1969 Chevelle SS vs 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 - PURE STOCK DRAG RACE (best of 3)

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 375hp L78 vs 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 (Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race)
How about these two cars!?!? RIGHT!?!? Arguably, my favorite Chevelle and my favorite Buick GS. Of course the first car is a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 L78. And that L78 is an absolute monster! Rated 375 horsepower, but come on, there's definitely a lot more hiding under that hood. Seeing the build sheet is really cool. To me it's pretty obvious that the original buyer wanted a car to go fast, and that was about it! Around that time the L78 was a pretty good deal.
Then we have its competitor... that being a 1970 Buick GS455 Stage 1. Yes, a Stage 1. One of the most nasty torquey cars out there. Only the absolutely massive 500+ci Cadillac engines of the day could match that torque. As you'll see in the video, Motor Trend tested this car in 1970 and it was quicker in the 1/4 mile than a 1970 Hemi 'Cuda! Pretty crazy. Which car do you like more?
Both cars participate in the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race series. Here are the rules:
For 1955 to 1979 musclecars built in United States and Canadian assembly plants with a minimum warranty of 12 months and 12,000 miles.
Any car running faster than 11.50 will be disqualified and will not have a qualifying time recorded.
Any convertible running faster then 13.50 will be disqualified and will not have a qualifying time recorded.
Casting numbers must be correct for the year and horsepower claimed including intake manifold, heads, and exhaust manifolds. Blocks do not have to be "numbers matching," but they must be the correct displacement. Overbores up to .070" are allowed. Stock cranks only.
All Engines - 1.5 extra points allowed over advertised.
The camshaft must be correct for the year, model, and horsepower claimed for the type of lifter (hydraulic or solid). Roller cams NOT allowed.
The valve train must be factory stock for the year, make, and horsepower claimed.
The ignition system must be stock, including the distributor, cap, coil, and wires. Points may be replaced with any electronic conversion that fits under the stock distributor cap.
The carburetor must be correct for the year, make, and horsepower claimed. Jetting and metering changes are permitted. THE CHOKE ASSEMBLY MUST BE IN PLACE AND FUNCTIONAL!
Cast-iron exhaust manifolds are mandatory and must be correct for the year, model, and horsepower claimed. Internal modifications to the exhaust manifolds are NOT allowed. Under no circumstances will headers be allowed, including those cars that came with headers delivered in the trunk. Pipes must be routed as they were originally for the year, make, model, and engine combination. Mufflers must be stock looking in design, that is, oval in shape. No glasspacks or straight pipes allowed unless installed as original equipment. Maximum muffler inlet and outlet size is 2.5 inches. X & H pipes allowed.
The radiator must be correct for the year, make, model, and horsepower claimed. No lightweight, aluminum radiators allowed.
Maximum stall limited to 2200 rpm.
The transmission must be correct for year, make, model and engine of the car. 3-speed manuals may be upgraded to the correct 4-speed if originally available.
The rear axle must be of the same manufacturer as the car. Any gear ratio is allowed.
Reproduction tires or radial tires only.You are allowed to run tires one size over stock.
Factory wheels only.
#chevroletchevelle #buickgs #dragracing

[@CarsAndZebras]

These cars are just too cool… Make sure to share the video so everybody can check them out. Which do you like more? Remember, they participate in the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race series, so look them up on facebook!

[@angelobraydon9308]

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[@creedriley1578]

@Angelo Braydon instablaster :)

[@angelobraydon9308]

@Creed Riley I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@angelobraydon9308]

@Creed Riley it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account :D

[@creedriley1578]

@Angelo Braydon you are welcome =)

[@gary9426]

What can you say?!..... two legendary musclecars.....love the GS stage 1.....they were a bit under the radar back in the day....but can't go wrong with either car!

[@justsumguy2u]

Imagine the scene in 1970. Street racers were on the prowl. Guys in their cammed small-block Novas, GTO's, and L-34 396 Chevelles. Then some guy shows up in what looks like his grandma's Skylark with some badges on it. One by one they line up against him...and grandma's "Skylark" leaves them all in the dust. The Stage 1 was the real deal.

[@tomco613]

And it's still the real deal. I have taken out all but the top shelf of the modern muscle cars. As the saying goes, 'You're going to need a bigger Hemi'

[@AlejandroP1980s]

t corr even a1970 Shelby gt500 or a 1971 boss 351

[@rjmzz430]

Wouldn't say left in the dust, the Buick was a formidable opponent dressed in GS stage 1 trim but LS6 Chevelles and Hemi Mopars ruled the Streets!...give props to similar equipped GTO, and 442's also.

[@justsumguy2u]

@@rjmzz430 Without question, Hemi Mopars (and 440's) along with LS6 Chevelles were king of the streets.

[@rjmzz430]

@@justsumguy2u he'll yea 440 mopars too.Dirty Mary Crazy Larry movie,star of the movie wasn't Peter Fonda it was a 69/70 440 Charger, uncatchable! took a freightrain to stop it.lol

[@joltinjack]

You couldn't go wrong with either car. I remember all of these horses when I was a teen.

