1971 AMC Javelin 401 vs 1972 Buick GSX | STOCK DRAG RACE

[@willbar1961]

AMC videos, particularly Javelins, always get my interest. I had a 1970 Mark Donohue Javelin, 390 4 speed, orange with black stripes. The car I wish I had kept.

[@christopherdouglas8471]

My all time favourite Javelins were 1970 Mark Donahue Editions. Personally, I didn’t think that the 1971 looked as good as the 1970. Just my opinion. And I’ll bet you do miss that car.

[@permafrost2064]

I've always been a big Buick GS fan, thats crazy how rare this 72 is. Also, the backside view of that Javelin.... oh baby.

[@gordocarbo]

Agree! Very aggressive look. Javs and AMX had mean looking grilles and back ends . Figured the buford would take it..but still. High 12 sec stock looking and quiet cant beat that! QUicker than my 1990 ZR-1 despite less mph

[@josephnewcomb5670]

AMC JAVELIN AINT NO JOKE

[@lilredexptsc]

Gorgeous pairing of cars! As a Mopar guy I even had a hard time picking a favorite here but it does happen to be the underdog, Javelin. Really cool cars from a quirky little car company from Kenosha.

[@John1Brady]

Back in the mid 70s a buddy bought an AMC Javelin... I honestly do not remember which V8 it had but it had that same cool grill. It had a limited slip diff and he promptly spun it and crunch the grill... found a replacement but it was a different design and not as cool. Great seeing this car run and NICE with a one of 22 Buick GSX Stage 1... yeah baby!

[@HowardJrFord]

I have a magazine with that javelin in it . It was a pristine low mileage 6 cylinder car when the guy bought it , he transplanted the 401 and driveline into it .

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

I owned a 1967 Rambler American remember before they were officially called AMC, they were Rambler. This is the chassis that was under a Javelin. Mine was six cylinder until I transplanted the driveline from a totaled 1968 Javelin. It was a 343 cu. in. v8 and a four speed.

[@omar_padilla]

Man!!! Just one race Ughh!!. That should have been a best two out of three!.

[@patrickjohnson7801]

Late model 71 with the 401 had 727 Transmission , I had one

[@gordocarbo]

SAme here! Bought it when I was 19 in the late 80s. $400 from a dope dealer took a non payers ride. Drove it for a yr and sold it back for $400. Front caliper locked up I had no clue what it iwas...stupid me!! That was a great daily with tons of torque. WOuld smoke the rear til the tire popped! (and it did)

[@fd797]

This vintage of Javelin I think is polarizing. Some might think ugly. I have never been able to ignore the intrigue though, and got close anew to one last year. Images are one thing. I can't help but feel once you get around one - even wash one by hand, you will love it. Those big fenders coming out the sides well are just sexy in real life.

[@gordocarbo]

agree, great looking car! Shame they never caught on

[@charlesdalton985]

Oh man, what a pair. AMC turned out some great cars on a tight budget - the AMX being one of them. And the GSX - oh yeah - going fast with class. Couldn’t go wrong with either of these, and a great race. Thanks as always for your time putting these together! 🌮 🌮

[@CarsAndZebras]

🌮

[@billybob9961]

@@CarsAndZebras Super cool car love your videos

[@robertstevens1537]

I love it when you break down the cost adjusted for inflation. As always a highlight of the night.

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

Me too, to be honest even adjusted for inflation most muscle cars were only about $17,000 to $25,000 in today’s dollars. Compared to an SRT8 Challenger which is $50,000 it’s no wonder even a blue collar working man could afford them. My Dad’s 2nd car was a 1970 Charger 383. He bought it a year or 2 old for $2000 or less

[@gordocarbo]

@@RobertSmith-le8wp Shows how ovepriced todays cars are 20ish Id consider but how does one afford an 800 -1000a mo pmt? 30 yr financing?lol

[@gordocarbo]

More proof how overpriced todays cars and trucks are. What id give to buy either of these cars new back then wow!

[@gordocarbo]

@@RobertSmith-le8wp 50k...no working man I know could afford that! 20ish...its a stretch but done it before and worth it. Cars over overpriced tin cans.

