1973 Firebird SD455 vs 1970 Torino Cobra Jet - PURE STOCK DRAG RACE (Best of 3)

[@CarsAndZebras]

Remember you guys, these cars participate with Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Racing. Minor modifications are allowed. Please visit their website for details, and make sure to follow them on Facebook! Thanks, you guys are awesome!

[@CarsAndZebras]

Yes

[@CarsAndZebras]

@Charlie B They make everyone tear down at the event in front of a certified Pure Stock specialist (it takes about 12 years of training to acquire this certification). Then they hurry and have to put the engine back together in around 20 minutes flat or they are cut from the line-up. After that, they must produce 2 sandwiches to the judges/specialists as a gift of thanks. If the judges/specialists don't approve of the sandwiches then the driver is cut from the line-up. Lastly, they have to recite the first 10 lines from the movie, "American Graffiti," and if they can't? You guessed it, they get cut from the line up.

[@chrishill1286]

Wow the ground was shaking. Excellent big block war!

[@peteshea8010]

They're more than just "minor." In some cases those cars are making 100+ more horsepower than they did when they rolled off the showroom floor.

[@vmwindustries]

Epic video! I love the Torino!

[@davegeisler7802]

Kudos to PMD for keeping the muscle car era alive until 1973 !!! They found away to maximize the power out of that 455SD while running 8.5 to 1 C/R with EPA mandated EGR Valve , A.I.R. Pump and Emission controls. Pontiac went out swinging to the very end 🏁👍

[@chrisgeisler7789]

It was a Great Engine that made the Firebird Really Fast in 1973 your right Pontiac went out Swinging!!!

[@chuck0802]

No air pump & injection tubes or catalytic converters in 1973

[@netrioter]

They faked it's emissions in 73..that's why it's still doing 1971 speeds

[@tomm9860]

That they did Yes i'm a PMD guy my first was a 66 GTO with a blown 389. I replace with a 1968 Formula Firebird motor 400 HO at a local junk yard will 45k miles on the engine. It came all ready to bolt in air cleaner ,starter, 800 cfm Quadrajet it cost me $250.00 back in 1971 but there was a crore on the 389 of $25.00 dollars, had the motor in hooked to the 4-speed standard and running in 3 hours, Yes i did change the oil and filter, OLUZUM 10-40 wt, filed the tank with 260 Blue Sunoco 104 octane at 32 cents a gallon. i think I had 3:42 gears, LOVE and miss the old real PONTIACS. All sohad a 1965 GTO as well as a 1968 LeMans with a 400 .Dumb GM stopped making them, Back then PMD was way different then the Chevys,Bucks,Oldsmobile , and Caddys Old Combat Vet Tom

[@davegeisler7802]

@@chuck0802 no cat until '75 your right , but i think it still had an air pump , a.i.r. tubes and egr valve.

[@jeremythompson9122]

The Ford Drag Pack option was the best performance bargain of the muscle car era as far as options go. You got a hell of a lot of extra shit just for opting for the 3.91 or 4.30 gears. A little over $200 for all that was a steal even back then

[@CarsAndZebras]

You don’t really see options like that now!

[@jeremythompson9122]

Those days are long gone unfortunately. Back then basically anyone with a full time job could afford to buy a car like a 340 Dart or a Roadrunner or Super Bee with the 335 horse 383, a 4 speed, and 3.23 rear end as standard equipment for less than $3,000. I found an old ad for a 69 Roadrunner from one dealership...$2795 base price. Was a great time to be a gearhead

[@stevec7081]

yeah it was

[@kramnull8962]

If only ya could have gotten the 70 Thunderbird 429 in this that was rated for 480Ft lb. of torque with 365 HP.

[@guywerry6614]

I used to hang around with a gearhead who worked on my cars years ago. When he was young he bought a SD 455 Trans Am (1974?) off of a fellow in our small town. On his way home there's a 90 degree corner - he hit the gas coming out of the corner, lit the tires up, lost control, spun into a telephone pole and TOTALLED it. He had owned it 15 minutes. Heavy sigh.

[@CarsAndZebras]

It definitely happens. Almost did the same with my ‘13 Mustang GT (yes, I know, stereotypical.... but I was able to keep it on the road and not hit anyone)

[@74SD455TA]

Thats classic attrition. One reason why there are only maybe 400 of them left.

[@johnoneill2661]

Hit the gas? Out of a corner?

[@guywerry6614]

@@johnoneill2661 At some point in the corner - I wasn't there, just relying on the fellow's telling of the story.

[@guywerry6614]

@@johnoneill2661 "Hit the gas" meaning "stepped heavily on the accelerator pedal", which in an SD455 means LOTS of power being unleashed suddenly.

[@jimsteele2072]

The SD455 and that drivetrain are brutal. I was suprised.

[@coreyjenkins3056]

Yes!!! I was not expecting that low compression 455 to beat the Torino.

[@javman6022]

The 73 SD455 was the last true muscle car. They were right there with all the 60's muscle cars... beating many of them. Pontiac knew what they were doing and it was very impressive being how things were at that time. I'm surprised that Torino was as close as it was.

[@coreyjenkins3056]

I had a 1976 Caprice Classic(4dr) with a stock 350 and beat the brakes off a early 1990's Mustang Boss 302 w/ a chip change! From mid range to top end that stock 350 kept pulling away. For a big grocery car to punish that Mustang was impressive!!! If you could have seen the look on dudes face(😢) after the race... and he had the quickest Mustang on the Island from what I was told prior too the race. Since then I've noticed how a stock car i built from the junkyard can beat expensive newer cars! I love their disappointed look!!!🤜🏿🤛🏿

[@sergiojacquez2277]

@@javman6022 Pontiac only made 295 SD-455 engines in 1973. 252 on Trans am’s and 43 on Formulas like this one so not to many people know about this rare engines. And I happen to be lucky to own one of them on my 73 Trans am. I recommend you google SD-455 engine info and you’ll see how different internally this engine was built as opposed to base 455 engines. Only difference outside was the round port heads and exhaust manifolds. Engine block # is 490132 and heads are stamped #16 in center above exhaust manifolds.

[@tomm9860]

@@coreyjenkins3056 Yes me neither

[@barcrrt850]

Those SD Pontiacs ran very strong. Surprisingly quick for a compression ratio of 8.5:1

[@DirtMonkey625]

If you believe that Compression Ratio in that engine is still 8.5:1, I have some genuine moon dust for sale

[@barcrrt850]

@@DirtMonkey625 Oh, I do believe it. They ran very strong even with that ridiculously low compression. It offered real performance with no excuses. Oh yeah, it's real.

[@timsharpe3498]

@@DirtMonkey625 Taking full advantage of the rules would still put the Pontiac’s compression at under 10:1. When you consider that the Ford came from the factory with 11.3:1 compression and a solid lift cam it gets even more embarrassing for the Ford considering that he’s allowed up to 12.8:1

[@randycoursey7230]

Looked Like the Cobra won the first race. Torino Cobra is heavier also. Close racing.

[@randycoursey7230]

​@@timsharpe3498 It looked like the Cobra took the first race. The Torino Cobra is much heavier also. And it wasn't even rated at 400 horsepower.

[@chevyblue10]

I don't care what it ran, I want that Torino. What a beautiful, rare badass car!!!

