After a few days to consider all I saw in BG, one car really stood out for me. For those of you present, did Greg Gessler take his 72 GS down the track on SAT to the tune of 11.7@120 mph. This car appeared stock, but didn't run that way! We were quite impressed, as I am sure the competition would be. What modifications have been done to this car? Overall, I was pleased by the number of cars there. Turbo cars were there in force, but plenty of GS/Skylarks were there, too. Russ Waters 1970 Skylark Convertible 455 Engine is out for rebuild...
Yep, Greg's GS is "stock-appearing" , and has won a few of the Year One Bristol Bash events, 3 I believe?
Yeah Russ that is one nice (and fast) car....there have been some recent mag articles on his car--- quite a few mods in this car. Not sure if he's running a stroker motor as I don't have the article in front of me. Other recent articles have appeared on Dave Dudek's car's---a Hemi Challenger and a GTX or RoadRunner that his Dad owns. I think those cars also run in the Stock Appearing Class. Note ---the "Stock Appearing" class is different from the "Pure Stock" class you may have also heard of. Stock Appearing is like it sounds---lots of internal engine mods allowed and apparently it's getting even crazier in that class as each year the "ante" gets upped. Cool cars for sure. A lot of these guys gather in the Pure Stock, Modified Stock, etc section on this site. Gessler offers some neat services on heads, intakes and exhaust manifolds. GesslerHeadPorting.com Patton
Gregs has tweaked his car into quite the over achiever and has actually been in the 11.30's at 120+ at Bristol International Raceway. I for one am truly glad he chose the Buick GS to ply his trade. Hats off! :TU:
I saw two of Greg's run 11.55 Thursday and 11.54 Sunday. He later ran a 11.45 on Sunday that I missed.
Greg's Stage 1 is always very impressive to see running down the track.I saw him run a string of mid 11's@120 mph,and while looking stock!!!Simply amazing!! Anyone who has ever talked to Greg will find he is well mannered and has a great knowledge of these cars. He is definately a great guy.:TU: He does excellent work and I highly recommend him.
gs nats i stopped at greg gesslers tent to look at the manifolds he had on display. i mentioned to greg i was having trouble with traction on my gsx. he gave me a few helpful tips on launching technique. he really is a nice guy. i didnt get the guys name working at gregs booth but he was also very helpful. ratroaster, it was fun sitting in the hotel parking lot talking to you and your brother. hope to see you guys there next year.
John, I had the biggest laugh when those three Texans stepped out of their truck with their one gallon cowboy hats and asked us if the AC was working at the hotel because we were all outside in our lawn chairs by our cars BS'ing. Simple ignorance on there part especially to rub up against one of your fenders and not know how rare your car is. I thought he was going to get it, but you kept your cool. We'll be back next year. We will see you there!!:TU:
dave, those 3 texans were pretty funny. i dont think those guys would know a gsx from a yugo. i kept my cool cause i was only on my 3rd beer. hey, whats the guys name who was shooting the breeze with us? i think hes a new board member? he had an awesome 65GS with dual quads! sure wish i could make it in august to the BPG nats.
Greg's motor is poked and stroked to 494". The 11.45 run on Saturday was in upper 80's heat, also very humid. John, It was great talking with you and great sitting next to Buicks highwater mark of the musclecar era. You will indeed see us next year. Keep that old Ford running!!
John, That was Don Taylor. He just PM'd me not long ago to say hey! It'd be great seeing you at Salem, OH. Lotsa fast cars will be there. Mike T will be there in the Wagon and John Schmitt is supposed to be there with the tube chassis Rivvy. Definitely will be worth seeing. Besides, it's just a short jaunt down the interstate from ya.
John, This is Don Taylor. Man it was great meeting you guys, looking forward to seeing you all again next year... we bought a '65 Buick Sport Wagon w/factory air since returning home.. only real bad spot in the interior is the driver's side of the benchseat, which we're going to replace with buckets and a full consol out of the '65 gs I"m parting out. Going to put a 455 with stage 1 heads on it in the future.
Lets see if this works. http://www.gesslerheadporting.com/m...6dd80023623d/99e1d8841cc12cea85256e1a00046920
joe and don, good hearing from you guys! my daughter is getting married in september, dont know yet if ill make the BPG in ohio, ill definitely be back for the 25th nationals. my f-250 was huffing and puffing on the kentucky hills but it got the GSX home safely. talk to you guys soon.
hey Don, you already got another 65 in that short amount of time?? woah i myself am anxiously waiting to hear back on this local one: 1973 Buick Century. Only 81,000 miles. Second owner. Car is perfectly straight with less than 1 year old paint (blood red). Engine runs great but needs radiator work. Interior is perfect with original radio. This is a beautiful car. Have pictures if interested. priced at $500 i might be able to afford it! haha.. it was really fun meeting and cruising with all yous guys (except the Kelsch bros! ...j/k!). i plan to be at the BPG show, so i will expect to see you all again soon i hope ps- here are some of my photos from the Nats.. :TU: http://www.gn.gs/images/media/gs/GSnats2004/
Don, WELCOME to the board!! So where in the heck did you find a '65 sport wagon?? Better have it ready for next years nationals for me, or I'll be more than willing to take that GS off your hands!! You weren't lying when you said you went through cars fast. I got home and I was quick to make a deal to get my 455 heads ported for my 455 Regal project. If I haven't mentioned it, I've got a Regal Limited clone of my T-Type that is going to get the old 455 power enhancement. Just need to find a rearend that I won't break in half!! Randy, better jump on that century. Do you have a 455 to drop in? Those cars are getting rarer by the day. Just noone collects them. Plus for $500 how can you go wrong. There's a yard out here in PA with a couple front clips from those cars. Just make sure for that kind of money that the car has floor boards and a steering wheel!! BTW, how did your video turn out of all of us Buick guys crashing the local BG cruise? It was so sweet to see 40 Buicks lined up on the street. Electra Jim was extra stoked!! John, Congrats!! You're doing the right thing making your daughter's wedding a priority. Salem is right around the corner, things may work out where you can make it. At least we are all hoping so because we love that car!! FYI: the host hotel, The REd Roof is right off I-680. I drive by it everyday for work!! Hopefully I should have an apartment up there by the time BPG Nats arrive. If not, I'll get a room. Has anyone made any reservations yet??
hey guys, posted a picture of my sport wagon on OUR OTHER CARS Forum. look in Drag'n wagon, my new Sport Wagon. The pic isn't the best quality (can't figure that one out yet). Any help on how to post clear pics would be great. Found this in nothern Missouri, it's pretty much rust free, must have been garaged. This one probably won't make it to the 25th nats, but hope to have it ready for the 26th nats. Don Taylor
Wow!! The Baymont croud is all on one thread. Cool!!! I'd be bugging this guy right about now. For $500 you really can't go wrong. If its any thing like the ad, all you need is a new radiator or fix that one. Put some nice rallys on with some fat tires and go cruising.
hey Baymont crowd... Just wanted to let you know that I finally got my dual quads set-up dialed in on my '65.. NO more loading up at redlights and no more smoke bombs!!! Don