[@cactuscanuck6802]

Wow, what a rare pair of beauties! Would love me that Javelin!

[@kiisu74]

I like the commentary here; informative without the dumb jokes.

[@chevyblue10]

I miss the jokes

[@jimmeyer7632]

I DON'T MIND THE DUMB JOKES EITHER .... IT'S CALLED ENTERTAINMENT REALLY GLAD TO HEAR THE COMMENTARY ... REALLY MISSED IT WHEN IT WAS MISSING !!!!!

[@rogerodle8750]

Great video -- learned a lot about the Javelin.

[@brandaneakright6082]

Both cars are awesome cars, but both are actually really rare cars too. The amc’s are very overlooked cars, they had some really cool cars. Great video though loving the content.

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

My favorite is the AMC Rebel. Really awesome looking car

[@audieconrad8995]

Proper background info on the AMC. Thank you.

[@68dart]

Awesome , Thanks C&Z

[@CarsAndZebras]

👍

[@pb68slab18]

The 401 was a great motor. Pulled the 304 out of my Jeep CJ and put one in. Edelbrock makes aluminum heads. Only problem was boring them out. +.030" - OK , + .060" - iffy.

[@danmyers9372]

Downside of a thin wall block casting I’m guessing.

[@mocarpenter8836]

Dude in the AMC was making SAMMY @ the tree !!! 💯💯💯

[@Rieju-Sherco]

GREAT to see AMC

[@1967davethewave]

That was great!!! The Javelin is definitely underrepresented in racing today. My personal favorite is the 70 because of it's really cool hood but when I was a youngster I loved the 71 to 74 because of my AF/X slot cars. I think everyone who raced them probably had that Javelin! And the GS is cool too. I didn't know the GSX was still an option in 72. It would be cool if it had the factory electronic traction control!

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

I agree 1970 the best.

[@gordocarbo]

@@scrambler69-xk3kv around 93 I had the chance to buy a nice 70 amx 4 spd with air for 3500. 2 days late...what a killer car had the cold air too

[@gordocarbo]

Remember those slot cars!! When I was old enough I took my paper route $ and bought my brother and I a TCR set man we played it endlessly. Id go and buy extra pieces of track make hills dips etc. Dad thought I was frigging nuts. Touch of OCD yaaay. lol

[@mikenicholas8755]

amazing #s for those cars, with the Stock rules followed

[@gordocarbo]

Sure is...low 14s to high 12s, still quiet and sleepy sounding. That takes a LOT of doing.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: I bought a '71 GS after high school. Loved that car. Like said, they were heavy. I'll bet that light Javelin would really respond with a few mods, like a little intake and exhaust work, maybe a cam. The GS came from the factory with a slightly aggressive cam. I am sure the GSX had a good cam also.

[@gordocarbo]

Im amazed how quick that heavy Buick is. THey are so much nicer inside than a Chevelle! If id known that back when I was young Id have bought B.O.P. Nicer overall.

[@thinkinoutsidethebox9078]

Those 455 motors were super dependable n ran great. Now there's alot of go fast parts available.

[@63MacGuy]

Thanks brother! I’ve been street racing (when I was younger) for many years and I never gave credit to the Stage 1 or the 340 molar until now. Thanks for opening my eyes🎉

[@davidconkling3655]

Great show! 1970 Buick GS' s 455 are stump pullers and ultimate Sleeper. GSX. Is solo Hot. Be nice if it was a 70.....

[@slickone9135]

Both awesome cars. Wonder what the results would be with the 401 with 10 or 11 to one compression. I love the GSX dash, just beautiful. The Javelin looks so good with doggies on👍

[@MBailey1977]

Doesn't one of the rules allow for a compression bump? I wanna say you can go up 1.5

[@slickone9135]

@@MBailey1977, I assumed these were stock as the way they came from the factory. My comment was strictly hypothetical.

[@gordocarbo]

Id love to have another 401 Jav. Port some Edlebrock heads, SFT cam headers the usual. More than enough power!! THen widen the stock wheels as we did back in the day. Long turbo muffs, vintage AC and hidden 400w stereo

[@Smoothoperator65]

That Buick had more horse then specified if the javs power was legit, GM was notorious for low rating their cars power specs!