[@Fred-wy4ix]

Chevyblue 10. Fight you for it. Not really. I agree with you.

[@rudfil]

That red Torino Super Cobra Jet is a beauty, the lines are gorgeous just like many of the cars in the day. The horsepower in those V8s back then seemed like a lot but today's smaller engines put out an insane amount power with double the fuel economy. Times have changed but those old muscle cars are gorgeous.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Very true about the new cars.... but there’s something about an old high compression V8 with solid lifters.

[@K-Effect]

With your machinist help you can do some small tweaks with some after market parts in compression when building one of these old girls and get a lot more horses out of them. It sure does add a lot more smiles to miles

[@karma4553]

With turbos and talking naturally aspirated and so on and so forth its a no brainer

[@289cobra9]

Net horse power. Not gross horse power.

[@geraldscott4302]

Remember modern cars are cheating. They are using computers, turbochargers, variable valve timing, double overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder, and a number of other things. It's not the same. It's almost like comparing an overgrown golf cart like a Tesla to a REAL car. It's not so much about how fast you go, but how you go fast. Do you really think going fast in a battery powered golf cart would be fun? I don't.

[@claytammaro7060]

Wow the SD 455 car is fast for a 73 car

[@sergiojacquez2277]

Clay do yourself a favor rather than me trying to explain what the 73 and 74 SD engine was, google it and you well be better informed i think you well enjoy the article.

[@claytammaro7060]

What I was saying is SD455 was a killer, well over the HP rating Pontiac was advertising. My street racer was a 69 Chevelle SS 396 L78 which Chevrolet advertised 375 HP not even close read many magazine articles dyno reports showing 425+ HP off the delivery trucks. I look forward to read the story you sent me.

[@jtc1964x]

@@claytammaro7060 yes, Pontiac greatly underrated that engine. If the car was 3860 pounds and ran a 109 mph it was certainly closer to 375-400 net HP

[@carsbyjeff]

i DON'T KNOW HOW THEY RAN THAT FAST WITH NO COMPRESSION...BUT THEY DID!

[@jtc1964x]

@@carsbyjeff incredible low-end torque! That 455SD would literally jump at low to mid RPMs. That was the height of "there is no replacement for displacement" line!

[@davedavis775]

Both cars are awesome cool. But since I was a Pontiac guy first and owned two 77 Trans Am cars . I have to go with the SD455 Formula. Man that is one sweet car.

[@chiefpontiac1800]

That is one nice ass Pontiac. Both really nice looking cars!

[@CarsAndZebras]

Both VERY rare!

[@williamg2552]

@@CarsAndZebras I'm BIG fan of The Firebird. I've owned 3 of them....and I have one now: A '96 Formula 6-speed Convertible. I wished GM still built them !!

[@kevinroark4346]

my friend has one just like it his late dad got a heck of a deal on it when GM GUIDE PLANT was still in Monroe,Louisiana/Ouachita Parish,now the plant is gone with 1,500plus jobs,his dad retired years before it shut down.Bur the 4sp.manual with the 455ci.has power.

[@tomquinn607]

Amazing the Pontiac did so good with that enemic compression.

[@travisquintero8334]

@@williamg2552 cherish it brother.. I have a 96 WS6 myself💪

[@roleymarx3811]

I'd love to see the F'bird going up against a Camaro. Pontiac power RULES!

[@wymple09]

The COPO Camaro in these videos ran 12.23 at 116. Pick your Camaro carefully.

[@clayoto6619]

A 1974 Camaro? That would be interesting.

[@kramnull8962]

@@wymple09 Well dayum, why don't you just pick out a $120000 car?

[@wymple09]

@@kramnull8962 What it's market value is now is immaterial. It wasn't an exotic out of reach car when it was made.

[@beezie2566]

@@wymple09 lol comparing a Camaro that shouldn't have existed against a production car.

[@NSH_2814]

Damn, the Torino is a work of art! Ford must bring it back

[@jimmeyer7632]

YOU AUTA SEE A 70 TORINO COBRA JET WITH HIDEAWAY HEADLIGHT

[@cloakedgt]

there was a concept but of course they pussy out, they nailed it BTW

[@markusantonio4866]

@@jimmeyer7632 scary looking with black.

[@johnpopoff7950]

They both must come back.

[@alanploetz7100]

I know this video is 2yrs old but gotta love those guys bringing their ultra-rare rides to the track. Love both, but always been a Pontiac guy going back to my dad's 64 Grand Prix and my 64 Lemans a decade later.

[@rustytime]

Love the '73 Formula 455. So nicely done! In '76 my best friend had a '73 Trans Am 455-SD with the 4 speed. I had a '74 Z28 (Car of The Year) with 4 speed, 650 Holley double pump, black Hooker header side pipes bringing power up so we would go back and forth winning quarter mile races but at about a 💯 his would set you back like he hit passing gear. Loved that! Loved both those cars. Now, going on almost 50 years later. I'd take the TA.🤫

[@74SD455TA]

You and i were both born and able to drive these fine cars when they were made. Want to comment on the 74 Z/28, my brother had one of those back in 1975. Great car. Strong runner with I believe a 3.73 rear end and an automatic. Myself, a Pontiac guy, today have a 1974 SD 455 T/A. Couldn't afford one back in 74 when I was 16 years old. Loved it all then and love it just as much now.

[@SteveBrueck]

I had a brand new 1973 Brewster Green TA 4 speed with the F60-15 tires. When I got to UT Knoxville I discovered a guy that also had a Brewster Green TA but his was an automatic SD with GR70 radials (brand new that year). So we decided to line them up (on campus or course...) and see who was quickest. So we launch and I pull the SD out of the hole with my better tires and probably gearing (3.42 vs 3.08). I shift to 2nd gear and I'm about a length and a half ahead. All at once I hear the huge roar and the SD comes blazing past me like I'm standing still. I'm like $%^@#$!!! So we lined them up one more time and exactly the same thing happened. The problem he had was not enough tire. When he launched he just spun tires while the F60 bias ply tires hooked up. But once he hit second gear, he hooked up and blasted me. I can tell you first hand that the horsepower ratings were not correct. :-)

[@rustytime]

@@SteveBrueck No doubt they fudged those ratings. lol ✌️Good memories.

[@prule1335]

Iv’e often said I should of gone to the Pontiac dealer in 74 instead of Chevy. Loved my L82 small block but that SD was rarer and so much better.

[@prule1335]

I swapped the QJet for a couple of different Holley carbs but it always seemed to run better with the QJet. Accel dual point and hookers. I forgot it was car of the year even though it had one of the ugliest front bumpers ever.

[@58raceguy]

Firebird got quicker with each round. Looked like the driver was dialing in his launch. Great racing with a couple spectacular cars.

[@beachbumseaglass]

The Pontiac had shaved heads. No way it ran 12s under 450 horse.

[@bluesman7475]

@@beachbumseaglass , read the rules. They do allow a 1.5 increase in compression. So it could legally run 9.9. My bet is it was stock. I bought a 74 sd-455 new. Changing to 3.72 gear, opening the ram air on the shaker, a B & M transpack and a Superholeshot converter, a set of hooker headers and ditching the sideways muffler and a distributor recurve ..yeilded me 12.22 at 116 mph and it would run that all day long with 8.4 compression.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@bluesman7475 No way was that '73 Pontiac "water chicken" pure stock.

