1970 Chevrolet Corvette 454 vs 1968 Buick GS 400 | STOCK DRAG RACE

1970 Chevy Corvette LS5 454 drag racing 1968 Buick Gran Sport 400. pure stock muscle car drag race. factory stock drag race.
Remember, both cars participate in the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race series, so please check out their website for the rules of this drag racing class: www.psmcdr.com
Disclaimer: The Cars And Zebras KZbin channel is a news channel bringing results/news of drag racing with added history of automobiles. All footage/pictures used were either captured by the Cars And Zebras channel, or used for critique purposes under Fair Use.
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[@MBailey1977]

I'm pretty sure only the ultra rare ZR1 got the m22. 25 were made.

[@CarsAndZebras]

You know what, I never thought about that. Makes perfect sense since there were 25 ZR1s that year!

[@MBailey1977]

@@CarsAndZebras also read the ls7 was to have aluminum heads and tri power. Several magazine writers tested the car and said it was fantastic but a 67 day strike occurred and it was cancelled.

[@ricktaylor3748]

@@CarsAndZebras I think y'all mean ZL-1, only two were made, a yellow and white one. The ZR-1 was built from 1990--1995 GM built 4695 ZR-1 Corvettes. The engines were manufactured by Mercury Marine. Yeah, I looked it up.👍

[@goneshootin61]

That was the ZL1 not the ZR1 !

[@ricktaylor3748]

@@goneshootin61 Chill out, bud. The Corvette in this race is the regular LS5 454--390 horsepower. The 1969 ZL-1 was pushing 550-600 horsepower, the 1990-1995 ZR-1 made around 400 hp.

[@ZeroBoostBuick]

Buick muscle is so underrated. It was a very good match. It all depended on the drivers. It doesn't get much better than that.

[@whicker59]

Bucks and Olds had a low-profile intake and high torque. HP wasn't as great as others, but that torque made them very competitive.

[@NOLL72]

Much better than the 'shorts' posted lately. JMO.

[@albundyrocks2115]

Love those Buicks. Been racing them for 40 years. Currently own a '66 GS with 462" aluminum heads and all the goodies. 11 seconds flat at 124 mph

[@Pdubya69GS]

Hey Al, I just picked up a pretty roached out 66 GS. You got any spare parts/trim?

[@hernandocortez6351]

Is that a 401 nailhead?

[@albundyrocks2115]

No. A '70 455 bored 0.030 over@@hernandocortez6351

[@dioad1739]

I owned a 67 GS I had some of the best times of my life in that car thanks to you and the drivers for such a awesome and nostalgic race.

[@danmyers9372]

Great matchup. Have to admit I’m a bit surprised!

[@charlesdalton985]

Two awesome cars! The first Vette I ever rode in was my cousin’s, 71 (heavily modified) 454. What a monster. He knew how to drive it, but in the hands of an amateur, it was deadly. Thanks for the great racing and more fond memories. ~ Chuck

[@jameskester7745]

These videos are so much better with you narrating them, this was a sweet match up, thank you for doing them!

[@charleshenshaw9099]

My brother had a 1970 Corvette with the Lt1350 & 4 speed. With few mods it was really fast. He loved that car.

[@mjs28s]

man..that second race is the kind that gets the energy flowing. That poor guy in the vet ending at .8 mph faster had to watch his car slowly reel in the buick at about 1.2 feet per second...and then look how close the finish line is....and then back at the buick...and then at the finish line....and then at the buick being a little closer...."Come on!" he screams....and then loses.... Oh...the pain and excitement of a nice close race.

[@richellen6855]

Red light or not, what a wicked close match!! Dig, baby!

[@MrBluzhound]

Another fun one to watch. The Corvette ran about where I thought…maybe a tad sluggish as I thought a well prepped ls5 would do 13.5’s on its head. The GS has…had some work. Bully for him, but those 400 cars just never ran in the 13’s. Thx for posting

[@brianmaynard7320]

Great racing and great commentary!! Thanks drivers and thank you C-Z!!

