Probably the V6 design was mainly due to a need for economy in terms of a sudden rise in gas prices in the '70s and to make smaller, lighter cars. I find the early odd-fire Buick V6 an interesting curiosity in which the castings for the block were literally the V8 block with two cylinders chopped off including blanking out two contacts on the distributor cap and including keeping the V8 crankshaft merely cut down. Later they redesigned the crankshaft to make the firing even at 720/6=120 degrees and with advice from Smokey Yunick the heads were greatly improved along with the intake manifold. Later the Buick Grand National model exceeded the performance of the Corvette in the late '80s, but that was after the displacement was increased. I have been fascinated by this engine, but I was convinced by the wide range of parts for the SBC350 to build a 350. Still I wonder whether the V6 is stronger at high rpm due to the short, compact crankshaft compared to the longer I6 design or even the V8 crank which may have more internal vibration? I recall Hot Rod articles on the Buick V6 claiming over 500 H.P. at higher rpm, but with so many low cost SBC V8s and the newer 4-speed automatics it is now possible to get low speed torque AND good highway mileage as with the late model Corvettes. In the realm of science fiction I chatted with an owner of a 2000 Corvette at a gas station a few days ago and he claimed he got up to 36 mpg on the highway with the 6-speed manual trans AND he claimed he had it up to 176 mph late at night on the N.J. turnpike, with the SBC V8. I find this hard to believe but the speed may be possible due to a streamlined body; the mileage is probably science fiction since reports on this forum for Corvettes have not mentioned mileage over about 28 mpg at best. Still except for less weight of the V6 compared to a V8, newer transmissions and computer controlled fuel injection have solved the problem of how to have performance as well as mileage to some extent. Then if you are looking for 60 mpg you will have to buy a hybrid car or a motorcycle. Sorry to go on and on but I did a lot of research on the Buick V6 and nearly put one in a Model-A frame and you just sort of pressed my button on V6 design. I would think that there are people on this Forum who have more experience with the Buick V6. Anybody out there own a Grand National Buick?

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder