Buick may have the surprise issue in the super-car series this model year. The 400-cubic-inch engine in their GS series has been replaced by a, conservatively rated at 360 horsepower in Stage 1 dress. The standard GS 455 engine has a 350 rating, and both figures are taken at 4600 rpm. Torque is 510 lbs-ft at 2800 rpm on both 455's.
Hood scoops nestle neatly in sheet metal, but they're in the wrong spot for grabbing heavy stream of air. Front disc brakes are optional for GS Buicks, and this is a recommended option. It's not that the 9.5-inch-diameter finned drums are no good; it's just that the disc option with a power booster is so much better. This car had drums, and no fault was found there, but there's nothing like front calipers for repeated straight-line stops.
Variable-ratio power steering is the only soft-touch steering option. It adds much to front end control; and when used in any GM intermediate, it brings the steering back to a closer relationship with the front wheels. "A" body cars have their linkage mounted forward of the front wheels, which sometimes causes the steering to be controlled as much by the front wheels as by the linkage.