[@CarsAndZebras]

I would definitely take either!

[@vincesanchez4661]

Had that exact Buick in the early 90's. Sold it for $4500. 25 yrs later and still shaking me head. Lol.

[@vincesanchez4661]

@Joseph Beckmann I bought the car off my Uncle after he painted it new vinyl top good interior. But he could never get it to perform well. When I got it I found the problem the accelerator cable was stretched out and the carburetor would not open all the way. Replaced that and it was creaming my 69 mach 1 with a 390.

[@CarsAndZebras]

$4500.... oh, man! 😫

[@vincesanchez4661]

@@CarsAndZebras Tell me about it. I bought it for $2500. I really thought I made some cash off it selling for $4500 and only putting an accelerator cable and rebuilding the carburetor . If there's any good thing about it all is I bought a 77 Bronco and still have it and it's worth a chunk of change now.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@CarsAndZebras My buddy paid 3500 for a 67 gto with a ram air 4 spec engine back in 89. We all laughed at him because he paid too much, the waves in the rear quarters made ya seasick. I bet he's crying too I know he sold it in the early 90s.

[@kkoch666]

Dirty Sanchez that is

[@freedomfirst5420]

My friend and I took a 455 out of a '72 Buick Electra, and put it in his 3200lb. '64 Buick Skylark, with a mandrel bent dual exhaust and a big 4 core radiator. It was a true sleeper and surprised alot of people.

[@CarsAndZebras]

That would be pretty cool!

[@garymckee8857]

Those were torque monster engines for sure.

[@88SC]

I always thought one of those engines dropped in an early 1970s Buick Apollo would be an effective sleeper. The battle for sufficient traction might be epic...

[@freedomfirst5420]

@@88SC , yeah, we had to feather the throttle, or you would just make a cloud of smoke.😆

[@peteshea8010]

@@garymckee8857 Engine torque alone is meaningless in determining accelerative performance. It's engine HORSEPOWER and gearing that determines the torque the matters, which is axle torque at any given vehicle speed. Dividing that by loaded torque radius yield tractive force, which is what accelerates the vehicle.

[@frank.l181]

Buick 455 was the lightest big block engines of the time! Big bore short stroke too. Amazing torque monster!

[@jimh2061]

That L78 engine was feared by most people who knew cars. The 396 and 427 had the ability to rev higher and quicker than the big block 454. That's why those motors were targeted for racing.

[@CarsAndZebras]

All great engines!

[@jeremythompson9122]

I always liked the 396/427 better than the 454. Actually I've heard the 69 Yenko Chevelle's with the L72 427/425 were a bit quicker in the 1/4 mile than a 70 LS6 but it all depends on factors like transmission type, rear axle ratio, driver error, and even weather conditions. So it's probably pretty hard to say which one is quicker in the 1320. Extremely close I bet

[@Tusuperbis]

The 396 and 427 were on par with the LS6. Id still take the LS6 because it still redlines around 6k and has gobs of torque! An L78 396 and a L72 427 could probably put it on a LS5 454 though?

[@peteshea8010]

Most 396 and 427 engines were equipped with hydraulic lifters, small ports and two bolt mains. They were NOT high revers. The solid lifter examples were relative to the time period, though the factory exhaust manifolds and exhaust system choked the down.

[@ryangulley2051]

@@jeremythompson9122 the 427 head aluminum heads.thats why.exact same parts 454 wins every time

[@ct87gn25]

Man I love those 455 Stage 1's. EXTREMELY underrated HP ratings. Just like the Turbo Buick's of the 86-87 period. And both cars took it to the brand x'ers..............

[@jeremythompson9122]

Me too. I'm a Mopar guy but the 70 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 is definitely one of my favorite GM muscle cars ever built. I'd take a 70 Stage 1 over any Chevelle SS, GTO, or 442. And not a car on the road in the 80's could touch the Turbo Buick's...especially the 87 GNX

[@CarsAndZebras]

Most of the investigations say the Stage 1 made at least 400 horsepower, maybe even more

[@ZacLowing]

13.6 in the quarter only takes about 330hp if they weigh 3600 pounds. The trap speed tells the tail, the video is the proof.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

You could order what was known as Stage 2 heads from the factory, and have the dealer install them, or install them yourself. The Stage 2 heads gave the Buick 455 even more power. I saw a video here on youtube where a couple viewers were collaborating back & forth in the comments, and the father of one of them actually worked on the Stage 2 program for Buick. Anyway, they were both talking about a drag strip where ONLY the auto manufacturers could attend with NO public spectators. The auto makers were invited to bring anything produced at the factory, and run against each other. Both of these guys stated that at that time, there was what was known as the Oldsmobile "Test Mule" that was out running everything, including the Chrysler Hemi's. But then the Buick reps showed up with the GS 455 with STAGE 2 HEADS. Each entry was allowed their first race, and then a cool down & tweaking/tuning to run a 2nd round. The Buick raced the Oldsmobile and gapped it SO severely in the standing quarter mile......that NO ONE would even attempt to challenge it after that.......not even the Mopar guys. Wish I could remember the ET and speed it achieved. Of course you can build your own Stage 2 heads from the Stage 1 as well. Yet hardly anyone mentions or even knows about the Stage 2 configuration.

