I just picked up a 65 Skylark with a 71 455 and a 200-4R transmission. It looks good, but does need a little work. For one, the carb needs to be replaced as it's already been built once. The choke doesn't work and the idle screws can bottom out without any effect. Wheres the best place to get a new carb? I think I need a new starter too as this one cranks slowwwww then fast. It also misses the flywheel once in a while. It sure does move tho, smokes them tires at only half throttle. :laugh: Thanks all, Keith
Hi Keith - welcome to the world of BUICK TORQUE !!! You didn't mention what kind of Carb you have.... If its a Rochester Quadrajet, do a search for John Osborne on here. If its a holley, do a search for Biggs While there are mini-starters available (gear reduction units) Im running a cheapo Pep Boyz rebuilt on my ~500hp 455. Been on there for 7 years now - never a problem. All starters for Buick 68-72 400 / 430 / 455 should do the trick. Check your flexplate for broken / missing teeth too.
Thanks Guys. It is a Rochester Quadrajet, with the choke heater stuff missing from the manifold. I see OPG has a new one for around $440 with an electric choke. Going to check the local auto parts store today to see what they have to offer. I'll probably just go with a rebuilt started for now too. Do they come with a new solenoid or is that extra? Thanks, Keith
Welcome Welcome Keith! I hope that you enjoy the new ride and I know you will find this site helpful and friendly. :TU: Don
any "New" Q-jet will NOT have the fuel feed in the FRONT like on your Buick - or as its supposed to be. If yours is a side feed now.....what do the fuel lines feeding it look like ?? 455's like big carbs so get the biggest one they have (800 cfm ??). you'll have to tune it too so that may require different hangers/rods. Best bet if you dont know how to tune one is to make friends with someone local who does. BTW - having Osborne rebuild yours will prolly cost LESS than the $$$ you quoted above and prolly be alot better too - IF its a good one. Look for the #'s on the carb, on a vertical pad near the throttle linkage. Post the #'s here and someone should be able to tell what carb you have.
I looked at the number on the carb and from what I can tell, it was from a 1972 Buick 350 A/T, not a 71 455. Altho the fuel inlet is in the front, I'd rather have an 800CFM with a side inlet than an incorrect size for the 455. The number on the carb is 7042244, not 7041540 as would be correct for a 71 455. So, the search is on for the correct carb, both model and size. Thanks, Keith
hello and welcome hello, cool '65 .as for a carb ,the 350 quad should be adiquate , see if ya can rebuilt it ,at the most ya'll have to get the shafts re bushed. all buicks were front inlet(thats pointing to the front), side inlet were chevy (still out the front but pointing to the pass side) and starters, if ya want a lightwieght gear-reduction , buick v-8's used the same starter as a small flywheel chevy (153 tooth, 283-307-327-early 350) with the bolts straight across , not angled. so ya should find be able to find one cheap , stay away from the cheaper brands . buicks are big motors compared to a small chevy.-steve
more info as for hitting opg , dont. ya should get a average reman from your local parts store for less than $300 ( with exchange). and ive seen some brands of starter rebuilders dont include a solinoid . like most of the one year warrenty's dont . but if ya get a better one and it dont . look into another box . they usaul do .