[@GruesomesGarage]

First Vette I rode in was a 71 454 . As usual I am always impressed by the way the Buick’s run, probably the most underrated muscle cars of the era.

[@randyrobey5643]

I am not a big Buick fan, but I was pulling for the GS. Thanks to both owners for letting us see these cars run.

[@jasonkrause6778]

Gotta love those front ends come up when it's time to launch Raw Power!!!

[@pierrelenormand1762]

Glad to see you found good balance between presentation of the hardware and that humour we love you for. Keep it up !

[@iggyfritz7150]

Growing up at Detroit Dragway when Buick showed up they drop a lot of Jaws I've seen a lot of cars get put back on the trailer and go home because of Buicks especially when they came out with the turbo Grand Sport Buicks.

[@cool68bird]

Glad to see you back to normal bro love the channel!!!!!

[@MrIgor1955]

I had a '70 Corvette convertible with the 454 and 4 speed. Fast and fun. What a great car it was. :)

[@LITTLE1994]

Dang, the Corvette is a beast

[@68dart]

Awesome , good race Thanks C&Z 😀

[@unclebob7937]

Great race! Big block torque show 💪💪 👍😎🏁

[@brianpaulson6534]

I used to have a 1970 ls5 454. Org.454 bored . 40 over hotter cam and 3.55 gears auto. Dyno to 550 tq 525 hp . Great car .

[@chrishart2064]

I had a 68 gs 400, nice ride for sure!

[@daltonmann4916]

this was a heck of a race!

[@GroupWar]

My LS5 454 corvette did the exact same numbers when I first purchased it, 13.8 @101mph, later I added hooker longtube headers and improved to 13.4@106mph, proves that the stock cast iron manifolds are choking this engine to death.

[@wydopnthrtl]

Good info. W/O changing jets I saw about a 0.5 AF ratio change (leaner). I wonder what AF you were running in both those states?

[@adamtrombino106]

That 4 speed Buick has got to be pretty rare as well!

[@jeremyg7975]

That GS is super sweet. Never been a vetted fan. Gotta love them old buicks

[@Adam-nv9zo]

I'd like to see what difference it would make time wise with some of these muscle cars with nothing changed mechanically but them change out rear tires for a good pair or modern drag radials just for kicks. Everyone I know that raced on the street back in those days have always told me traction was always the limiting factor and because of that some of the higher powered cars would loose to lesser powered cars just because they couldn't put their power down to the road. Just a thought .

[@wydopnthrtl]

100% true. The guys who "had money" would slip the clutch like a master racer to get a good launch. But man... they were dropping the trans several times a yr. to replace thier clutch. And my friend... like once a month! Us poor guys would just try to launch from slightly above idle and throttle it enough to get some traction. The guys w/small blocks could usually win a 0-60mph type of battle. Which honestly was what happened 90% of the time. We all knew w/o a doubt... the Big Block cars were not to be messed with if it was a genuine 1/4 mile-ish type of race.

[@dukedavis8950]

Wow that Buick is impressive she's running constant 13s that's fast. I'm not a Corvette guy but tha one is awesome l'd have to dich the a/c for the hp gains. As always great video.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

You just turn off the A/C to prevent HP loss...

[@MrBluzhound]

Both cars had AC.

[@johanbrand8601]

I love your channel and the presentation of your content! Keep it up! And I'm cracking up for your hilarious sound effects.

[@crawdaddy6969]

Shocking to me at how close these races are. Really comes down to driver.

[@wydopnthrtl]

YES! In the real world and on unprepped streets... MUCH MORE SO than at Mid-Mich dragstrip which is prepped so well it'll rip your shoes off if you walk across the burnout area.

[@bradleyphillips204]

2nd and 3rd round was tight. Thanks for these videos. Love seeing these classics of all the makes including AMC when you put them up. The fart noises make me laugh too. Great videos 👍

[@mickeymighty1866]

I wanna see a 68 roadrunner take on a race

[@timmotel5804]

2 Great cars. The Buick is pretty cool itself. I never could see omitting AC on any car that was to be used on the street. All 3 of my 440 Mopars had AC and my 383 & 340 did too. Thanks as always

[@413x398]

Glad to see (hear) some of your signature humor returning. As the low-life my ex claimed that I am, I certainly appreciate that.