[@OldGriz708]

@Sergeant Masson Neither of them were. Read the rules c&z has posted in the description.

[@MrBluzhound]

I concur. NFW. And at 3800#! Lol@@beachbumseaglass

[@LtJackboot]

I knew the Poncho was faster. Got a buddy with a 73 455sd firebird. He says it's a 'million dollar motor' to the right man.

[@marinegunny826]

Was a motorhead in my younger years. Miss the friendly banter among the guys and different makes of cars. Your car could beat anything on the street and everyone else's car was a sled😂😂😂

[@jameskester7745]

As a chevy guy, the Torino might be the best looking ford ever made, I'd drive that led sled around with a smile on my face, everyday. And that firebird is one of the most underrated cars built. Those things were fast

[@mynameis9057]

Those are some very respectable times for road dogs that old for sure ! A BIG thanks to the owners for flogging them for our enjoyment and to you for documenting it for us as well! ▪☆☆☆▪

[@CarsAndZebras]

It takes a pretty big pair to drag race a car that rare. A gentleman blew the engine on his hemi ‘Cuda last year....that’ll cost you. 😳

[@peteshea8010]

MODIFYING engines and cars per the "Pure Stock Drag's" own rules produces cars that are much faster than the originals. You have read those rules, right?

[@gregallen9065]

@@peteshea8010 if nothing, other than a royal douche bag, you are also a persistent royal douche bag.

[@bigbluezo6]

that SD455 was amazing looking car. I had a 74 SD455 love that car

[@1Phepsi]

That's a terrible word, had.

[@74SD455TA]

@@1Phepsi It really is a bad word, but at least he had... now myself, I HAVE ONE....oh my so SWEET

[@1Phepsi]

@@74SD455TA You lucky dog you.

[@74SD455TA]

@@1Phepsi Thanks, when I was 16 years old back in 1974 it hard to even know then that these cars did exist. I had a 74 Formula 400 2bbl car and lusted after the SD. There were a few things that stopped me however, one, I couldn't afford it, they were seemingly non existent or nearly impossible to get and, even if I could have, I would have destroyed it as a kid either through my own fault or the fault of the elements in Illinois like the salt. At the age of 50, back in 2010, I had my chance to fulfill what that dream and purchased a 74 SD 455 TransAm. As good as this car is, this Forumula SD presented here is simply amazing. Another wish of mine........

[@johnross6314]

74SD455TA I knew a person who ordered new a 74 SD Formula, midnight blue, with both Formula and the SD/TA hood scoop. Right from the factory. NO A/C, or options. And has a column shift automatic. He was a eccentric person. I hope his did not get sold, then lost into the crusher. His has to be the most rare of the 74s. I wrote a bio about mine above. Also midnight blue. T/A version. Added some history that content producer did not know. Given the times, Herb Adams and his crew of pirate engineers, were able to slide the SD system past the bean counters and EPA. They truly were patriots in every sense of the word. Real red blooded men. A dying breed in that day (and still today). They would be wearing red MAGA hats if still around. As a youngster, their persona helped shape how I ran my life as a real man. We need more like this today. In the meantime, I have my Cybertruck on order, and am waiting on the Plaid edition of the Tesla Model S. The world transforming red blooded men of today (and women) work at Tesla (and SpaceX). The future is sound.

[@freedomfirst5420]

You should have at least ten times more viewers! This is some really good content!👍👍

[@CarsAndZebras]

Thanks for watching! Keep sharing these videos and maybe someday will have those 10x more viewers!

[@josephromano6825]

That 1973 firebird formula is a beautiful car! The front of that car is aggressive !

[@rockiemountin7535]

Love the muscle car era of the 60/70 thanks for posting these videos, I just subscribe

[@BADD400]

Got to love Pontiac torque.

[@dragonlips2005]

STUMP PULLERS! Massive stroke motors with a decent flowing head from the factory!

[@lemon-cd9qv]

I miss the 1980`s when muscle cars could be had for as little as 300 dollars .

[@CarsAndZebras]

My dad always talks about how he picked up a couple GTOs in the late seventies for a couple hundred bucks each. Makes me vomit a little in my mouth.

[@theangryitalian7922]

Fml

[@lemon-cd9qv]

@@CarsAndZebras It is true . My favorite past time was to buy a local town paper that only old people read and buy garage kept beauties . that lasted from the time I could drive 81 thru 95 .

[@robertdevito5001]

My dad picked up a 58 olds 88 394 for $50 back in the day... he also had a black on black 63 impala ss 409 425 before he had a license. Over the years my uncle has had over 70 corvettes, almost exclusively c2s, he had ls6 chevelles and elcaminos as well. All before they were worth worth anything, after they became used. Meanwhile you’re getting a good deal if you get a rolling chassis for $5000 for one of these things.

[@lemon-cd9qv]

@@robertdevito5001 In rural areas of farm country I notice a decent amount of barn finds . My friend recently picked up a 70 olds toronado in very good condition for 1000 dollars . It needs an entire muffler system and the engine runs fine but needs rebuilding due to vapor lock .

[@tcjohnson3437]

Both sound sweet at mid-track . Would LOVE to have that Torino.

[@00buck2]

bet he was holding back a little bit on that rare Ford I would have been for sure.

[@Roboticgladiator]

The SDs were awesome, especially considering they were early smog motors.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Just think if it had 10.5:1 compression and tuned for race gas. Not much would touch it!

[@peteshea8010]

Production line stock examples were mid-14 second/97 MPH cars. The original pre-production prototype tested by CAR AND DRIVER was much faster because it was fitted with a blueprinted engine that included a RAM AIR IV cam and 1:65:1 rocker ratios. That version never made it into actual production cars. The car you see here is modified beyond the prototype's level.

[@peteshea8010]

@@CarsAndZebras Get real. RULE BOOK FOR THE MISLEADINGLY TITLED "PURE STOCK DRAGS:" www.psmcdr.com/rules Take a look at the MODIFICATIONS that were required to get this “pure stock” SD455 Trans Am to run mid 13s at 103 MPH: www.hotrod.com/articles/hppp-0810-pontiac-pure-stock-series-shootout/ And for the record, a true 10.5:1 compression ratio would be worth a 5% or so increase in power, relative to the stocks compression ratio. The SD455's cylinder heads and chambers were garbage by even LS1 standards.

[@Lucille69caddy]

​@@peteshea8010 Stock '73/'74 SD 455s ran 13.5s all day with a competent driver. With a slight overbore, compression raise (1 1/2 points), and rear gear change (allowed mods), the times achieved in this video are about right. Your comments make you sound like a butthurt Ford fanboy. This 429 was far from stock, but conveniently you fail to mention that.

[@superduty4556]

@@Lucille69caddy don't bother arguing with Pete, he's "done lots of research."

[@jimmycline4778]

These are the best drag races, stock on stock!