[@kingjames1586]

Pre 73 amc 401’s are highly underrated 👍

[@gordocarbo]

Sure are. I was clueless to those til I bought one at 19? late 80s That 401 pulled like a big block. Puke orange with white bucket interior. Paid $400 for it! Miss those days

[@tertessa]

71 Javelin SST 360 wish I had it now

[@timmotel5804]

Two cool cars. Thanks to all

[@granddad-mv5ef]

It was closer than I imagined, but you always need to keep in mind neither of these cars have factory parts INSIDE the engines. Not a complaint at all, love to see them on the dragstrip.

[@gordocarbo]

Bet crank and rods are stock....custom cam for sure. Possibly some trick head work, extrude hone the intake and exh manifolds.

[@sergebasque8460]

Thanks! For your great content concerning the muscle car from the late 60&70 these fast had excellent style and design 👏👍💪😎🇨🇦

[@Twin_solo_az]

Always loved the looks of the Javelin and AMX. These races from a dig really mostly measure the driver’s launch. That javelin is more powerful and I’d like to see them race from a 40 roll.

[@genoqueen6370]

1970 GS 455 Stage 1 would have walked away from the 401 AMC

[@gordocarbo]

GS has around 500 lbs tq stock, Jav has 430. Those bufords move out

[@gordocarbo]

@@genoqueen6370 Agree, dude doesnt know what hes talking about. Even watching the video it states the facts

[@kanadianbacon7733]

*"AWESOME MATCH~WICK'D CARS!!"* *"CHEERS!"*

[@GroovyBabyYeah]

I love this channel 😊

[@AMCguy]

This is a testament to AMC's design, a engine with 54 less cubic inches than it's competition can still be competitive. All a guy would have to do back in the day was gonto an AMC dealer and order a custom ground camshaft and he'd be smoking competition

[@gordocarbo]

Ah you know about Group 10? Heard about it as a kid. Friend I still have today dated my aunt when I Was a kid...68 AMX finally sold it last yr. TOld me allabout the group parts.

[@joshuacohn2004]

Love it!

[@billybob9961]

Beautiful cars I had a 1972 javelin but it had the in-line six still a cool looking car

[@aledakivett9255]

I had one also! 3 on the tree, chirp the tires grabbing 2nd! Loved that car.

[@donaldhollums3278]

I was way off! I was expecting mid 13s-high 13s.

[@gordocarbo]

Love the sleepy grandpa look of the Jav! Perfect for blending in with traffic. No flowmasters either thank god. Love your vids keep up the good work bud .

[@phantomblott1]

You just got to give the under dog credit for trying. Love the Javelin and the AMX version even better. I always wondered if AMC had started a few years earlier with their engine development, how things could have ended up different. Sure miss AMC today.

[@mikewasfaret9563]

I used to like the 68-70 javelin better, but I like the 71s better as I get older.

[@gordocarbo]

Well said. Once I saw a 70s jav lowered a little and a nice wheel tuck/stance job it changed my opinion fast.

[@BoricuaBiker2012]

Awesome!!!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid!!!!!!!

[@1972Ventura455ho]

Poor Javelin not getting any love . It would be a helluva bracket car with that MPH at a 12.90.

[@gordocarbo]

Pulling up to that on the st Id never suspect it was a 12.90 car. Love me a good street sleeper very unassuming looking.

[@bw3506]

Couple rare ones today. Both nice looking cars too. I think if they left evenly the Javelin would have nosed the Buick out. It made a good run at it as it was. Thanks again for the vid! 👍

[@gordocarbo]

Id love to see both run with a set of drag radials

[@NeuKrofta]

Would be nice if you say what milage the race is somewhere. At a 1/4 of a mile the AMC is still winding up, plenty left on the top end with those 3.73s

[@rodneybeaman8183]

"Hey Javelin"!

[@aledakivett9255]

Wanna run it?

[@mythosallen32]

Martin! My home track.