[@mrgauges9065]

Was there something different about the 390hp LS5 in the Corvette, from the 360hp LS5 in the Chevelle SS?

[@whicker59]

That Buck is surprisingly fast.

[@MrBluzhound]

A little too…surprising and fast.

[@187Chevy]

best muscle car racing channel on yt ….informative n to the point 🫡💯🏎️

[@garysarratt1]

Thanks for changing the intro. I typically don’t look until the track scene is gone.

[@BoricuaBiker2012]

Love that finish line replay!!!

[@midlifemotox]

I own one of the 25 in 1970 with the rock crusher. Thats got to be worth something.

[@frankartale1026]

Awesome these cars hustled

[@littlebucks912]

Just wanted to say that I Love this channel and visit daily!!! Thanks for vids.

[@ltv..123]

…..and people don’t believe me when I tell them that a well tuned GS was as fast as a big block vette ………thanks!

[@edwinfeldman8231]

Great cars, great races and great audio on the big end! And we have all the immature sound effects that made you popular with us all!!

[@kevingouldrup9265]

had a 68 skylark loved that car

[@louiskats5116]

Good C & Z, Hope you are well. I just found out about a week ago that there was a 454 LS5 / 390hp Chevrolet Engine Option. In typical Chevrolet it isn’t available in the Chevelle or the Monte Carlo of the same year. The LS5 in those 2 cars was rated at 360 hp, anyone knows the difference between the two LS5 ? The 390 Hp version is also available in the Full Size Impala & Caprice. Back to the race. Any chance you can find a 1971 Corvette LS6 @ 425 Hp & Aluminum Heads. That GS gave the Corvette a run for its money, in typical Buick form under rated but carrying a big stick. Great to ser you back to the best of 3. And yes you are a Gentleman. Your number 1 Fan in Australia Louis Kats from Melbourne Australia ☺ 👍 ❤

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Fortunately, the '70 Chevelle was also available with the 450 HP LS6 454"... The 'cancelled' LS7 454 was also available over the parts counter, but actually 570 HP, not the 460 HP shown in the ad...

[@ronaldhagadorn5512]

The thing is!!! They are still around! Today!

[@blown572hemi]

My father campaigned a 400 gs 4-speed indy 70s. Thanks for the childhood flashback

[@hansgruber650]

3:29 That was my car but not in Philly when I owned it, bought it from a guy in Cherry Hill NJ.

[@Dark_Knight_USA]

Greetings: Grandma's Buick beats Grandson's Vette. Imagine that.

[@413x398]

What's the story on the blue Mustang in the background at 0:17?

[@smokeskull]

I would have thought that would be an easy win for the corvette

[@wydopnthrtl]

I've been there 10+ times and saw it and several other LS5's run. They launch ok but once into 3rd gear.... party is over. Makes me wonder if it was choked by a smaller cam, exhaust, and maybe intake. I don't know much about them.. maybe heads. The LS6's CLEARY Pull deep into 3rd and 4th gears

[@BNforever2009]

I'm shocked that Buick GS 400 is running that fast! Very underrated!

[@ernestpower2202]

Woooo Hooooo!!!!😆

[@stevejohnson1397]

It helps when the Corvette has all that fiberglass it's a lot lighter

[@gt-37guy6]

I do believe that the 68 - 69 400 GS motor was a tad under-rated by Buick.

[@stevepick9527]

Definitely under rated.... I read it was about 375 hp.

[@gt-37guy6]

@@stevepick9527 Yes, I was thinking performance was similar to a GTO with Ram Air III (not 4), which was 366 HP.

[@Dark_Knight_USA]

Greey: Left lane advantage!

[@burtvincent1278]

Wow, close!

[@CraigConnors]

I'm pretty sure the exhaust on either car is stock, which is fine. I put a Rochester 4bl carb on my 1970 Buick Skylark 350 and I could smoke them all, mainly because I need new rings.