[@peteshea8010]

@@CarsAndZebras That's BS. "Muscle Car Review" dyno tested a freshly built example back in the 2006 timeframe. That example included some blueprinting in addition to a .030" overbore, which not only increases displacement but also un-shrouds the valves for better flow and more power. Modern internals (including low tension rings) certainly added more. With optimal ignition timing and carb adjustments, peak output was 381.7 HP. Thing is, that's on open mandrel bent pipes without mufflers or air cleaner assembly in place. The factory air cleaner and exhaust system will knock and easy 50 peak HP from the peak figure I cited above.

[@richardjones990]

This is fantastic to watch. It brings back a lot of memories. I owned a 68' SS396 that I bought new when I was a kid. I traded in a 61 Chevy Impala Bubbie Top for it. Mine was a stick car, 325 HP with a bench seat. I ordered it to just go fast as it didn't have many opinions. I remember the 350HP was a few dollars more and should have oped for that engine but couldn't afford it. I was in the Air Force at the time. Those were the days.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Very cool story! Back when you could buy a brand new car for not too much money... nowadays, they can get pretty expensive.

[@69shovlhed89]

as much as I love chevelles, I'd have stuck with the bubble top. thinkin about selling my '71 so I can get an x frame impala to drop a 409 stroker motor in.

[@richardjones990]

@@69shovlhed89 Hind sight is 2020.

[@garymckee8857]

I bought one for 450 dollars in 1982 one owner M 21 factory Holley spread bore double pumper 373 posi 69 SS no gauge package but it had the light package. That's what I learned to drive a manual transmission on. Thanks for the video

[@CarsAndZebras]

Lucky... crazy how cheap these cars were during the late 70s/early 80s.

[@dannymyers5345]

I paid 300 for mine, but it was only a Mali 325 horse 396,

[@garymckee8857]

@@CarsAndZebras Yes and I bought a 69 Road Runner for 300 dollars it had a small amount of rust in the rear quarter's from the back window leaking as they did on all of that body style,the window sticker was still in the glove box the car cost 3300.38 new.

[@peteshea8010]

@@dannymyers5345 325 gross. That engine made something on the order of 230 Net (in it's full installed state). Its' for reasons like that the Federal Gov. mandated SAE Net ratings for the 1972 model year. Fortunately, GM published both gross and net for the 1971 model year. I like to refer to that as "the year wherein the naked truth was revealed." :-)

[@electrichellion5946]

That GS made up some serious ground in round 2.

[@gordonloessl2822]

The GS had some serious torque. When ever you stepped on the gas petal, it MOVED.

[@donaldaltman4764]

@@gordonloessl2822 Had a 71 Olds w34 I am not positive on the H.P it had a 442 with automatic, scoops on the hood looked like the ones on the 442 Hurst model but was a rag top any one know the H.P for that car once was told 365H.P ???

[@jeremythompson9122]

Two really awesome cars. The 70 GS/GSX 455 Stage 1 is definitely the baddest Buick ever built and definitely one of my favorite muscle cars ever made that isn't a Mopar. I've always thought 1968-69 was the best looking Chevelle body style and the L78 396/375 was the top Chevelle engine option unless you went the COPO route and got the L72 427/425. I've seen a bone stock L78 396 on an engine dyno and Hot Rod magazine is correct. I saw the L78 make 425 horses at 6000 rpm also. Love both of these cars

[@peteshea8010]

@Robot 13 Who's "we?" It's clear from the posts that many people *believe* that the faster cars running in this series are production line stock. In reality, they're purpose built specifically for this series. The rules (which few ever bother to read) state the permitted modifications and also invoke the NHRA tech specs in that regard. Gains of 100 plus SAE Net HP are possible when the engines and vehicles are so modified. "Pure Stock Drags" is a misnomer. in that many take the term literally. And some take things even further (e.g, slurry honed intake and exhaust manifolds). AS THEY LEFT THE SHOWROOM FLOOR WHEN NEW, only a small fraction of the original muscle cars could run with something as commonplace as a current model 4 cylinder 2.0T Accord - tire for tire. Today's dedicated performance cars are in a whole different league.

[@peteshea8010]

@Robot 13 I deal in readily ascertainable facts. Grow up and accept them as such.

[@peteshea8010]

@Robot 13 The "pure stock drags" are misleadingly named, causing many naive people to believe the cars run in the series are actual "pure stock" (exactly how they rolled off the showroom floor.). That's clearly evident by the replies on the related "KZbin" videos and across the net. In reality, 35% plus gains in engine output can be readily achieved by knowledgeable builders while adhering to the stated rules. Those same rules also permit suspensions mods, high stall speed torque converters (for automatic trans cars), fully locked axles and so on. The better running cars in the "pure stock drags" are actually purpose built specifically for those events.