[@thinkinoutsidethebox9078]

I'm 58 n starting life n career over. If I can I'm gonna build a 70-72 GS 455 Tribute. Mine was an automatic n had few extra parts available when I had mine so id love to do a 5 speed if possible.

[@gordocarbo]

any man trans kit from an a body will work on yours.

[@JBASH2011]

Two the best. Huge Buick GS fan, but also pulling for the underdog Javelin. Bond never driving a Buick is payback enough, I guess.

[@thinkinoutsidethebox9078]

My first car in 1980 was a 72 GS 455 convertible. That car ran n had tons of torque. It was quick considering it was the Cadillac of muscle cars.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

I always liked the look of the first gen 1968-1970 Javelin so much more then this version.

[@gordocarbo]

So did I. THen I owned a 71 sst 401 I had no idea how much torque those made! It dusted my 67 rs with a built 327/Muncie with no problem. Those Javs look mean if they are lowered an inch or two with more rubber.

[@jamieturner401]

"In the right lane a "68 Superbee..." Did the anouncer look out the Window?! It's Super Cool seeing that '72 GSX! A 'Real' one sitting next to the obviously 'fake' one, as they never made 'Post Coupe' GSX's. But whatever... you can run what you can build... I wonder if that GSX (or the Javelin) still have their original Compression Ratio's)? I would assume that as to the Rarety of both cars. I'm sure most '401' Javelin's were AMX's. Great Race! Would have loved to have seen a Couple more rounds... 😊

[@paulplack490]

I believe the Pure Stock rules allow a 1.5-point compression increase to allow milling blocks and heads for restoration. I'd guess both these cars had that done to run the times they're running.

[@gordocarbo]

There were quite a few 401 Javs built. SST

[@vernanderson4358]

Wow those time are quite good. They're both close to the 1964 Studebaker super Lark R3 which runs as low as 12.6 at 114 MPH at same pure stocks. But the Stude is only 304.5 cubes and the engine is from 1949-50 design. NOW THATs REALLY IMPRESSIVE .

[@gordocarbo]

Those were fast cars even in the 80s most car guys I knew never heard of em. 13s was fast in the 80s and 90s...60s Wow

[@vernanderson4358]

@@gordocarbo yes if factory woulda coulda shoulda campaigned say 50 of those super Lark R3'S, songs like 409 and shutdown would NOT have been about Chev and Mopar.

[@goneshootin61]

Amc's 401 was their best performance engine !

[@badass6.0powerstroke10]

I thought the 390 was the Top Dog for AMC. Basically same as 401, just a little smaller.

[@goneshootin61]

@@badass6.0powerstroke10 No it's actually the 401 .

[@lelomiliken7598]

I do miss... Those fart sounds 💨💨 when a heavy car and driver's weight are announced💥💥💥.

[@chevyblue10]

Wow. I had no idea the 72 GSX was capable of that ET. Kinda makes that my favorite now...I thought the 70 GS would be a lot quicker, but they're obviously not that much quicker. Seems to be about the same. I had a regular old 72 Skylark with the 350. That thing was a luxury tire burner. No other mid size GM could compare when it came to quality. I had other early 70s GMs that size...specifically a 71 SS Chevelle and a 74 Olds Omega. Both would outrun the Buick 350, but they weren't built as good. The quietness, the ride, the way it drove, the Buick was the best by far. It must be nice owning one with a 455 Stage One. The Omega was super quick...it had the Rocket 350 4 barrel. It may have been faster than the big block Chevelle, idk. I didn't own them both at the same time. I'd love to see an Omega with the Rocket 350 run on C&Z. It would be interesting to see what kind of times they were capable of in this class.

[@gordocarbo]

Carpooled in a Buick Skylark as you mentioned. 350 surprised me with the off idle torque it had spun tires real easy. Those were nicer than the chevelles inside

[@bigbird5090]

The GS got a little bit of the jump out of the lights. Also the tires that were on the cars probably had something to say about the outcome. Fairly beefy BFG T/A's vs skinny old school Goodyear Pollyglass stock tires. The Javelin guy too the "stock" criteria a little more seriously than the GS guy did. That said, the Javelin should have had a little more weight added to it with the sway bar that came with 401 cars and not the lack of one that came with 6 cyl cars. (This car was a 6 cyl car with a 401 put in it I believe. It did not have the sway bar.)