[@charlie6629]

When he say's in today sorta makes me chuckle. I waited too long to buy a 70 SS Chevelle with a big block. It was pushing $30 k then today when I'm ready there pushing $70 k.

[@cubedmack]

So, basically, both cars are an even match.

[@tomgeorge9025]

1970 454 Corvette runs 1/4 m. @ 15.0 90 plus mph . My 2006 4 dr. Mega Cab Dodge Dually 5.8 Diesel with Gonzila chip 325 + 130.extra H.p ran 1/4 mile @ 15:5 @ 91mph.. weight 7700 Lbs..

[@wydopnthrtl]

My 04 Z06 w/full exhaust, all season tires, and a zero prep track at 3500 DA ran a 12.6 @ 114mph. Seeing those old school numbers makes me feel like mine isn't so slow after all.

[@NoPrivateProperty]

corvettes are intake restricted because of low hood. lots more power to be uncorked

[@matposton87]

My Dad had a white '70 454 4spd Corvette

[@BladeRunner25463c]

I had a 72 Skylark and the throttle stuck in the middle of a Minnesota winter at 25 below and it threw a rod or something and now it's dead

[@steves9905]

Huh...did not expect to be so even. Was expecting the Buick to get spanked...not that the vette was slow, but the Buick was as fast as it was

[@timsharpe3498]

I heard a rumor that the advertised compression ratios of Buick V8s were fudged higher a little bit. If that is true then a Pure Stock allowed increase of 1.5 would actually net closer to a 1.8 bump. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

[@mlp-hot-rod5824]

Shame the 70 Vette got so neutered. They did it dirty compared to the 69. A 454 with a ZL1 block, L71 manifold, L89 heads, TH400 and 4.56 gears would've been a true rocket.

[@bbkingwasthegreatest711]

when you look at the Corvette interior you see two indicator stalks does anyone know what the second one is

[@charlesdalton985]

Tilt steering lever. Twisting the center cap, it also telescopes.

[@bbkingwasthegreatest711]

@@charlesdalton985 Thanks a little unusual

[@clover831]

Never underestimate those Buick's. Classy, and beautiful cars.😎 -She's a real beaut-ick.😉

[@richki.24]

nice

[@stevedriver1476]

Both these should be running high 12,s

[@wydopnthrtl]

With sticky tires yes. But on street tires.. no

[@jamessharp9790]

I didn’t think the GS400 ran quite that hard

[@choward874]

Don't know why anyone would have bought the 1970 when you could have got the 1969 with better engine options and lighter weight.

[@robertmetzger6467]

You Know; I Never Realized it But it Seems to Me GM Could've Had the Fastest Vette Ever if they had let the 450hp LS6 be installed. Probably would've been an Even Second Carrrr'

[@joevette6290]

25 M-22 in 1970 no way bud!! That's the " blackbook" documentation but remember the St. Louis plant documents went " up in flames" not only did those 25 ZR-1's have M-22's but many more racing customers I had an LT-1 with an M-22 abd 4.56 rear in my cdn import 1970 vette

[@kennypowerz1267]

They don't have light wieght AC units?

[@wydopnthrtl]

Back then they used the "A6" compressor. Mid 70s changed to a lighter / smaller compressor to save weight and increase MPG

[@WineHouse33]

We are not evaluating the driver, so reaction time wins are irrelevant to the channel.

[@darryllandry9904]

Every time I hear prices listed I get sad.

[@jeffebinger1218]

i luvs my underdogs.

[@scottfarley3644]

Obvious the right lane stunk.

[@richkunkiewicz9070]

Torque was 460 not 500.

[@jimmywilkinson9190]

hey Ralph , do you drink to much last night ? What kind of car do you have . Ralph ; Buuiick

[@goneshootin61]

Had enough of the shorts !

[@robrobster9148]

Buick all the way...every day

[@danam0228]

Lol, alright Buick!

[@douglorimer5985]

Runnum again

[@chidrole]

👍🇨🇦

[@jerrycraig6522]

The vette mite be fat but what a nice car, I would daily that corvette!!!

