1969 Buick GS 400

The 1969 Buick Grand Sport, was a near carryover of the 1968 Buick GS. However, now you could order the powerful Stage 1 upgrade straight from the factory.

The "Stage 1" was an option that turned the Buick GS into a true quarter mile hero and was a sign of things to come for Buick fans. The Stage 1 package included a hotter camshaft, functional ram-air,11.0:1 compression, upgraded valve springs, modified Quadrajet carb, 3.64:1 positraction axle, and a reworked TH-400 transmission that had higher shift points and firmer engagements. Stage 1 cars also had heavy-duty Rallye suspension and power disc bakes.The special package knocked off nearly 1 second in the quarter mile and added nearly 50 hp over the base 400. Not suprisingly, Stage 1 Buick's are highly collectable today.

A dealer installed "Stage 2" option was available. When ordered, the factory sent the parts to the dealer in the trunk of the vehicle. Parts included an even hotter camshaft, intake manifold, headers, higher compression pistons, hollow pushrods, and some calibration changes for the ignition and carburetor. Power was increased to 360hp with the ultra rare Stage 2 package.

Interior

Buick GS 1969 inteior

1969 Buick GS dash

Powertrain

At the heart of 4GS 400 was the 400 cubic inch V-8. Horsepower was rated at 340. A 350 cubic engine was also available which produced 280 hp. The Stage 1 buick offered a solid 345 horsepower and functional cool air intake system.

1969 Buick 400 Stage 1 engine