[@timcoker1428]

Javelins look a lot better with the front and rear spoilers. I owned a 1973 Javelin AMX back in the early 2000s, got thumbs up all day long.

[@BuRn1NgAnUs]

Is that Buick firefrost gold?

[@johnwagner4559]

GSX wins on looks alone! Lol. Nothing more sexy than a GS OR a GSX. If it would've been the higher compression 455, 70s, it would've spanked that AMC and asked to see the red marks. Lol.

[@LordSamuelJ]

1969 mustang fastback is waaay sexier than a Buick GSX

[@johnwagner4559]

@@LordSamuelJ If u say so.

[@camclarke9952]

@@LordSamuelJ to woman maybe,the 69 mustang was no where close to the gsx in looks,gsx is king.

[@goblin103187]

​@@LordSamuelJMustang is "plain jane" next to the GSX.Not to mention built cheaply compared to Buicks. Now had you said a Shelby GT500 I would say its close.

[@jimmeyer7632]

JAVELIN WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE TIME WISE BUT THE GSX HAS GOT TO BE VERY VERY HIGH ON THE BEST LOOKING CARS EVER AND RUNNING 12'S WITH LOW COMPRESSION AND 4250 WEIGHT .... CAR WOULD BE PERFECT WITH BUCKETS AND CONSOLE SHIFTER

[@futon02]

Buick!

[@gordocarbo]

watched 3rd time lol. Jav did a lot better than I expected! Anyone know if that was stock stroke ornot? Impressed that it can dip into the 12s and still have a fairly tame idle. Wouldnt kick either outta bed!

[@garybattaglia4009]

For those who prefer the classic C&Z commentary.....@3:07 BRAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPP

[@marioncobaretti2280]

AMC!

[@gordocarbo]

Always root for the underdog but knew the Buford would take it home

[@BrandonLeeBrown]

The early 1971 401's had higher compression ratio than. the later 1971's that had 9.50:1.

[@fergusonhobbyfarm4567]

That is one plain Jane Javelin!

[@Rick-S-6063]

It still gave the GSX some serious competition.

[@pb68slab18]

Some 70's Jeeps came with a TH-400 made with the AMC bellhousing & bolt pattern. A much better trans for drag racing than the BW or Mopar units..

[@visekual6248]

I can't understand how the GSX was so fast having less power and being much heavier than the javelin, I thought the javelin would destroy the GSX.

[@williamsprinklesr5036]

My first car was 72 Skylark with 350. I dreamed of finding a wrecked GSX Just to get the engine trans an rear end.

[@7x779]

Because the actual torque and horsepower is way more than what they're advertising. The javelin may also have lost traction at the beginning but we couldn't see that.

[@jimhermsen683]

In 72 it changed from gross to net

[@7x779]

@@jimhermsen683 thanks, I I forgot exactly what year it changed

[@drippinglass]

The driver.

[@cannarris]

No way it weighs that much

[@a.k.a.A.E.1]

the javelin needs the ,go packet,, a crossram manifold and a 4 speed manual !

[@badass6.0powerstroke10]

It's the "Go Package".

[@goblin103187]

The manuals are not as quick as the automatics.

[@a.k.a.A.E.1]

@@goblin103187 50/50 ! One secret is the gear ratio ! And wheel diameter !

[@ripvanrevs]

Never try to catch a javelin.

[@aledakivett9255]

Remember the Hey, Javelin! TV add with a very young Richard Dreyfus? It made me want one, so I visited the local AMC store. Could have bought my dream for aa hundred a month! Sadly that was what I was living on in college.

[@chidrole]

👍🇨🇦💪🏻🦓🦓

[@CarsAndZebras]

👍

[@DK-455]

There's no way either one of these are stock. Low 14's would be what they would run.

[@CarsAndZebras]

You just going to comment the same redundant comment on every video? Read the video description box.