[@chuck0802]

This Formula is NOT a max effort edge-of-the-rules build. If it were built as such, the ET’s would be at least .5 seconds quicker. With that being said, it is a stock block, .030 bored, balanced/blueprint, untouched stock SD heads/intake/exhaust manifolds, stock rocker arms, 9.8 to 1 compression (1.5 over stock advertised compression is allowed), stock distributor with POINTS, full custom exhaust is 2.5” mandrel bent with X pipe, original trans, original rear end, original Q-Jet, no lightening or weight anywhere or drag reduction/rotational weight reduction, it’s run with a full tank of 108-110 octane full and simple suspension tuning. The key is to get the car moving without spinning the tires, a lot of chassis dyno tuning and seat time. Period. I have over 400 passes & time slips to prove it... It has been a best of 12.33 @ 114.85 on the East coast in -400 DA with a best ever 60’ time its peak performance. It probably needs a freshen-up and a diet... Then it will give even more people stomach aches. Lol

[@tomwaldo9556]

They are both beautiful cars. I would love to have one like either of those.

[@CarsAndZebras]

I definitely wouldn’t complain if either was in my garage.

[@enderwolf2153]

The cast cranks on Pontiacs aren’t necessarily a weakness.... they’re strong enough that you can keep the cast stock crank

[@justincole1502]

My father just gave me a 70 torino cobra for my 35th birthday. Just need to put the interior back in it and pull the motor to re rebuild it. We tore it down to put aluminum heads and few other little things then my mother passed away so it has sat for 10 years. I'm hoping to have it done middle of 2020. It is an amazing car and you rarely see any.

[@joequillun7790]

This is got to be my favorite C+Z video. 2 fantastic cars, both extremely rare, and equal in performance. Both W/ 4 spds and equal gearing. I would've given the nod to the blue oval, but am tickled pink the SD beat it. Maybe the couple hundred lb. advantage had something to do with it. The MPH showed adequate traction from both cars. Thanks.

[@j.manuelcharriez8115]

I’m a ford guy runs through my veins

[@jeremythompson9122]

These are both really awesome cars. The 70 Torino Cobra 429 SCJ is probably my favorite mid size Ford ever made besides a 66-67 Fairlane R-Code 427. And the 73 SD455 Firebird Formula is probably my favorite Pontiac other than a 62 Catalina 421 Super Duty. I always liked the cleaner styling of the Formula Firebird better than the Trans Am. I'd rather not have the stripes, graphics, and spoilers.

[@CarsAndZebras]

I agree. I do like the Trans Am, but I like the cleaner more subtle design of the Formula even more!

[@SweatyFatGuy]

I agree about the Formula, its why I have 6 of them and only 4 Trans Ams (they were dirt cheap in the 1980s and 90s too) I like the Fairlane better than the Torino, sold my 64 Fairlane 5 years ago in trade for a 32 Pontiac two door. Would like to get a 66 Fairlane, would match the 65 GTO real well.

[@jonathanbanta9456]

I like the 67 Fairlane. It was light and fast but cornered like a chaise lounge. (Yes, I have raced chaise lounges in my go kart days)

[@jeremythompson9122]

@@CarsAndZebras They called the Formula the adult version of the Trans Am

[@jeremythompson9122]

@@bilbobaggins4710 Damn right. I'm a Mopar guy but I love the styling of the 70-73 Firebird. Pontiac was always my favorite brand other than Dodge and Plymouth as far as muscle cars. I like them all though really

[@charlestwyman9933]

Cars and Zebras ….. Excellent coverage ! Utube really needs this program. Keep up the great work !

[@154Jamesp]

Too much gear in that Torino. He'd be faster with a 3.90. Either way, two spectacular cars. (I'd take the Torino given the choice)

[@davidbradley5510]

yep, you are right, 4.30 gears will spin that motor thru its powerband too quick. the 385 series engine (both 429 and 460 ) like taller gears to perform best..

[@donaldkinder6716]

Bbf engines are always slower than bbc or bbd engines....

[@leonvoltaire]

Um, which one finished 1st at Le Mans?

[@justinbirmann1223]

That bird beat that ford with a tad over an 8:1 piston. (Burning 87 octane. LOL

[@HighlanderNorth1]

Yep, it was long ago that I read a Hot Rod or Car Craft article that called for moderate gear ratios for larger, heavier cars(3:30 to 3:50), and higher ratios for lighter cars(3:90 to 4:30). I'm actually shocked that the Torino Cobra has a 4:30 AND a close ratio 4-speed! Do you know how terrible that Torino would be for ANY highway driving? I had a friend/roommate in 1991, who's parents had purchased a 1969 SS396 Camaro as an investment car they parked in their garage and never drove, except an occasional slow drive around their development just to keep things from seizing up. It had the 375hp 396, a close ratio Muncie 4 speed and 4:11 gears. One weekend his parents went away, and he picked up their Camaro, disconnected the odometer, and we cruised it around. There really wasn't much difference between 1 gear and the next, and at even 60mph in 4th gear, it's engine was revving much higher than any other 4 speed car I'd ever driven! It was not a good everyday driver for that reason!

[@Ray-fc8bo]

1 of 10? HELL YEAH! Thank you for sharing that Formula with us! And yeah, gotta respect the Torino too, lol.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@OldGriz708]

It's also a radio delete car, which more than likely makes it a 1 of 1.

[@rileytinny5946]

Thanks for the videos. My favorite class of cars to watch at the track🤘

[@josephsellers3844]

That 73 Trans won the nmsmc (stock muscle car) won the race over all other cars. This was about 8 or so years ago. Love Pontiacs!!

[@74SD455TA]

Of course you know that it was not a TransAm but the rarer SD455 Formula. Pontiac's rule!

[@bbb462cid]

Super matchup on many levels. So glad to see the Torino getting some respect and a real SD455...seen many SD455s with 400s, rare to see a real 455 and in a Formula too!

[@peteshea8010]

Not really a "real" SD455 because the example in this video has clearly been modified well beyond production line stock. RULE BOOK FOR THE MISLEADINGLY TITLED "PURE STOCK DRAGS:" www.psmcdr.com/rules

[@gregallen9065]

@@peteshea8010 you still at it little LS bitch? The SD455 Pontiac engine is legendary where as YOU are nothing.

[@chrisauten2039]

@@peteshea8010 STFU dude. The mods allowed in this series are minimal. The " stock " drags that have much more liberal rules are the F.A.S.T. drag races. There are cars actually in the low 10's and high 9's there but what is really impressive is that they do it on stock size bias ply tires

[@peteshea8010]

@@chrisauten2039 www.hemmings.com/blog/article/sleight-of-hand-sedan-1971-pontiac-le-mans-t-37-455/ Dan Jensen is the chief organizer of the Pure Stock Drags and that's his car. Compare it to the PRODUCTION LINE STOCK version and then tell me how "stock" it really is. Here are the Pure Stock Drag's rules. www.psmcdr.com/rules Milled heads (for minimum chamber volume per the NHRA's tech specs), three angle valve jobs, overbores up to .070". a host of modern internal parts, ,modern 2/5" mandrel bent exhaust systems are all LEGAL. So are drag shocks (for maximum load transfer over the rear wheels), un-streetable axle ratios (e.g., 4.88:1. locked differentials, high speed torque converters (auto trans cars) and a host of other "little tweaks." The more competitive "pure stock drags" cars are actually very far from production line stock.

[@frehleyleadguitar]

Your kidding right? That’s 200 something horsepower and 8.5:1 compression? LOL!

