Thanks for joining this community Tommy. And thanks to you and Rick for taking on this project. Actually, it was Lou's '67 LeMans series that got me hooked on the show, and back into the hobby. Hey, if you could work in a plug for v8Buick - that would be way cool. Sure we can be pretty pessimitic about the way things are in tv land, but we're a pretty good bunch of guys and gals. And the help here is second to none, be it a parts search or trying to figure out how to keep these cars on the road. I don't doubt you guys will make us proud when the car's done! Best Wishes,
Tommy speaks, sweet!!! See fellas keep the faith!!!! Thanks again to you Rick and the show for showin' the love.
That rope seal still irks me . . . Should've sprang for the $16.95 neoprene one. Cheap insurance. I can't wait until you start throwing goodies on it!
:gp: Tommy how cool is it that you found this site and took the time to sign up and let us know the direction your headed with the car. we all appreciate that for sure! And we'll sleep a little better the night before the show airs now :laugh: We were all a little worried about engine choice but the fact you guys are keeping the car "all" Buick means a lot to us. Cheers man! Here's to Muscle Car :beer
Way to go Tommy! I whole heartedly agree with the budget aspect of the project. Too many guys, especiallly those new to the performance world, decide that if they can't go big they won't go at all. Consequently they get to sit on the porch because they tried to go big time right out of the box and then run into money and/or experience problems. People are told to port their heads, get a giant cam, go for big gears and a converter and they haven't even figured out how to recurve their distributer or rebuild a carb. Just swapping a SB to a BB is plenty for most people in the beginning. You can always modify later if you feel the need. Here are some issues I was thinking about. What cam was actually installed? I figured it was just a stock replacement so nothing was mentioned about it. I know you want to step up later but a very mild performance cam now wouldn't have been too much more when you include the cost of the lifters. The rope rear seal isn't a big deal, plenty have been built with it, but the neoprene would've been nice. I would've checked the end clearance on the oil pump just for fun. If you have a hot idle low oil pressure problem later you'll know where to look. The factory Buick intake is good but a Performer or B4B would've added some spiff and a few HP for few dollars. I figure the trans was just for demonstration purposes but I'm sure there's somebody out there already figuring that their Chevy trans will fit a BOP. You always have the disclaimer at the end saying not all steps were shown for these projects but some people believe it is as easy as it looks on TV. Overall no real complaints, just commentary. Like you said, "budget rebuild". Any chance the "stock" 455 will hit the dyno? It would be interesting to see what happens when you add some power later. What you should be doing is bring out the '73 to one of the Buick meets this year. Either to the BPG in Columbus at the end of July or to the postponed GS Nationals in October at Bowling Green which is in your neck of the woods, I believe. Anyway you look at it, welcome.
Out of the box, I had faith in you guys all along. You guys should throw one of Burton machines 455 twin turbo setups on that once you go to the next level. Keep playing down the stock parts and then on the first test drive light it up and send her side ways:TU:
Gheeze.... I never figured so many people would get upste over a little ole rope seal... hehe. The reason I didn't up grade it to the other is that there are a few engine's the "good" seal isn't offered. Therfore i wanted to show the right way to install a rope seal. As for the cam , yea it's not stock we upgraded to a mild comp camshaft. That's the beauty of TV. Some stuff get's chopped out to make room for other stuff. Really that is what happened to the oil pump tech. The deal with the intake is our buget is stupid tight and we're really trying not to bust it. OK on the tranny???? what are you guys talkin' bout. Two of the bolt's worked. Is this not good enuff? Nah I'm kiddin'. I think Johonny Cash said it best "with the help of a adaptor kit" which was way cheeper than buying a different tranny. Yea' I've been on here hiddin' in the bushes watchin' to see what y'all had to say. Which has been kinda fun. I was going to get on here a tell you guy's that we had plan's to put a LS engine in it. Glad i didn't. I bet that would have caused quite a stir.... hehe. What did you guy think of the engine color? It's one of the three body colors that we're going to be laying down. Oh wait, that show hasn't aired yet. Guess you will have to keep watchin' thanks for the concerns...lol.. talk to y'all later country T
Gotta say thanks to you again for signing up and easing our minds. Its not too often we see Buick stuff on Power Block so we want to see it done right and and represent well. It sounds like you have a plan. Its fantastic. I gotta ask.. I think Rick is a Ford guy...are you a Buick guy? Whats sitting in your garage? I still have the episode on my DVR where you rebuilt the GS carb. I have to do this at some point and to see it being done gives me some confidence. Did you guys have a Buick project in mind way back then? BTW... Red Sled looks awesome!
I think it's really cool that Tommy came on here and filled us in a bit, without giving too much away. Thanks for showing some love to the Buick. I'm sure when it's done, you guys will show what a Buick is capable of. With that said, a shameless plug to V8Buick would be cool. Don't forget about TA performance either when you start looking to make it go fast.
I came down a little harsh on you guys, but hey Im just a kid! :laugh: I also wanted to ask if you were a buick guy but Cstanleyt beat me to the question! Louie
I had a hunch as I posted earlier but no one listened!! This Buick is going to be on MuscleCar for the budget build and then a little more! Thanks Tommy!!! :TU:
Didn't I say something about a rusty roof earlier in this thread or the other one? That isn't a budget build in any way unless you can do everything ever done to a car. edit...by yourself Here is a good example of how to start a budget build, don't care if you can find another car for less. I also don't care if the owner can't spell the damn name of the damn car. http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/1711863984.html
Anyone notice that they didn't put any lube on the cam lobes? Good luck on breakin..... I hope they don't run too much timing as those hypereutectic pistons won't take it. The trans may be one of the universal T350 cases. I've got one in one of my cars....Don't like it but it came in the car and shifts HARD so it's staying for the time being...... Still nice to see a Buick motor on TV......
Yea, your right about the roof. If you had to pay to have a roof replaced it usually isn't cheep but its really not all that hard to do. That's why we mention at the end of the roof show for people to get out of their comfort zone and try something that they usually would do. Heck with body work, it's really hard to break it, it's only broken when you can't fix anymore..haha I didn't lube my shaft? You sure your watchin' the right show? Somebody tell me what that mysterious red goo smeared all on it is? lol.... As for whats in my drive way or what I dig on is the odd stuff. got a 76 electra and a rivvy. and also a 1976 impala wagon . i'll try to get y'all some pic's if y'all are interested. thanks again for watchin' tommy
Ready when you are! :TU: I hope they make a dvd of this series. As for your comment (older post) about replacing the TH350 or using an adapter plate - that is why a plug for web forums in general (and this one in particular :Brow: ) is in order. I have one I keep moving around to get out of the way as I don't plan to use it. I'll only get $10 for it at a boneyard. I'm sure someone on this board closer to you is in the same position and would have contrbuted it to the project. Thanks again Tommy - we'll be watching! Of course this weekend is a rerun! ou:
Tommy, I what to thank you and the whole powerblock crew for bringing shows that us motorheads want to see. I have watched the shows in one form or another since the 80s. Musclecar is one of the best by far. Also welcome to the best Buick board. Tim
Just watched the episode. Rick mentioned aluminum heads in the future. Looks like a good starting point. Nice parting words Tommy, "keep it between the ditches".
I will try to get the web site a plug.... I know it has alot of that hard to find info for the buicks. Nothing wrong with passing along good info. But i can't promise anything....