[@audieconrad8995]

@@CarsAndZebras point - counter-point.

[@karlsracing8422]

I'd take the Javelin anyway. 401 amc will outlast the fragile buick.

[@Lucille69caddy]

You’re kidding, right?

[@goblin103187]

You must be joking? Everyone knows how well Buicks are/were made. Hence the 4250 curb weight and bullet proof engines.

[@stevesvoboda9816]

Buick will demolish the Javelin. That is if the Buick driver doesn't camp out in the hole?

[@mikepotter6426]

Nichol does not add strength. Carbon adds strength. Nichol reduces corrosion and adds malleability.

[@Rick-S-6063]

It's n-i-c-k-e-l, just like the five cent coin.

[@1979Camaro]

I think the GSX will beat it!! Especially on a 3:90 rear!!

[@ilikeguitars3511]

Whyd you stop talking in your videos for a little bit a while back?

[@luasmartinez1262]

Dear Mr. Zebra, or is it Mr. Cars, or is it Mr. Cars Zebras? Anyway, is there ANYONE at the stock drag race under the age of 45 that isn't a grand child? My point is if there were people driving these fine vehicles whose fast twitch muscles still worked, wouldn't the ET's be quicker? (Farting the AC/DC song Highway to Hell as an homage to the channel.)

[@gordocarbo]

Time doesnt start til you break the beam if you are going for ET. Beating the other car is reaction time and power

[@chevyblue10]

I miss the jokes btw.

[@gt-37guy6]

Where in the world are you getting the weights for these cars? Auto Catalog Data shows 1971 GS 455 auto to be 3721 lbs curb weight, ok may not include a tank of gas, but holy cow over 4254 with driver? No way, unless the guy is 300 + ! Other GM A bodies like GTO Judge same around 3850 lbs. You should reference CURB weight from a single database to be consistent.

[@CarsAndZebras]

The cars are weighed-in the day before the race. This IS their weight. In drag racing, especially pure stock, it is very common to run weight in the trunk for traction.

[@gordocarbo]

@@CarsAndZebras INternet experts gotta love em right?

[@cherrylove3656]

THE javelin would probably taken the Buick with another race

[@shawnsatterlee6035]

Buick should have stuck with the nail head honestly!

[@badass6.0powerstroke10]

No, whatta you crazy. That's like Ford staying with the FE Big Blocks, and not coming out with the 429-460 Big Blocks.

[@RDYOUTUBE54]

You think maybe you were off on your HP figures? How could the Buick have 100 less HP, weigh 600lbs more and be 2 tenths faster?

[@camclarke9952]

torque

[@gordocarbo]

Torque and gearing. Same way an almost stock C4 can run low 12s with a stock gear. hp numbers dont tell the whole story its how its put to the ground A bodies have a nice 4 link stock which helps

[@stevegally8433]

I’m about to see the race, I think the javilin could take the GSX narrowly, but if little out of tune, and GSX has the Opt 454, which is likely at a DRAG Strip, only run the 72 ekes it out

[@johnwagner4559]

455

[@natieighty3613]

Bring the sound effects back

[@AngryOtter614]

Javelin wins with a decent driver.

[@alanarmstrong2323]

64 thunderbolt 427 fe beats them all easy !

[@audieconrad8995]

Jeeeezus...wtf does THAT hafta do with this???

[@camclarke9952]

nope 14.70s that furd ran ,nice try but a pacer would beat that pile of 💩

[@alanarmstrong2323]

@@camclarke9952 are you Shure factory race thunderbolt 15.1 compesion.

[@alanarmstrong2323]

@@camclarke9952 and yes the cammer or 90 day miracle was a Hemi as well

[@gordocarbo]

@@camclarke9952 Not a chance. Ive worked on a legit thunderbolt untouched. Those cars were frigging fast.

[@1979Camaro]

I hope this don't get anyone angry but those AMX's only look like big Gremlins to me!! Definately not the car for me!!

[@mikedrown2721]

Electric cars are faster

[@natemofield281]

I'll never snub the Javalin as a performance car, but Lawd that thing is ugly.