[@jeremythompson9122]

@@peteshea8010 Don't watch the videos then. Obviously none of these cars are 100% bone stock judging by the 1/4 mile times. Wah

[@chevyblue10]

@@peteshea8010 what's your problem dude? I drive a 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.0 sux cylinder and I'm not as jealous as you.

[@garymaynard4624]

My uncle bought a new 69 Chevelle. He dove it from Chicago Illinois to West Virginia. It burned 12 quart's of oil on the trip. He was a die hard Chevy guy. He never got over that.

[@troyallen3427]

3800#s 13 seconds Buicks were always overlooked!

[@CarsAndZebras]

Imagine a little tune-up and some slicks on that car! 500 lb-ft at 2800 RPM... pretty tough to use all of that!

[@camclarke9952]

@@peteshea8010 it still beat the hemis 13.75 to Buicks 13.30

[@1967davethewave]

I love the whitewalls on the Chevelle. That is much more representative of what a '69 muscle car would have looked like. 2 awesome cars!! Thanks for the video.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Thanks for watching! 😎

[@davidunger5304]

Love your videos, love your excitement and attitude! LOVE Buick GSs! Long story short..., In the late 80's, as a tow truck driver for AAA, I got a call to jump start..., You sitting down??? A '70 Saturn Yellow, Stage 1, 4 speed GSX! I sh#t you not. I damn near died when I pulled in the driveway and saw it in the garage.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Very cool! You don’t see many of those any more! The GSX was a super expensive package

[@chevyblue10]

What other color options were available for the GSX?

[@harrymorgan2679]

@@chevyblue10 Apollo white and Saturn yellow were the only options for the GSX, I believe they only came with black interior as well

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

I had a 70 GS 455 from 1978 until 1996. It ran well and I had the GS Club headers on it, it was very peppy.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Why’d you sell it?

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

@@CarsAndZebras I had to make room in my garage for a small office, and at that time I also had my good car, 1990 Crown Vic, 1972 Chev K20 Pickup and my 1971 Demon340, still have the CrownVic and Demon. Thanks for asking.

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

@@CarsAndZebras Just to show you how things go, the guy who bought the GS was pretty well off, but he got brain cancer and died a few years later.

[@peteshea8010]

A new Accord 2.0T would eat that alive, 100% bone stock in both cases and tire for tire. Sorry, the old stuff is SLOW by today's standards.

[@chevyblue10]

@@peteshea8010 I wish there was a laughing emoji on KZbin. All your comments are funny as hell. Keep it up brah.

[@socalfun64]

Great episode! I miss my 68 Chevelle Malibu 327 sooooo much!!

[@CarsAndZebras]

The 327 was a great engine. I’ve got a video coming in the next few weeks with a ‘65 SS327

[@peteshea8010]

You wouldn't if you drive it today, even if it were in the identical state that you sold it in.

[@chevyblue10]

My first car was a 64 Impala SS. 327, Powerglide tranny. It was funny how that car was beating Boss 302 Mustangs, 351 Clevelands, Rocket 455s and a lot more. Got my ass blistered by a 289 Fairlane once though. I always regretted racing that one.

[@electrichellion5946]

Love those Stage 1 cars. I wince every time I read about a guy who had one and sold it and flashes of envy for every guy that’s says he has one currently. It’s a bucket list item for to even ride in one let alone drive one for a bit.

[@CarsAndZebras]

I keep thinking about pulling the trigger on one. A nice ‘71 Stage 1 just sold at auction for 27k.... I’d be ok with that!

[@electrichellion5946]

Cars And Zebras - it’s an awesome settle. Not all of us can have the ‘70 but wow. I’d still fawn over it.

[@mikepreciado7807]

Ya. Think you should pull the trigger on a stage 1. You could sell rides in it for 10 or 20 bucks a ride. The line would be around the block waiting😂

[@mikepreciado7807]

Come to think of it. With 510ft lbs of torque you could take 5 people at once. You would have yur money back in no time😆

[@nickajk1]

You have an awesome channel general motors cars from the 60s and 70s were the best-looking and the best running thanks for posting these awesome examples

[@CarsAndZebras]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@55555711]

This is spacial to me because my dad had 69 chevelle covertible 396 375hp silver paint black top black interior it was fast for sure last time we heard the guy that bought it restored it and winning shows by the way it only had 36000miles on it

[@CarsAndZebras]

The L78 is a monster!

[@tristanclark7795]

an old lady down the street from my grandmas house in Newton had a regular 70 GS 455 sitting in her drive ever since I could remember. It disappeared a few years ago I think she might’ve passed still wonder where it is

[@CarsAndZebras]

Maybe she’s at the drag strip

[@louiskats5116]

Another great video Cars & Zebra. Always a great laugh with your comments & I have learned somethings about these car's when I thought I knew everything. The L78 back in 1965 was rated at 425 HP in the SS Impala's then the following years re rated to 375 HP. Extremely impressed with the Buick especially with 3:73.1 ratio, running low 13's extremely impressive, put 4:10.1 might get into the high 12's. Always look forward to the next video huge fan of your work. Louis from Down Under

[@CarsAndZebras]

Thanks for watching! I’ll keep them coming!

