Hello, I am still doing research as I consider purchasing a 66 skylark GS. I was hoping those with some expertise could share some of their ownership experience. 1. Are standard preventive maintenance and service parts readily available - belts, filters, hoses, bulbs, and such? 2. Are corrective maintenance parts hard to find - water pump, radiator, alternator, PS pump, ignition system, fuel pump, motor internals if rebuild is required, transmission (ST-300) rebuild kit or replacement? 3. Are there any particular areas of concern or weak spots to operating the 401 motor I should pay attention to? Is it difficult to tune this type of motor? It has a duel carburator intake - does this make tuning any more difficult? 4. I assume that I can safely run with premium grade fuel (91-93 octane) - correct? Under normal operating conditions can you please tell me what kind of gas mileage you get. 5. What size tire goes on the stock wheel - what size and brand do you run? 6. Does anyone run with a modified ignition system - upgraded to electronic - pro/cons? 7. Please provide any other pertinent information you can think of. I am not a mechanic. I can tune-up and maintain my current 1998 car and am comfortable applying bolt-on modifications (did a supercharger and intercooler a few years ago. Beyond that I need help. Trying to estimate the impact of this potential purchase. Thank you, Kurt
Kurt: I have a 66 GS and would say that everything you need is available. Might want to check the Nailhead site NailHeadBuick@yahoogroups.com The nailhead is a stout engine that in good tune will give you 15 to 17 MPG and good performance. Most folks use the later GS wheels that are 15 X 7 and then use the appropriate tires. Premium fuel works fine. We can only get 91 Octane in Ca. Distributor will need to be curved and for best carberator setup is the early 70's q jet off of a 455 and 66 q jet manifold. Mike
Kurt, (1&2)I can think of two things that are very difficult to find: replacement motor mounts ...but you can get the originals re-rubbered. and rear axle bearings for the GS/Sportwagon. Horn relays, too....but they're out there. New replacement sheetmetal, trim and chrome may be difficult to find. (3&4) The duad carb setup is VERY nice to have!! Drives very nicely, it was designed for Riviera owners, after all!! The cylinder heads are said to be made of high-nickel content iron, so they hold up well to the use of unleaded gas. As Mike mentioned, you might have to fine-tune your timing curve to run on available gas. (6) the converted HEI distributor is recommended by some on this board. A Petronics, Mallory Unilite, or other conversion kit can be installed to eliminate the points. Various opinions on these, tho. (7) Upgrades can be easily done to improve the safety, performance, and driving pleasure of these cars. You may want to consider upgrading to a dual master cylinder, disk brakes, quick-ratio power steering box, bigger sway bars, etc. A 66 GS is easy to work on, Get a Factory Buick service manual, it's the best. Parts are out there. And there's always someone here to help you out! Go For It!!:TU:
Walt, I am taking notes. Thanks again. I appreciate your help. Nice to know that there is a pool of knowledge I can tap into on this one. Dug, Roger that. Left unchecked I am certainly prone to excess... Kurt