[@G77799]

Whom ever is the host or information commentator and also comes up with the interesting visuals definitely the “HOOK “ the classic’s speak for themselves 🇺🇸💪. Laughter is good thanks ‼️

[@mattharvey968]

My first car was a 1973 trans am! Miss that car ! This rare formula is amazing! Love the videos!🤘🏻

[@CarsAndZebras]

Thanks for watching!

[@erkintop6341]

A friend has the 1970 Torino SCJ 429 Drag Pac. it came with a C6 and 4 speed in the trunk with pressure plate, clutch, bell housing and shifter clutch the pedal under the dash .

[@Sergio-ih6lk]

Wow both of those cars are really quick nothing like American Muscle Cars just saying

[@jimmycline4778]

Are you saying they don’t make American muscle cars like this today? Camaro SSs, Hell cats, Corvettes, mustangs of today, would blow these 2 cars away easily😂 Just Saying! 😂

[@chuckd7423]

@@jimmycline4778 No, that wasn't what he was saying. He was simply saying that there's nothing like American muscle cars, but his comment would have been much clearer if he had used some punctuation within the comment. Here's the way that comment should have been written. "Wow, both of those cars are really quick. There's nothing like American muscle cars. Just saying."

[@sergiojacquez2277]

@@jimmycline4778 You can keep your computer, chip washing machine or that's what it looks like when you open the hood on all new cars of today and yes they are fast but i'll take an old school muscle car over any of today's plastic junk any day.

[@sandyk6657]

I drove a 1973 SD 455 in the late mid 70s and could have bought it for around $4,100. It was red and had 30K miles on it. Gorgeous car. It was an auto. Would have been worth a lot of money today. And it was fast - lots of torque. My parents said no due to insurance cost as I recall. Really regretted not getting it. Ended up with a 1974 Trans Am with a 455 and it wasn't anywhere nearly as fast as the SD 455. However, today I have a 2006 Z06 modded and it would run and hide from the SD 455.

[@erichaley4485]

That 73 Formula 455 SD was getting just warmed up.dude knew how to shift that monster.

[@secondthought2320]

Unleaded fuel was not mandated until 1975. That was the year catalytic converters were installed on all automobiles and most trucks.

[@motorman857]

Great video and info on the cars. Question. The biggest thing holding these cars back, in the 60's and 70's was the tires. Since they use the factory tires they came with, how are they not going up in smoke as they did back in the day? Are the reproduction tires much better than OEM?

[@mrmatt7210]

Track prep has improved. Additionally, there are companies which make radial tires that look like OEM, but benefit from todays technology.

[@sethkohut7815]

Back then you would see Grumpy Jenkins prepping his own starting line with rosin powder and a broom.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Actually CC Ryder, they don’t allow that in the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race. See the description for more details. If suspected, a tear down is required or they can’t race any more.

[@mikelliteras397]

The 429 SCJ is so expensive now but a base Torino is easily made into a nice 521 BBF. Looks great and a good bit faster for a lot less money.

[@buckshot4428]

My brother bought a 73 SD British Racing Green. I got ahold of it one night with a full tank of gas. It was a beast of a car, grossly underated as hp goes. It would smoke the tires at 30mph no problem and top speed was over 165.

[@Ian_Racing_Burke]

165MPH with those rear end gears??? Must have been turning 8,500 RPM to run a top speed like that.

[@buckshot4428]

@@Ian_Racing_Burke It had 3:23's.

[@kainsel]

Motor Trend July 1973 issue had SD Trans Am with 3.42 gears at 124 mph top speed. To reach 165 mph, probably need 2.56 gears?

[@buckshot4428]

@@kainsel It wasn't my car. I had no idea what gears it had. I just know it reached 165 and was still gaining speed. My brother had it in a speed shop prior to this and had a bunch of work done on it. Maybe he switched out the rear end to a more friendly gas saver.

[@williamhall3440]

The SD 455 Formulas were the only Formulas to have the Trans Am shaker air cleaner and hood (yes that is factory - it saved Pontiac the expensive process of having to EPA certify the same engine with a different air cleaner for a few cars. All other formulas had the long hood scoops in 73 and 74... the only years for the SD 455. The SD 455 had a cross-drilled crank and special provisions in the block for dry sump oiling. Pontiac was truly the last muscle car maker by 1973 with all the other performance cars being nothing more than stripes, graphics, spoilers, and wheels and not much go power under the hood. Ford in Australia continued that Torino body another several years as the Falcon cobra - at least through 1978. The front of those cars looked almost the same as the Torino Talledaga cars. It is a great looking style. They made a car called theFord Falcon in the U.S. in 1970 with this body style - not the compact Falcon which was discontinued after 1969. It was the El Cheapo mid-size car and could be ordered with the 429 and all the other high performance goodies!!!

[@williamhall3440]

Actually they made the compact Falcon in 1970 too - it was being phased out for the 1970 for the new Maverick. The Torino sized car was a half year only model in only the two door post body style. It could be had with 429 engines including the SCJ, 9 inch rear, shaker hood scoop, magnum 500 wheels, etc - or a six banger strippo. Quite the sleeper.

[@icedragon642]

The only Formula that was even rarer than that was the 1970 Ram Air 5, yes I did say 5!! I remember seeing that the engine made 520hp but I don't remember the torque value. It was very first issue of High Performance Pontiac before it was called HPP. I was in high school when I read that in 1981. I don't know why but it stuck with me!!! I almost forgot, there was only 59 examples of Trans Am's and Formulas!!!!!

[@dinos0429]

Finally, someone mentions the ram air V! Those things are absolutly insane. All those modifications made to the block to fix the issues of the ram air III and IV made it a horsepower monster, and only around 200 engines were ever built. The few cars that made it out with them either had to be specially ordered to be put into cars or were taken home to be installed in the vehicle. Too bad they were cancelled before they could truly shine. EDIT: The Ram Air Vs could be bought or installed at the dealer, not at the factory.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Interesting! I’ll have to look into that some more!

[@WVXL64]

The Ram Air V was NEVER factory installed in any car. It was an over the counter race engine only. Same with the 303 and 366. The RA-V was developed on 4 engines, the 303, 366, 400, and 428. The 303 was SCCA, the 366 for Grand Prix racing, and the 400 and 428 for drags. The rarest it the RA-V 303. Only 25 of those were made. No one knows an exact number of the other engines, but the 400's are estimated at between 80-200 engines produced. They were developed for the 1969 model year, and the 400 was slated for production in 1970 but it never happened.

[@icedragon642]

@@WVXL64 you may very well be right. My memory is not what it used to be but it was so bad ass. I know they were testing it in a 1968 GTO and I wish they would put the 400 an428 in production.

[@bailey9r]

@@WVXL64 You beat me to it Keith, never in a factory car. About 25 years ago a guy had three of these new in crates (400 ci I think) he wanted something like 4k each and yes I have been kicking myself ever since. :

[@jimmeyer7632]

I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL IN 1971 AND IT WAS A MAGICAL TIME WITH THESE CARS .... HAD A 69 CHEVELLE IN 71 BUT THIS 70 TORINO COBRA JET IS MY SECOND FAVORITE FORD EXCEPT FOR THE SHELBY MUSTANG AND BOSS 429 MUSTANG ... 70 TORINO'S WITH HIDEAWAY HEADLIGHTS WERE ROLLING PIECES OF ART .... ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL ..... THANKS FOR THE INFO ON THE SUPER COBRA JET DRAG PACK.... I HAD NO IDEA FORD ELIMINATED ALL THE WEAK LINKS AND MADE THIS ENGINE THE RIGHT WAY AND ALL FOR ONLY $207 ..... DAMN !!!!! WHY WEREN'T MORE OF THESE ENGINES SOLD.... WAS IT THE SOLID LIFTERS THAT SCARED PEOPLE OFF ??????