[@Tusuperbis]

I love both of these cars and would be tickled to own either but, that chevelle with the L78 and a 4spd is just badass!

[@scottieboy7853]

Give me a Buick GS 455 stage one anyway because of the uniqueness of that car

[@bluecollarhotrods9781]

I had a 69 SS 396 Chevelle in the mid 90s that I drove to high school. Same drivetrain... L78, M21, 4.10 posi. Miss that car, currently redoing a 1969 COPO Tribute to fill the void. (L72, M20, 4,10 posi)

[@carsbyjeff]

BUICK GS STAGE 1... SLEEPER OF THE YEAR!

[@thegreenerthemeaner]

Right lane definitely hooking better for both cars. 13.16 is a respectable believable time on street tires and that is why those Stage 1s were so hard to beat. Buick made those cars work as delivered.

[@GH-el9ch]

See the difference in the 3 races and how much things can change depending on start,reaction time ,traction etc. Most videos are one race and really isn't an accurate test. Love both cars good job on the video

[@jamesanderson83]

I think 1969 was an awesome year for most cars. That 69 SS was a lot more appealing to me than the 70 SS.

[@a.k.a.A.E.]

i love this old muscle car shit. best channel for infomations like this !!

[@kevinkendall3122]

Knew a guy that owned a 69 L78 with the M22 rockcrusher trans,probably not many built

[@CarsAndZebras]

Probably not! The M22 was almost double the cost of the M20/21 or TH400

[@ZacLowing]

Yes, so under rated! Mid 13's in the quarter isn't some mythical 600hp stock car from back then. That 69 Chevelle is beautiful, love the color and model year. GSs are beasts! I knew a girl that had a vert, but keep it real dweeb

[@TrinityDestroyer]

My dad used to drag race his 1969 GTO Judge 396. He speaks legends of his 396, and how it was the perfect engine.

[@SpideySenses-gb9gi]

THE PONTIAC GTO IN 69 WOULD HAVE BEEN A 400 ENGINE . CHEVY HAD THE 396 IN CHEVELLES AND CAMAROS AND FULLSIZE IMPALAS . BOTH WERE GREAT ENGINE'S THO. CHEVY HAD THREE VERSIONS OF THE 396 = 325 . 350 . 375 HORSE POWER ENGINE'S . PONTIAC HAD LIKE THREE VERSIONS OF THE 400 ENGINE = 335 . 345 . 366 HORSE POWER ENGINE'S I BELIEVE . JUST SAYING.

[@johnevans8553]

According to Bill Steven's on Mecum the L-78 that's rated at 375 hp in 69 was the same engine in the 65 corvette that was rated at 425 hp

[@a.t1313]

Kudos to you for the excellent description of the car's features, very enjoyable.

[@TheDatadrew]

Cars and Zebras is down for maintenance.. My wife came in and asked what I was laughing at, I played the exhaust clip, then the next clip, started to laugh again, she shook her head and left.

[@CarsAndZebras]

That’s funny because my significant other does the same thing when I bounce ideas for jokes off of her. The bigger the eye roll, the better the joke 🤣

[@nickmorris9383]

that's the way we ROLL. BUICK is badass. I owned a 455 non stage 1 buick skylark and it was insane FAST......Love my memories.....lived my car soooo much and HATE the ex wife !!!

[@timmotel5804]

8/2023: 2 Great Cars and Great Races. I do favour the Buick though. Thanks and Best Regards

[@charlieb308]

Super chevy dyno tested a stock LS6 454 and it wasn’t over rated. Nicks garage did an LS6 on dyno and it was only 422hp with all accessories hooked up. Every car guy at show claims every car was under rated but where is proof? I’ve seen proof they weren’t...they always says “red cars are higher insurance and every muscle car engine was 100 more HP”. Both bull

[@peteloomis8456]

Some were underrated ! Nick just dynoed a 440 six pack for a guy who had it rebuilt 30 years ago that had been sitting in his garage to mostly stock specs other than it was bored over . 030 which takes it out to 446 cubes and Nick dynoed it with the stock cast iron exhaust manifold plus the heat riser valve and after some timing adjustments done on it the last pull it made 424 HP but can't remember what the torque was . The carbs were new six pack Holley's with stock jetting and it had points style ignition on it as well but was tested with out the six pack air cleaner ! Chrysler said the 69 440 six pack engine made 390 HP but what they did when doing these advertised HP numbers were to run them lower in the RPM range or not up to full red line to keep the HP numbers lower to fake the insurance companies out ! The old direct connection book said if you took a stock 69 440 six pack added headers and the Mopar performance distributor advance kit that allows full advance all in at 1,200 RPM plus the Mopar 509 292 duration purple shaft hydraulic camshaft that the engine in proper tune should make 500 HP which is more than 1 HP per cubic inch and not bad at all considering nothing major done to the heads or lower end !