[@brianmanners8910]

I love watching Chevys get beat by other brands .😎👍🏻

[@badass6.0powerstroke10]

Me too, But getting Beat by Another GM, is like getting Beat by your Sister.

[@nealstampley1546]

That Vette is slow!!

[@karlsracing8422]

Corvette was fugly!

[@Fred_Stallone]

That’s embarrassing. The Vette is a absolute turd!!

[@matrox]

I give a big thumbs down for the annoying voice.

[@davidconkling3655]

Love those 1970 Buick GS 455 stage 1. Owned 2- two. Late 70- s. Paid $500 and 750. Each. !!!!!. Lucky to be alive. That's when - Hot rods to hell and - wow -( wild on wheels). And party like its 1999!!!!. Lucky to be writing this.alive a survivor!!!!!. Rarely lost a race. Ate up Betts. Toughest race was with a 1973 Pontiac T-A 455 HO.- HD. Incredible fun. Wow!!!!!!

[@sharonw2475]

I will never understand how a car with a slower et can win a drag because he had a quicker reaction time off the line, in my book who ever crosses the finish line first with the lowest et is the winner. Who dreams up these silly ass rules anyway, that's pure bs. So by those silly rules I can take a 1955 VW Beetle, rev the little air cooled 4 cyl engine to max RPM, dump the clutch, beat the other guy out of the gate , cross the finish line in 40 seconds with a trap speed of 48 mph and still win because I had a quicker reaction time, stupid, stupid, and dumber rules.

[@nyshockartist]

@Sharon W, It is always the car crossing the finish line first... that gets the win, its just not always the one with the fastest ET. In terms of your hypothetical VW scenario, if they were bracket racing, and the VW was consistently running that time, yeah, it could win.

[@fd797]

If you keep watching, you will understand. First off, your bug story suggests you are mixing thoughts of bracket racing versus heads-up drags. These ARE heads-up drags, which means the trees drop identically and you both go on green - the same green. First one across wins, regardless of ET. Why? A drag race is the addition of the reaction time plus the elapsed time. It's not stupid (really the only thing stupid is that tracks don't publish the actual race time...they just show an ET on the big board...which confuses the ignorant....). On the time slip though, the whole truth is told. So, it's a race from start to finish, both car and driver against each other, both starting at the exact same time, first one across the finish wins. Because there are drivers and difficult launching conditions, you introduce variables and is part of the race. Analysis of this race series: First, watch the trees in both lanes, every race, they start the same. 1st round - the Corvette won, by crossing the finish line first (Buick missed third and fell behind). 2nd round - the Buick won, by crossing the finish line first and was an awesomely close race (Corvette slightly faster ET, but obviously not as good of a reaction time - loses "snooze you lose"). 3rd round - the Corvette left too soon, so was disqualified (negative reaction times are disallowed...cheating if you will...remember ET+RT is the race...). If you are just wanting to see who has the best ET, then there is no reason even to drive next to each other. Just go make a few runs and see how it goes, and declare a winner. If that is all you are interested in, then guess what - the Corvette was faster and won the best ET - there is your simple answer maybe you are seeking. Technically you could just read about that race in a book. But, if you want to watch actual racing, then the reaction time, launching, and shifting is part of it. In the real racing world, this Buick won this best of three. The underdog won, which is kudos to the Buick and driver. If you really want to learn the rules, go to a local track and try it until you get it (note, you will likely do bracket racing, and you will actually find it good). Your critical perspective will change once you learn how this works.

[@pippendog1]

Uh .. Hope you are better at making samiches than racing .

[@wydopnthrtl]

Ah young jedi... you've not spent time on a dragstrip. You see..... All cars have different diameter tires. And so we need a fair way to "stage" them. The solution is to place the pre-stage and stage lights 18' apart. Once the tree comes down that final stage MUST NOT be broken before the last light (which is timed) finishes. Within that 18" is where racers take different strategies for "roll out". It keeps the race fair and with light beams there is zero interpretation.

[@buddyjohn]

My dad bought a 69 GS new in 70, that thing ate chevys for breffus 247365, only stock'r i ever seen beat it back then was a 69 charger @ Tri City Dragway