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Both beautiful cars! Loved this race!

[@deysonmorken9364]

My grandfather has an original 1970 torino cobra that was 1 out of 69 (something like that, not many were made) it's a beuty and I visit the car from time to time. I wish to restore it some day but my grandfather says to give my uncles a chance to go out and grab it, and if they never do then I get it. I hope they forget about that car, it's currently rotting in a hanger in Montana.

[@jamesnull6010]

Hey, this is really good stuff here!! Many thanks for posting it!🇺🇸

[@CarsAndZebras]

thanks for watching 👍

[@mitchmitchell5524]

Yes I believe that the 455 had 8to 1 compression ratio Not now

[@skeetersaurus6249]

Back in the 1970's, I had not one, but TWO SD455 engines...both I had bought from salvage yards, both from totalled Formula Firebirds, and both were still STRONG! The first one, I pulled the heads, put on '46' casting (closed chamber) heads...taking it to 11.7 to 1 ratio, dropped it in a 1975 Trans Am with WS6 suspension...had a 3.48 rear behind a TH400 auto trans, with shift kit. I could hit mid-10's at Beech Bend raceway ANYTIME! It would literally suck you back into the seat like a jet fighter...and the power NEVER let up! If I was in the lead, unless you had another similar set-up, you were NOT going to 'pull ahead', EVER! (there is no taking a Pontiac on the 'top side', due to the stroke). Strongest car I ever owned...and while I never had it dyno'd, knowing first-hand how a RamAir IV rode, as well as the L88 427 and LS6 454 (both stock), I can only guess that my TA was pulling somewhere in the mid-500's for HP, and close to 650-ft/lbs torque. It ran (barely) on supreme gas (of the day...93 octane)...and was actually quite-streetable (didn't really run much different in sound than a stock engine)...it even behaved well on take-off from street lights! Stomp the accelerator, and it would simply stop in the road and roast the back tires off...wouldn't even move to do a burn-out! (at the track, you could bleach pit them enough to get sticky, but STILL had to baby it to launch, which led to time-inconsistencies in higher classes that made it 'not competitive'). The other SD455? I tore down the bottom end, lathered the bearings, journals...with a good coating of vaseline (best 'builder's lube available, even now...comes out clean in your first oil change), and put it back together...wrapping it up in pallet wrap. Sat in my garage for over 2-decades...one day, a guy saw it, asked what it was, and when I told him, he pulls out his checkbook and says 'name a price'. I refused...he gives me a business card, and says 'if you EVER change your mind...'...one year, almost to the day later, I'm looking down the end of a nasty divorce...and I made the call. In a 'bad bind', it made me $3,000...with a phonecall, and it didn't even have the '46' closed chamber heads (which they probably would have had if it had been built in 1970)...

[@thomasvess6253]

67 Ford Fairlane is my favorite but I would kill for either of these HOT RODS.

[@CarsAndZebras]

I just might have a video of a pretty sweet Fairlane GTA coming in the future, so stay tuned.

[@jamesspringer1161]

I had the 67 Fairlane GTA with the 390 when I was 16. I am 60 now and would love to have that car now.

[@valkyriect3919]

I drove a 70’ Torino Cobra CJ back in high school. I never raced a bird or pony light to light. I went 2 lights or nothing. The car was just so heavy it had to get moving. I remember hearing the ram air sound when it was closed getting up to speed and at the point you could tell it was at max and going to open. I’d punch it and it would flip open I’d hit 4 and it was goodnight Irene for the bird and pony. Oh how I wish I still had that car.

[@donmyers584]

The huge ports in the cobra heads did cause these cars to suffer some on the low end but remember that they were designed for the oval tracks where they really shined. Good luck trying to catch one on top end

[@jrg7951]

I love all of these old monsters

[@stevelangworthy9553]

Wow...two rare cars being driven hard. Mad respect to both owners.

[@markj2838]

That formula has to have more power then advertised.... it is absolutely stunning too...

[@gordonignatowitz-e1z]

they actually got the horsepower wrong on this video....73 455SD were rated at 310hp whilst the 74s got the 290 rating......gri

[@707x-y6s]

@gordon ignatowitz both 73 ad 74 SD had 290HP

[@chrisdooley6468]

Love this channel. I get to rewatch these great races years later and get some knowledge dropped on me about the different models

[@troyallen3427]

That 4.30 rear scrubs alot on the topend!

[@johnrunion7258]

Yes,you need a 7,000+rpm engine for that gear.

[@crw3673]

I agree! Good take off, but lost top speed in the end. Maybe 4.11 or 3.90 gears would have served him better

[@wrotenwasp]

No doubt. With a 3.73 I cross the traps at 5400 rpms at 107 mph. The engine shifts at 5800. With a 4.30 I'd max out at the 1000 foot mark or less. Besides, it would be even harder to hook up. Seems like a big block would only need a mid -high 3 gear at best

[@johnrunion7258]

@@wrotenwasp I think that's the most veristile gear for GM street cammed engines.Went with that gear in my '64 GTO after my transplanted RA IV demolished the 10 bolt that was in it.Junk yarded a '66 Chevelle 12 bolt with 3.73 posi for $125,drum to drum.Exact bolt up to my GTO.Not enough gear for high reving RA IV,went to 4.88.Trapped 120's at 7,200 rpm.The 041 camshaft required 4.33 Pontiac gearing for optimum performance.

[@johnrunion7258]

@ It's sure that they can and do,I think in factory trim,they fall well short of that tho.

[@80GP400]

I work in a Nursing home, Was fixing a Residents Heater one day last week.. We Started talking cars , He said he had a 1973 455 SD Manual back in 70's and a Mustang 428 Cobra jet. New. I was like this Dude is Cool as heck.

[@enerrivers4392]

I'm very impressed with the Formula 455 SD. It kept up with a high compression performer. GM made a big error dropping Pontiac. Also, early in the video, did he say quadrajet on a FORD???

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I thought they ran Motorcraft

[@enerrivers4392]

@@larrynorsworthy8582 U r correct, sir.

[@crabbypapa3862]

@@enerrivers4392 You are incorrect sir. The Cobra Jets ran Quadrajets. The Super Cobra Jets ran Holleys. The Thunderjets ran Motorcraft.

[@enerrivers4392]

@@crabbypapa3862 it is what it is, that was a 1000yrs ago.

[@crabbypapa3862]

@@enerrivers4392 What do you call a site commenting on a story/comment that doesn't care for facts, only commenting? @ener rivers.

[@policeofficer94]

Almost saw your reflection in that paint on the Torino C&Z!! The mystery was almost compromised !! Think I need to move to Michigan… I have listened to the FBHW show since 2005 and that is an awesome drag strip and amazing cars !!

[@bretz71]

Notice the Chevy Silverado pulling the Torino’s trailer. Guess they wanted to make it to the track!