[@charlieb308]

Pete Loomis with tuning and little tricks you can boost those engines up really well. I bet the 426 Hemi was underrated. An LS6 Chevelle I watched on a dyno and at wheels it was getting only 280 to the wheel HP, not even close to 450hp counting 15% loss through drive line

[@jeremythompson9122]

In 1970 they still rated cars under the old gross horsepower figures...which means just the engine alone on a stand. The dyno you're talking about is a chassis dyno...100% different than an engine dyno. On a chassis dyno the horsepower is measured at the rear wheels. On an engine dyno the horsepower is measured at the crankshaft. Two TOTALLY different methods of testing engine horsepower and torque

[@jeremythompson9122]

Most muscle cars were underrated...not all of them. Saw a bone stock Chevy 409/409 on an engine dyno and it made 406 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Actually a hair overrated. But on the other hand I also saw a Pontiac 421 Super Duty(which had a 405 hp factory rating) and it made 488 horsepower at 6000 rpm...83 more horsepower than the factory rated it at. Saw a bone stock 426 Hemi(rated at 425 hp)on an engine dyno and it made 493 horsepower at 6000 rpm...nearly 70 more horsepower than its factory rating. A Ford 428 CJ(335 hp rating) actually made 410 horses at 6000 rpm. A Chevy L78 396(rated at 375 hp) made 425 horses at 6000 rpm on an engine dyno. Have seen all of these dyno tests myself. It's absolutely not a myth that muscle cars were underrated. Most people just have no idea that horsepower and torque have been rated in the net since 1972...that means the engine in the car with all accessories. Before 1972 it was rated in the gross...which means just the engine alone on a stand. So no that isn't bullshit. Most people just don't know the difference between an engine dyno and a chassis dyno

[@jimmeyer7632]

510 FT/LBS TORQUE AT JUST OVER IDLE ..... THAT'S INSANE BUT THAT L78 HELD ITS OWN SHOULD HAVE MATCHED THE BUICK WITH AN LS6 CHEVELLE THE 69 CHEVELLE IS MY FIRST LOVE !!!!!!!! BUT A 70 GSX IS ALSO EXTREMELY DESIRABLE

[@camclarke9952]

the stage 1 has layed a whooping on the ls6,,theres a video from this same guy..

[@LR-my2di]

They did in another video. The Buick won all three races, but they were all good races!

[@peterrivney552]

Finally a matched race almost why not a high performance 454 Chevy Against the Stage 1

[@cubedmack]

Man you can hear the Chevelle chirping gears in 2nd, 3rd & 4th gear during the 3rd race.

[@rcfred_689]

That 396 runs really good, giving a GS stage one a good match!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

RCFred_68, Buick took 2 out of three though.

[@rcfred_689]

@@sergeantmasson3669 Buick GS stage one are fast cars!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@rcfred_689 No sh*t Sherlock. That's not even questionable. I bought one that was a convertible, restored it and drove it for a while until I was offered a price I couldn't refuse.

[@nathanthomasstickney8123]

Nice video

[@CarsAndZebras]

Thanks for watching!

[@dukedavis8950]

I love the chevelle always wanted a SS chevelle 396 4 speed pois rear appsoluotley love it .thank you for the video.

[@mitchlrp]

When I look at a 69 Chevelle I become Dazed and Confused. Its soul was created below.

[@mrdarby1387]

My dad bought me a 70 skylark gs 350 rocket in 2004 that car beat a lot of foxbodies in high school i hated he sold it to some rich guy

[@CarsAndZebras]

The GS350 was an all around great driver, and usually came with some nice options!

[@mrdarby1387]

@@CarsAndZebras that car was quickfor what it was but he sold it for $8000 then we found a 94 z28 lt1 in the autotrader book

[@69shovlhed89]

if my dad pulled that shit on me I'd have promised him he was going to spend his golden years in a nursing home, and don't expect me to visit.

[@jeremythompson9122]

@@69shovlhed89 Yeah really. Especially when he basically traded that GS 350 straight up for a fuckin 94 Z28. Don't get me wrong the 94 Z28 is a nice car but not in the same league as a 70 Buick GS...even if it's just a GS 350. But hey to each his own

[@Wireman134]

350 Rocket was a Olds engine. So much better than the Buick POS with cast rods.

[@tommykelley3948]

OUTSTANDING RUN; WHAT A HELLUVA RACE, THESE WATERED MUSCLE CAR OF TODAY BARLEY CAN RUN THESE NUMBERS TODAY, NOW THAT PURE IRON MUSCLE ‼️‼️

[@CJColvin]

Man that 69 Chevelle just looks wayyyyyy too gorgeous.

[@yellowlabdavis7170]

The left lane seems slower, but definitely some cool muscle cars!!! Great videos👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@richki.24]

so nice .....

[@CarsAndZebras]

Both are super cool!

[@txsviking]

Great cars and cool video.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Thanks, and I appreciate you watching!

