455 outperformed the Hemis in terms of speed, power and torque. Is this accurate?

Thanks for your help.
Ray

1) Yes, 18 four speeds and 147 autos. http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclec...gs-specs.shtml
Remember though that the GS350 and GS455 share a common VIN, so you can not tell them apart by their VIN like you can for other years. Many times people have confused GS350 cars that have had the motor replaced with a 455 with factory 455 cars. And Buick dropped the "Skylark" from the name, it is a 1971 GS455 Convertible.

2) Some also say the Hemi outperforms the Buick, it is really a matter of opinion.

[carmantx]

Regards to 2. I believe the Buick 455 stage one engine had a higher factory torque than any production engine at the time, including Hemi.

[bob k. mando]

you're forgetting the Cadillac 500ci / 472ci. those engines exceed the BBB torque rating for every year both of them were in production. the Buick *may* come in lower in RPM but it simply gives up too much displacement to compete for the title of Max Torque.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_V8_engine#500