[@davenhla]

A LOT of Ford guys walked away in the last 20 years. The mod motors were reliable, super boring blah bland engines, and got replaced by turbo V6's. I was all about Ford.... until I owned a 98 expedition for about 9 years, by the end I said never again, can't own a vehicle that can't pass a car on the highway, even if it did cost me like $400 in repairs total over the course of 190k miles. Worst part is the whole time Ford could have put the 5.4 DOHC engine into their trucks and just decided....nah. So I am not surprised! My current truck is an 02 2500HD with the 8.1/allison combo. Bought it a couple years ago, only had 90k miles on it and 109k now. This is what GM offered while Ford was offering a V10 mod motor that blew the plugs out of the heads. Like I said, long time Ford guys walked away. But we still love the old stuff. Myself, I like most brands now, Olds is prolly my favorite GM, but I have wanted to build a Mopar 400BB for a while and a 70 Mercury Cyclone with the 429SCJ is a dream car of mine.

[@johnhill9910]

@@davenhla cough Godzilla cough coyote lol. Ford's pumping out some nice v8s not to mention the sohc 6.2 aint no slouch many going 400k miles only thing Fords doing piss me off is everything getting a 10 speed.

[@davenhla]

@@johnhill9910 It is/was all too little too late. Chrysler put a 5.7 hemi into a sedan 6 years before Ford released the Coyote. How bout that Coyote? Did Ford put it into the Expedition so i could replace my disgusting 5.4? How about that 6.2? Did Ford make a sedan with a V8? Chevy rolled out an Impala(basically) with the Camaro engine in it. Priced themselves out of the market with it but at least they did it. I quit being a Ford apologist 20 years ago. They could have put 351's into Mustangs, 4.6 Cobra motors into Cougars an T-birds, 5.4 DOHC into their truck platforms on and on I could go. They didn't, I left them behind along with A LOT of other performance minded customers. Now they want me to buy a hybrid Mustang, or a turbo V6 crossover SUV. Ford has exactly ONE platform now for every single vehicle they make(not trucks) and that tells me all I need to know about their business model. The fact they finally decided, THIRTY YEARS LATER to design and offer an actual big block engine for their trucks is not going to make me come back. Godzilla is the first big block they have designed since 1968. Ford guys are excited, because they want to "swap it". Why, on God's green earth, am I supposed to get excited about an engine where the only performance I could get out of it is if I buy a crate motor to put into an old car? Ford failed. If i want to build a hot old car I just build an old Mopar, I don;t have to buy a $1300 wiring harness to run one of those in some old sedan.

[@johnhill9910]

@@davenhla I agree Ford is pissing me off aswell. You nailed it with the no v8 sedan. All they had to do was give the old panther platform a facelift and the 5.0. Dodge got it right with the charger imo Ford/Chevy slept on that one. Expedition would have been great with the 6.2 or 5.0 i hate the ecoboost they push on everything. The new Bronco no v8 only ecoboost its a shame. I like the mustang and the F series Ford needs bring back a excursion or something to compete with the competition. I can see were your coming from and regardless new vehicles cost way to much all the reason to just keep the old stuff on the road.

[@18BIG78]

I just love all classic rods. Mopar to my heart but all the classics I dearly miss 👍👍🤠🤠

[@davidunger5304]

JESUS CHRIST!!!!! Both of those guys could shift!!!!

[@CarsAndZebras]

Both have a lot of experience!

[@billwilliamson9842]

It's the launch thats really tricky with a stick car.

[@dukedavis8950]

WOW I am just awe stricken about both these cars they are so rare and unbelievably cool hats off to the owners 👏 bringing them out to rare them. C&Z you an awesome job braking down everything about these really rare cars. Love it thanks.

[@codychickadee5095]

Some great shifting here!! Man I love 4 speeds!

[@dalemllns]

Props to both those drivers snatching gears in those cars. Dad had 3 70-73 T/A and Formulas. Killer cars for sure.

[@kos2318]

I have a hot Rod Magazine and I’m looking at it right now They tested a 73 Trans Am super duty against a Pantera and with all the tweaking that hot Rod Magazine was able to do they were only able to get it into the mid 13’s this magazine was from 1973

[@ProjectFairmont]

By ‘73 compression was down.

[@bluesman7475]

The standard gear ratio on my 74 sd-455 trans am was 308. I added a B & M hole shot converter and shift kit and changed to 372 gears. Added hooker headers, distributor recurve and thrush glass packs. Ran 12.20 all day

[@SweatyFatGuy]

@@bilbobaggins4710 Yeah, the SD will run like that without much effort. So will the 455 HO. I've run mid 12s with a 2.93 gear, D port heads, 1900 stall, Th400 and a 2004R in it, a RA III sized cam, Qjet, in a 4100lb 70 GTO with a cast bottom end 455 shifting at 5800. Shifting at 4500 it ran 13.50s all day, hot lapping it. Threw that thing together in 1996 or so, its in my 65 LeMans now, going to be a gasser soon. It would go much quicker with slicks and a 3.08 to 3.42 gear, the 3.70 loses some mph (1-3) and sometime a tenth over the 3.08 and 3.42. 455s are not like other engines, sure as hell not like 350 chevys. I stuff 455s and 400s stroked to 455/467 in all my Pontiacs, and run highway gears behind all of them. Something is wrong if the pump gas 455s are not in the 12s, and the E85 and high compression 455s are even more fun to daily drive. The 455 HO in my 72 Formula runs mid to low 12s with only a set of headers and 3.08 gears, and that thing has AC, power steering, brakes, and windows, so its not exactly light. That SD should be lighter than mine and the SD makes a bit more power everywhere than the HO... and neither of them have more than 8.8:1 compression. Grunt gets it done.

[@ponchobird]

@@bluesman7475 2-inch headers on the SD were "wake the giant" mod. best bang for the buck.

[@texasaggie8449]

I bought a 1972 firebird while in high school 74-78. I loved that car and I wish I still had it

[@oldschool8432]

I might be wrong but the food has some serious advantages

[@CarsAndZebras]

I would like to think food has advantages for all of us when consumed in moderation.

[@williamclark5385]

Hahaha

[@oldschool8432]

@@CarsAndZebras Yea ford haha

[@peteartussee1202]

Those are some really beautiful cars. That Trans Am is flying

[@74SD455TA]

Its Formula not a Trans Am

[@disgustedvet]

Gorgeous Firebird.

[@CarsAndZebras]

That car has made me appreciate the second gen a whole lot more!

[@jonmarshall9910]

Zebra it says the torino had wat gear in the rearend? On this car ?

[@davy1458]

Those torinos have one of the best looking front ends ever put on a muscle car. I'm not to fond of the fast back tho...im more partial to the Fairlane rear deck....but the torinos with its chin spoiler and hood scoop is cool as hell

[@wrzl1675]

Well that’s a little misleading because there was several other high dollar forced options that went with that $207 option, all told it was about $1k extra which was a lot of money in 1970.

[@flyonbyya]

If I had $200,000....I’d own them both ! In the mid 70’s, when I was about 15 years old, I rode in My cousins neighbors SD 455, though I don’t remember if it was a 73 or 74. Was impressive !

[@73Trident]

That is one hot running Poncho.

[@CarsAndZebras]

Even with an 8.4:1 compression ratio that SD455 is no joke!