[@kenney5454]

Nice match up with the Buick and Chevy, close races with consistent times, this video has all my dream cars in H.S., on graduation day our guy with his 396 Chevelle, made a lot of noise, light turned green, dumped the clutch and the engine shut down and his drive shaft rolled out from under.. from stud to dud in 1/4 mile, how embarrasing

[@mattwilson3244]

Very Close to Even .Never saw a 396 ' run This Good .427 ,Yes ,not 396 ,Buick was probably fastest 455 .of G.M. 455's Buick ,Olds ,Pontiac .so ,no surprise there .1970 the End of Muscle Car Horsepower for American Cars .

[@johngibbons7494]

DAMN i should of never sold mine

[@CarsAndZebras]

We’ve all said that at some point! 😆

[@Rampant_Colt]

L78 when under the hood of the '65-66 Vette was rated at 425hp

[@caveredecorator5310]

it was easier to get reasonable insurance rates if you rated the horsepower lower at lower R P M

[@tracewallace23]

Great races

[@jamesfarmer3759]

I got a L-78

[@CarsAndZebras]

👍

[@NOLL72]

The L-78 was actually a 0.030" overbore 396, so it was really the first of the 402 cu.in. BBCs. [Wink.]

[@scottwheaton9689]

Not so!from 1966 thru mid 69 all 396’s inc the L78/375hp we all a true 396cid. It was in late 69 a very few of the last 69 chevelle 396 motors/cars mfg’d by gm that were actually early 70 396 motors bored .030” over to 402cid as all 70 & later badged gm 396’s cars were.

[@musclebone7875]

Do you have any videos of a 1967 or 1968 SS IMPALA drag racing?

[@CarsAndZebras]

I might have some tricks up my sleeve..... Like a ‘67 Impala video sitting around.... and it just might have a 427ci and a 4-speed. Keeps your eyes open for it in the future

[@musclebone7875]

@@CarsAndZebras cool brother!😁👍👍

[@jeremythompson9122]

I'd like to see what a 66 Biscayne with the L72 427/425 and a 4 speed could do in the 1/4 mile. Or a 62 Bel Air bubble top 409/409

[@stephenarzoomanian8074]

The Buick was an AC car you can tell by the conversion heater core cover

[@mynameis9057]

I totally get the zebras part, but where are the cars? ▪☆☆☆▪

[@CarsAndZebras]

🤣

[@netrioter]

You really hyped up the Chevelle..only to see it get gapped

[@AndyFigueroa-vb6iu]

I have a bare block 66 396 bb bare block i had it since the age of 13 im 59 now my uncles raced in 60&70 so i grew up in the horse power wars so many people offer me so much for the block i siad no its in my living room as my middle table with a glass on it wat u think of that?

[@jameswilson3554]

Excellent..2thumbs up.

[@CarsAndZebras]

👍👍

[@ChicagoRob2]

Buick power, baby.

[@watchthetriple8224]

I watch the ads only for Cars and Zebras.

[@CarsAndZebras]

dang.... I wouldn’t even watch my own ads. 🤣

[@stgraves260]

The 426 HEMI was rated at 425 but pushed over 500 HP. Ford Chevy and Dodge all fudged the numbers.

[@floridabb]

I had a 69 ss 396 chevelle, my sister bought the 70 stage one. I knew she would only let me drive it 1 time. I lit up the tirea, she was screaming but all I heard was the 4 barrel. She sold it for 5k in the 2000S. Made me sick, still had a grudge for 35 yrs.

[@charlieb308]

My 2014 Honda Civic is underrated, it’s really 275hp

[@TheSamplebridge]

The reason chevy did advertise the l78 that much was becuase it was a solid lifter cam race engines. It was meant to be sold to serious drag racers not your average street cruiser. They didn't want average Joe's buying them and complaining becuase they didn't do the maintence on the solid lifters and complain about driveability. The same is sorta opposite with the Ls5 vs ls6 chevelles. The ls5s are great engines and are a waaay better street cruising engine, but gets over shadowed by the ls6 becuase of the big HP number

[@rolandjenkins7515]

I thought it would be a closer race.

[@CarsAndZebras]

You never know! Both cars were really quick though

[@mrbasshole301]

In everyone's opinion.. I've been holding out to find what I'm looking for with the 4 speed .. I'm finding a few of what I like but with Automatics .. I like a 4 speed but alot harder to find .. should it matter ? And why ?

[@Ray-fc8bo]

AM/FM cost almost as much as the L78 package? WHAT?

[@CarsAndZebras]

Crazy, right? 👍

[@kimmorrison9169]

ha, ha an am/fm stereo radio was a big deal in the 60’s. I’m not bs ing you either. If you put a reverb on it and 3 or 4 speakers, that was as good as it could get!

[@danielbohland5271]

The reason cars were underrated back in the day was because of insurance purposes anybody that knows anything about old muscle cars that's a given

[@danhoyland142]

I love watching other gm brands spanking chevys!!

[@davidconkling3655]

I had. In 1978 and 1980. Two. 2. 1970. Black Buick rear bumpers..455. Regular / and. A. Stage 1.. Won. Hundreds. Of races.. The. Ultimate. Sleeper.. Tufest race was. With. 73 Pontiac Trans. AM. Ho. 455. I needed a tune up and oil change. Oops.... Very lucky to be alive!!!!!. Easy. Top speed. 152 mph. A lot of fun Times in those cars.. Hot ladies were always asking for a ride Home........ And partying all the time... Thank you. GOD!!!.. A lot more. Some day or nite..

