skylark 455

[K15004X4]

What can I expect for gas mileage from a 1970 buick skylark with a 455 and th400?

[maxwedge]

My memory, about 15 steady 55 -60.

[Madcat455]

Too many things affect milage. 13-15 if all stock. You can increase it by adjusting your timing, keeping the carb clean and tuned properly. A few tricks you can do, mostly is to keep the secondaries closed(but then that's no fun is it)

My GS455 got 17 city, 8 Hwy..... 4.10 gears flipped the milage around..LOL. Luckily for me, all I did was city driving (and yes, I changed the speedo gears so it was right...LOL).

With the stock 3.08 rear and tall tires (275-60R15's) It was an average of 15 (best at 17)... not too bad for a 12:1 motor with a cam, holly, headers.

[K15004X4]

15 mpg isn't too bad, would it improve much with a 200r4?

A little off topic but what would it take to clone a skylark into a GS...how are they difference appearance wise?

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by K15004X4

15 mpg isn't too bad, would it improve much with a 200r4?

A little off topic but what would it take to clone a skylark into a GS...how are they difference appearance wise?

O/D would help mileage and engine wear. Cloning get get expensive different mldings seat trim, interior trim, logos, dash trim, tags, and a lot of stuff that you don't think off till you stand the two cars together and compare.

[Madcat455]

Originally Posted by K15004X4

15 mpg isn't too bad, would it improve much with a 200r4?

A little off topic but what would it take to clone a skylark into a GS...how are they difference appearance wise?

200R4 would help alot.... I read about a 80's Firebird with a Buick 455 getting 19mpg with that setup. Don't rember rear gear though.

You'd have to have that 200R4 built right to handle the 455 though (or look for a GN 200r4). You might be able to get away with a stock 455, and a well taken care of trans. But I wouldn't risk it.

Maxwedge is right... to do a "Correct" clone, it'll get expensive. But you can make it "appear" like a real GS with just a hood, grille, and some other misc. front end pieces. Suspensions aren't that different... rear sway bar, upper control arm braces(disc brakes were an option even on the GS, my 72 had manuel drum )... that's pretty much it.

Just don't ever to try to pass it off as a real one... any Buick guy or prospective buyer will know how to verify it (I've seen more than a few really nice clones get shot down when trying to get passed as real ones). But we appreciate clones too.

I'll clone my next Buick... I've allways wanted a GSX, but can't afford the $40K for a basket case to start from. And even then, there are not that many left so I wouldn't want to risk a real one driving on the street.