401 8v

[67lark]

Does anyone know what the power rating of the
dealer installed 401 dual quad was. Thanks.

[BuickStreet]

From what I read, I don't think there was a dealer installed 401 Dual Quad. They where all on the 425's and where about 360 horsepower and about 465-480lb/ft. Why? You got one? :Brow:

[Mark Ascher]

Bill,

You could get a dual quad dealer installed on the Skylark. I'm sure there weren't many done, but it was offered.

Mark

[BuickStreet]

Oh. I stand corrected. I've seen this question come up a bit on the NailheadBuick group over at Yahoo and that is the response that is usually given.

In fact just as I was writing this post the response quoted below was received (spooky)...


...as far as "production" cars, the top-of-the-line "Super Wildcat" option was the only way to get the 2x4, and that was a complete package that included the X-coded 425, aluminum valve covers, larger cam, different distributor, and chrome plug wire brackets, and dual exhaust. Bucket seats were an option, as was the 4-speed. Base Wildcats had 401-4, 3-on-tree and bench seat, but try and find one equipped like that- hehehe.

It is possible to run across a 401 with 2x4, but it was either dealer-installed or otherwise. I have seen 401 and even 425's with 2x4 but without the valve covers and X-code. Not factory, but there are those fellas that will try to convince you that it is. Saw a 66 Skylark Gran Sport with 2x4 on a 401, owner swore it was factory. Said he knew the original owner and he bought it new that way. Probably did, since the 2x4 setup was available to dealers and was likely installed on the Gran Sport so the sales guys could show out a bit. It didnt leave Flint like that.

[Mark Ascher]

Yep, I would agree with that 100%

Mark

[67lark]

401 8v

To my understanding you could order a 401 with
dual quads on the 66' skylark GS from the factory.
When the car arrived the carbs and intake were
in the trunk, thus being dealer installed.

[Mark Ascher]

Matt,

Unless someone appeared with all the paperwork from new that proved that is how their car was ordered and the parts were in the trunk, and the dealer did install them, I would put that in the "myth/legends/wifes tales" file.

The parts in the trunk stories kind of go along with the Corvette in the barn, but was advertised as a Chevy urban myth.

Mark

[Rivman73]

they have some cool intakes.
http://www.hotrodvintageparts.com/FuelDelivery/Intakes/Buick/index.html

[Dan K]

Didn't the Super Wildcat motors also have a slightly more radical cam? As an aside, I had one on my 4spd for a few years and it was a very sweet running setup. The progressive linkage allows you to open it up in stages. I noticed an appreciable gain in power through 6 barrels, but when I opened up the last two, it made more noise, but no more power on my stock 401. A built motor with ported heads and a cam might be able to use all 8. Dan