[@1badhaircut]

1965 Stingray L78 / 425 hp. ( same motor ) but Chevy corporate rule was Corvette had to be the boss, ( check the rpm the hp is rated at )

[@enerrivers4392]

Sorry, NOT A STAGE 1. ONLY A GS 455. Emblems can be bought & installed.

[@slyane7320]

All the Big 4(yes I count AMC) underrated all their motors, big block & small to sidestep the insurance crap @ the time. All that math they did back then helped get us to where we are today.

[@donaldaltman4764]

Brother had a 71? rambler rebel red white and blue paint it was a pretty fast car for a rambler

[@diegosilang4823]

I want to time travel back to 1970 and buy one of these, they are lot cheaper than Mustang GT, Camaro SS and Challenger RT. More raw HP than ZL1, hellcats and Shelbies.

[@hellwithit]

It's the 411 gear ratio in the rear that slowed down the chevell at least the 67 ss

[@marquanbrand-moorehead1887]

My Cars

[@tupelomississippiflash968]

Change the carb and change out the rear end gears , that chevelle will run 11's , you can hear the motor is starving half way down the track .

[@CarsAndZebras]

I will have a video of a nearly identical Chevelle with those changes in the future. And yeah, it runs 11s

[@russmarasheski7005]

There's been numerous articles over the years that say a 70 GSX Stage 1 with ONLY sticky tires runs low 11s.... then there's the full fledged Stage 2....🤔🤔🤔

[@louisebennett9282]

My Ex did just that except we had a Plymouth Road Runner 383 his best time low 12's. Mine low 13's The driver does make the difference !

[@chrishope7771]

The reason y cause it was a mythical creature a unicorn 🦄 until people found out about it an drove it, that Buick had a gangster lean (body roll) when he made that u-turn

[@denniskoller5662]

How about putting a 1968 426 hemi charger up against this chevelle?

[@philiplaflam7972]

Had a gs stage 1 in high school and ss big blocks didnt want anything to do with it.Spun a bearing and pulled it down and ended up turning crank line boring and re ring.Aluminum ken bell intake 540 lift cam and hei and hooker headers and 780 holley double pumper.Car was ultra quick then just shift at 5200 rpm.Dont need to turn it too hard.Then the 10 bolt shit the bed.Imagine that us destined gs were 10 bolt and canadian were 12 bolt.Anyhow a 9 inch out of a grand torino and all the brackets welded off of 10 bolt to 9 inch and axles redrilled with 3.73 chunk with a detroit locker out of a 79 150 and in business.In gainesville in 83 year after graduation best ever was 12.01.Couldnt get it to hook right.

[@sharonw2475]

Will someone please kick me in the arse? Bought a 1969 SS Chevelle, L-34, turbo 400, posi-trac in 1970 and traded it for a 1967 Ford pickup with a 6 cylinder. What the heck was I thinking???????? One of my biggest mistakes ever!!

[@thomaspryor4415]

I actually own a 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 455, with the 3 speed automatic. It's been sitting for 41 years, though. I hope to restore it soon, but would it be worth it? The engine was bored and it has 50,000 miles. I don't know though, but it would be a great restoration project!

[@camclarke9952]

Price ?

[@c.dmurphy1057]

I would buy it if your interested in selling it. Me and son want to restore one together. That's both of our favorite car.

[@455buick6]

Have you done anything with it?

[@thomaspryor4415]

@@455buick6 Unfortunately not. I don't have the funds, and I recently picked up a Pinto for a daily driver, and it needs some money sunk into it.

[@davidlefranc6240]

the extra horsepower of the engine is in big part bc of the electric water pump lmao!

[@jimmeyer7632]

510 LB FT TORQUE ........ DAMN ALMOST 100 MORE THAN THE CHEVELLE !!!!!!!!

[@pist455]

The first two passes the Guy in the Buick was asleep at the tree

[@jimmeyer7632]

PRETTY SURE THAT BAD ASS BUICK HAD A 2 BOLT MAIN ... 13.3'S IS WHAT I EXPECTED FROM THE CHEVELLE ... MIGHT HAVE BEEN BETTER IF THE CHEVELLE HAD A 427 COPO

[@tonyaxeman4381]

The manual 4 speed was sucking for drag . The input shaft could not hold up . Banging second with little or no clutch spelled disaster .

[@craigbenz4835]

AM/FM stereo cost almost as much as the L78!

[@douglaspierce316]

77 chev monza v-8 if you can find one. not a cal car please. 65 chevell 350 hp 327? or the BBC. I think they made one

[@vanlarson9213]

It's obvious the right lane was the lane to be in'

[@bigthunder2860]

The reason Chevy didn't talk was ralf Nader he crushed all muscle out of cars,because of him we had to hit the junkyards and pull engines out old cars and make our own muscle cars like 454 nova's or a Cadillac engine in chevelle