[@rocksince64]

@@CarsAndZebras and a hydraulic cam .

[@peteshea8010]

@@CarsAndZebras This one isn't running an 8.4:1 compression ratio, though. Rather, this engine has been MODIFIED under the rules of the ""Pure Stock Drags." I suggest you research those rules and regulations prior to posting.

[@TheFINZFAN]

@@peteshea8010 That SD455 has 9.8:1 CR. 12:33 @ 114.85 was his best time. Those engines can easily make 700+ HP using a stock block, ported heads, big solid cam, forged and fly cut pistons.

[@peteshea8010]

@@TheFINZFAN What universe are you living in? Pontiac rated the SD455's compression ratio at 7.9:1. Those who've cc'd stock chambers and have ran the correct calculations suggest that was tad on the high side It's common knowledge that something on the order of 475 SAE Net ("as installed") HP is about it for a truly streetable, normally aspired example "old school" Pontiac 455 that can truly operate on 93 octane unleaded pump gas. "700" is an insane claim. That's assuming Edelbrock heads (and some additional machining), port matching, well specified modern aftermarket internals (including a hefty roller cam), headers, optimized single plane, high rise intake manifold, carb (or EFI, take your pick), a fully blueprinted lower end and a low restriction, dual 2.5 exhaust system with an H crossover. And regardless of head choice, the block itself becomes the limiting factor (permissible valve angles, coolant passages and so on). I'll also note that a 114 MPH quarter mile in a (clearly well modified) SD455 Firebird equates to some 425 HP at the crank - from a 455 plus (overbored) cubic inch engine running racing fuel and being entirely noncompliant wit modern day emissions standards. BFD. Bone stock 6.2 liter (376 CID) Camaros will do that all day long. Bone stock 5.2 liter Mustang GT350s will do even better (both normally aspirated and emmisons compliant).

[@carsbyjeff]

Pontiac was known for the First Muscle Car in 1964. The GTO. They held on to build the last Muscle Car. 1974 Trans Am Super Duty. 10 years of Pontiac High Performance!

[@chronicmalady7424]

damn!!! that black GS Buick was stunning.

[@CarsAndZebras]

You should see it in person on a sunny day! Unbelievable car.

[@buckshot4428]

My brother special ordered a 455SD Trans Am in 72 or 73. He was a car guy (I was into trucks). It was British racing green & had a chromed knurled dash with automatic tranny. I don't know the gearing, but knowing him it was the 3:42. Somehow my Dad ended up with it one night & I asked him if I could take it around the block. It had a full tank of gas & when I brought it back 2 hours later it was on empty. Folks, that was the baddest vehicle I have ever driven. I had it over 165 & it was still going, but that small steering wheel along with the quick steering ratio almost got me.

[@Ballenxj]

Had to come back to watch the Firebird kick booty.

[@robmerrill3460]

Wow, couple of beautiful cars. My first car was a 76 Pontiac Grand am with the 7.4L 455 Purr to a growl in an instant.

[@Midnite_truckin]

7.5L

[@robmerrill3460]

@@Midnite_truckin doh! Right, was 7.5

[@soyounoat]

The 4.30 gears in the Torino killed it's top speed, and the Firebird's 3.73 with all that massive torque put it across the line first. I would like to see those cars run with the same rear ratio.

[@ztwntyn8]

I think the gear is what got the fat bastard outa the hole lol but I’m sure he was wound tight going through the traps.

[@thegreenerthemeaner]

Actually, the Formula would likely have been better with a 3.42. Those engines didn't need a lot of gear to run hard. The Torino gained a couple hundred pounds from another video. 4.30s might work better with some slicks you could drop the hammer on. I doubt the Torino would fair better with the same gearing as the Formula as 429s were not exactly light. Pontiac engines by comparison were lighter across the board.

[@SealofPerfection]

@@thegreenerthemeaner The engines weigh probably within 5lbs of each other. Pretty much a wash.

[@stephanouellet3673]

if the Pontiac have 11:1 not 8.5 it will be a killer

[@jayrowe6473]

@@stephanouellet3673 The camshaft they used in production in order to meet emissions standards was quite a bit milder than the part originally slated. They designed the 455 SD to use the Ram Air IV Cam of the 1969-70 model year, which did have 10.75:1 Compression Ratio.

[@billdollar7011]

Even back in 1976, the SD455 was hard to find. If you owned one and you looked hard enough, there were special headers available for the motor. And guess what....the headers were a bolt-on 100hp more...

[@1Bandit455]

Yes uncork a SD-455 Open Scoop - headers etc. like night and day

[@tristanclark7795]

Both were quick! But just goes to show you how the net power rating wasn’t the worst thing in the world if anything gave a more accurate example of real world power at the wheels. cuz this car was still probably under rated at 290 even at net ratings cuz it solidly spanked a 375 hp conservatively rated Torino drag pack that probably made closer to 450 so that gives you an idea 😀

[@Larcona_]

Or the fact that it was way lighter, or that crawler gear in the back, and driver error.

[@tristanclark7795]

The Executioner are those the rules of the race?

[@tristanclark7795]

Ian Parrish yeah I’ve never understood why a car with 500lb ft of torque and 400+ hp need 4:56:1 gearing.

[@Larcona_]

@@tristanclark7795 no idea

[@tristanclark7795]

Ian Parrish I mean it’s a balance of course but a lot of these cars might be quicker in the quarter with a little higher gearing

[@MDebou]

Good drivers! Both came in well below their originally reported quarter mile times. 2 cars I've always loved

[@markgamble8377]

Eithor one awsum.would thought the ford had more going for it.hope to catch a drag with 70-71 Z28 camaro with LT1

[@CarsAndZebras]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4fMqpePbM56sM0

[@KPen3750]

As the old saying goes, No replacement for Displacement. I am a Ford fan through and through, but I have a kink for the SD-455 Trans Ams.

[@Larcona_]

There are several, namely forced induction and nitrous.

[@dominicdaley5702]

Awesome race. Torino probably could have had it if it wasnt so heavy

[@CarsAndZebras]

Very heavy car, but still a great ET!

[@z512345]

The Super Duty did have it.

[@ashqelon7267]

The gravity and weight play the deciding factor

[@ddd228]

The Firebird's drive hole shot the Torino.

[@zeroonezerozero5397]

@@MidnightinSavannah There was about 30 pounds added in the doors ,but that might have been 74 .Same with camaro .

[@carmiethompson2676]

According to Hot Rod Magazine, FORD didn't receive any orders for a Boss 429 engine option in either the Torino or Cyclone models for any model year. HR speculated that if there was one buyer, just one, the car would be valued over $1M.

[@Guardian4ever]

The Torino was fast (for a heavy car) and was more of a Rival of the Chevelle...not the bird...it would be interesting to see a Torino/chevelle face off

[@donaldkinder6716]

Chevell would blow doors off that torino..... BBF engines are weak, compared too bbc or bbd engines....

[@markarnold159]

Poncho's all the way baby!!!!!! I used to drive. 73 Formula 400. Awesome ride!!!! Had it to 150 mph on a highway about 3 miles....ooooh yeah!!!!

[@lilibethdoherty295]

I know which one Jim Rockford would pick!

[@bryantcurtis2665]

I love Jim Rockford and His father Rocky.

[@cliffniiranen1044]

Torino.