NHRA. - APPROVED MODIFYING TOUCHES FOR THE GRAN SPORT SKYLARK
The New Buick Sizzler ...
A Howitzer with Windshield Wipers
Letter from Lenny Kennedy
Related parts that can be used in order to achieve maximum performance and economy:
1. Exhaust headers and draft tubes available through Reynolds Buick in West Covina, Calif. for Buick Gran Sport Skylark.
2. Valve springs shims .060 thick, Reynolds Buick or any large auto parts supplier.
3. Cheater-slick tires on 6? wide rims is necessary for maximum traction a
14" tire 28? diameter x 7? wide will give the desired results. Specia1 Goodyear Tires available from Barnes and Delaney Tire Co., Long Beach, Calif.
4. It will be necessary to remove 1 governor spring and drill two 1/4" holes in the two large governor flyweights in order to have the automatic trans?mission shift out of low at 5500 RPM.
5. In order to improve shift speed drill the hi-clutch feed passage in the valve body plate to .125 (it is now approx., .098).
6. Distributor advance should be start 350 RPM and 130 at 1700 RPM (distributor test lab.) speed, and go to 3000 RPM without indicating point float on Strobelight in lab.
7. Carburetor jetting AFB Carter at sea level 8o deg temperature should be .o86? secondary main jets, and .050? to .050 on power step of primary metering rods. (.056? or .058? can be used during warmer weather or higher altitude). The needle seats can be changed to Rochester .125? (needle and seat if 2 gaskets are used. on each seat and the floats re-calibrated to factory recommendation).
The camshaft, gear ratios, altitude, and type of exhaust headers will influence fuel mixtures. If the car speed increases when the air cleaner is installed this indicates the fuel mixture is on the lean side.
8. Super lift shocks are also recommended on rear. Inflate right side to
50 lbs. and left side to 7 lbs. for best traction on rapid performance weight transfer.
In order to level the car, use 2 rubber spacers between coils of each front spring. Reset caster, camber and toe-in.
9. The standard exhaust manifold are very good if they are ported at the head location and matched to the head parts. The heat valve should be removed and shaft holes plugged approx., 4' long x 2 1/8? draft tubes seem to give best top-end performance and exhaust scavenging.
10. A speedo gear adapter is necessary in order to correct speedo readings.
11. A 1368091 cam with 2.5 deg retarded key is good for top-end.
12. A 1963 Wildcat tachometer mounted on the mass jacket is also desireable.
13. The shipping weights are 4427=3395lbs., 4437=3407 lbs., and 4467=3449 lbs.
14. Standard H. P.-325. The Dual Quad carburetion, pistons and camshaft=353 HP total.
NOTE: Above all else when everything is done to perfection, but a little more improvement is necessary, always have a good prayer or two on hand. Horse sense and experience will also help to overcome obstacles.
