This is the first time I've heard of this engine, but man do I wish I owned one.
W43
- Thread starter SupremeSpeed
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1972
Thank the insurance companies for it never being put into production.
They were a day late and a dollar short just like most of GM's performance items.
Thank the insurance companies for it never being put into production.
They were a day late and a dollar short just like most of GM's performance items.
The sad part about it is, it took 30 or so more years to bring it back in it's Northstar form.
Shame. Pontiac partnered with mopar to make a 427 poncho HEMI as well. That's an alternate reality I'd love to live in. A 455 Buick with HEMI heads would be to DIE for. HEMI ALL THE THINGS!
From a reliable source who worked at Olds at that time, with 8 to 1 compression, .400 lift cam and single Qjet, 400 hp. It was 650 hp with compression and cam. Huge ports and a heavy duty 4 bolt block with the cam raised. It was supposed to debut in 67 for the 442 but pushrod issues prevented from coming out at that time, raising the cam fixed it. When it was supposed to debut in 71, chevy threw a tantrum like a spoiled child and with the upcoming issurance rate hikes, that sealed it's fate. The Stage 3 4 bolt Buick 455 was other almost that should have happened.
It's really sad the engine never made it to the production lines, or in the hands of consumers. I've read some articles, even one posted in this forum. It was the only 4 bolt main big block designed by Olds. Man what a gem.
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There are few in existence like the W43. The Stage 3 455 was probably closer to reality than the W43 but I believe the timing was the issue with it as well. The 70's was a buzz kill for car owners.
liquidh8
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