Wanted 1970 W-31
Nice Car
Registered User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,688
From: Delta BC Canada
Comparing your SP Buick to the W-31 version of the 350 is wishful thinking on your part. The W-31 350 was rated at ONLY 360 ft lbs but would wipe the floor with your SP equipped car. So apparently....it's NOT about the Torque after all.
Once again good luck in your search for a W-31. In the meantime enjoy your Skylark...it's very nice.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,972
From: Braceville, Ohio
First, very nice Buick convertible. You might want to keep the Buick.
https://www.oldsmobilecentral.com/fo...Trumbull-1.php
https://www.oldsmobilecentral.com/fo...Trumbull-1.php
Registered User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,688
From: Delta BC Canada
Dave you are sounding like a Mopar guy, you need to exhale! 
I wasn't kidding about the package being comparable to the W-31, but I understand the Olds is more powerful as I have driven a W-31 and can "Feel" the difference! If the Buick was a true 10.25:1 it might be closer, but it's lucky to hit 9.5:1 on a good day.........................
I wasn't kidding about the package being comparable to the W-31, but I understand the Olds is more powerful as I have driven a W-31 and can "Feel" the difference! If the Buick was a true 10.25:1 it might be closer, but it's lucky to hit 9.5:1 on a good day.........................Your car is very nice but it is NOT in the same class as a W-31 for performance. Your comparison is insulting to the W-31.
Don't come to an Olds site and try to tell us otherwise and not expect to ruffle some feathers.
You've been educated. Good luck with your search.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 153
Hello Dave,
Let me clarify my point for you so that we are on the same page. The L78 option on a Buick Skylark is extremely rare, similar to the W-31 option on a Cutlass. They only made a few hundred cars, which is similar to the 1,300 ish W-31’s. It’s not a GS, but does have the same drivetrain. An “Insurance Beater” per say, similar to the W-31 option. I know plenty about both cars and my intent wasn’t to ruffle any feathers on this site, and certainly not yours. I have driven both cars and yes, I enjoy the W-31 4-spd a ton better than my set up. If you have any leads, I would certainly appreciate them! Deep breath.........
Registered User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,688
From: Delta BC Canada
Thanks Gene
By the way I was the one who linked the buyer to you on your last sale. You are welcome despite not saying thanks.
Registered User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,688
From: Delta BC Canada
Stewolds
Hello Dave,
Let me clarify my point for you so that we are on the same page. The L78 option on a Buick Skylark is extremely rare, similar to the W-31 option on a Cutlass. They only made a few hundred cars, which is similar to the 1,300 ish W-31’s. It’s not a GS, but does have the same drivetrain. An “Insurance Beater” per say, similar to the W-31 option. I know plenty about both cars and my intent wasn’t to ruffle any feathers on this site, and certainly not yours. I have driven both cars and yes, I enjoy the W-31 4-spd a ton better than my set up. If you have any leads, I would certainly appreciate them! Deep breath.........
If you are not already aware of the late 1970 QB code 350 equipped F-85, Cutlass, Cutlass S, Cutlass Supremes and Rallye 350 cars then do take some time to read up on them. Those sheep in wolf's clothing are your L78 Buicks' sister car not the W-31s. There was a 4 speed QB Code Supreme on display in the barn finds at the recent MCACN event.
W-31s were just featured at MCACN. If you browse the W-31 owner's group on Facebook you will see hundreds of photos of these fine cars. They pop up for sale from time to time and when they do they are always discussed in that group. Join the group if you have not already done so as it may be your best opportunity to stay in touch with owners and cars that are or will be for sale. I hope to see you there in that group.
Good luck with your search.
Last edited by oldsmobiledave; Dec 14, 2018 at 08:01 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,060
I am not going to get involved in the which car is better discussion. Your 70 Buick is stunning and could sit in my garage any day of the week. Most definitely a beautiful car. I have a bench 4 speed W31 and am enjoying it very much. Best of luck on your search for the 31. There’s one for sale right now on Oldsmobile Central.
Last edited by OldsAl; Dec 15, 2018 at 07:18 AM.
Registered User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3
From: Wisconsin
All of the 4 GM divisions had their performace 350s. I agree that the Buick 350-4, the Olds 315hp, the Pontiac 350HO, and Chevy's 300hp 350 are all sister engines. The W31 is at a different level especially when considering the entire package w/3.91s out back. Chevy's LT1 might be a considered a comparable set up. I would be interested to see how a well prepped W31 would run against a well prepped LT1. I am a Pontiac guy and have had my share of Buick GSs too. Would love to own a W31 at some point.
Beautiful Skylark convert you have.
Beautiful Skylark convert you have.
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