NOVEMBER 2019 CARCRAFT.COM 9EXHAUST
Buick exhaust manifolds are known for chok-
ing the entire engine, so they usually get the
heave-ho. They were replaced by T/A Perfor-
mance (of course) headers that are 1^7 ⁄ 8 inches
in diameter and have 3-inch collectors. The
headers feed a 3-inch exhaust that ends in
Borla XR-1 mufflers.INTO THE 11S!
The basics on the heavy Buford are a TH400 transmission
with a 3,500-stall converter, and a set of 27x10.5-inch Hoo-
sier slicks. Gilbert made a gearing change from 3.23s to
3.73s in his 10-bolt, which got him two-tenths. An extra
tenth and 2 mph were courtesy of a ram-air hood and scoop,
which feeds the engine with fresh cold air. Gilbert hung out
in the low-12s for years, but these few changes brought him
from 12.10 to 11.84 in the quarter-mile. Next stop :11.50s?!