hey i dont mean to sound like a moron, but whats this stage 1 and stage 2 business? is that how modified the engine is?
Stage 1 was a dealer option, heads, cam, carb, dist. etc. Stage 2 was similiar with even better heads and headers, though limited from the dealer in the beginning. There is more but I'll leave that for someone else...:Comp:
Stage1 is an engine option. Not exclusively a dealer option, for instance, you could order a 1970 Buick GS Stage1 from the factory. If you look on the fenders of certain Buicks, a 1970 GS for example, under the "GS" it will display an emblem such as "Buick Motor Division", "455", or "Stage1" For certain years, there is a definite combo of parts. For a certain year, the factory Stage1 option might have included such parts as a different cam, distributor, and carb. The TH400 bolted to it would be a heavier duty unit with moree clutch packs. For the 1970 model year again as an example, the Stage1 was rated at a higher hp figure, but identical torque as the standard 455. When did the Stage1 option debut? 1968, I think. Someone could verify that, I'm sure:grin: It was not restricted to just the GS, depending on year. The Stage2 was a dealer only option, I beleive. It consisted of various certain parts depending on year, for example, and even hotter camshaft, and a large shirtbox type hood scoop in place of the standard GS ram-air hood. That's just hitting the high spots, so to speak. Other car makers used the term "Stage" in the past, Chrysler for example. Buick specialists also use terms like Stage1 Stage2 Stage3, etc, for various levels of performance on an engine or engine part. Again, that's just a very simplistic overview of the use of the term.
stage1 was a factory 'HO' kind of package in iirc 1968-1974. big valve heads were the biggest difference, plus what's stated above. stage2 was, from what i've read, most just an over the counter or dealer installed package. i'm not positive if any stage2's were factory produced, but it seems like i've heard of them. stage2's were pretty much a race package...pretty high compression, special heads and huge custom headers, a pretty radical cam, a bigger carb, and i think they came with a B4B or some such intake?
