Perfect on the big cam syndrome. Way too much of that goes on even on this site. Big, BIG, BIG! I agree with you on those computer programs. I've been messing with them for awhile, my first one used DOS. For what ever reason they just don't work the best for the Buicks even when you have actual head flow numbers. Probably because they are based on stacks of information from main stream engines. I'm sure anybody on this board who has actually dyno tested their engine can attest to that. That sounds like an endorsement to go to earlier heads if you have the late model ones and you're doing any mods to pick up the power. Just like the '75-'76 455 models. Like I said earlier, any press is good press, so it looks like it worked out good for you Mike.:TU:
That's awesome! Not only getting the Buick 350 noticed, but also a couple deserving shops, too cool! :TU:
Up until now we never had any flow numbers to prove which heads where better... Now we know for sure that the later heads are worse. Just so you know you can use the early heads on the later lock without any mods to the heads. You may have to slightly enlarge the pushrod holes in the heads just so the later (larger) pushrods do not rub on the heads. That is one nice ting about the late blocks you can use any heads. If using the early block then you have to block the oil passages when converting to the later oiling style. Also with the early blocks you have to block the center coolant scallop in the heads when using the late heads. I find that the 68-72 heads are more prone to cracking since they lack the center scallop. The 73-80 heads are less prone to cracking. Maybe the 73 heads are the best, I should have a set of mine flowed to see. I have a few 73 engines that run VERY good.
I would like to thank HPTV, T/A Performance, Automotive Machine & Performance, and all other sponsors for stepping up and putting skin in the game for Buicks. They not only took a risk hey it is safe and easy to build Blue Ovals and Bow Ties all the time. But these guys stepped up and did something different. So thank you from this Buick owner.
I'm curious, what would be a good cam suggestion for this motor combo for a daily / weekend cruiser? TA 290-94H?
For a regular style flat tappet cam it is hard to beat the torque and mid range HP of the TA-212 cam. I really think the key to having great street manners and high HP is the roller cam! The design of a roller cam really is the best and reduces the typical down sides to a large flat tappet style camshaft.
Lets all send in positive e-mails and maybe they will be more likely to build it up again! info@horsepowertv.com Here is a link to the show! http://www.spike.com/full-episodes/...-other-350-small-block-engine-season-1-ep-239
I like a custom cam I have done at Comp that is 212/224 .458-.450 112LCS. We had a good set of heads and a modified stock intake and stock rockers on a .040 over 350 that had 9.5 to one compression and made 388 tq @3700 329 HP@5100 The same cam in another similar engine but 1.6 rockers was 409tq@3800 and 353 HP @5200. The heads on both engines flowed about 235-240 intake and 150 on the exhaust. Both engines had ported stock exhaust manifolds.
watching now... not to dyno yet but I think this was a good thing. Some tips I never heard of (but others may have) means to me this was pretty good. Edit: is the choke moving around a lot?
I just wondered if anyone was gonna catch the choke movement. I'd say that is reversion from the overlap on that big cam.
Not many buick guys run a true flat tappet.,, I do but would really like to try the roller set up. Sounds like from reading all thats out for us to read and use.. I could buy a ta roller cam... buy some comp cams v6 roller lifters and then use a v6 cam button ?? I now have a solid 565 / 243 @.050 and would love to see someone else who has tried the roller setup as I am game to go all out.
You can get everything needed from TA, I purchased a full kit and then ended up selling it to Jim Netherland. I only sold it since it was a NA designed cam and I knew it would take me a while before I had the time to do a NA build. His build is a LOT like yours: High compression, VERY well ported heads, large carb, headers. I would ask him how the cam instal is going, he should be doing the cam swap soon if he gets his custom forged pistons. http://www.v8buick.com/member.php?u=1534
After watching that episode I was soooo disappointed. I have completely lost my faith in those guys to do anything else besides ford and Chevy. That is all they must know, its like the extreme 4x4 guy, he knows a lot and he does good work but on more then a few occasions he skips on critical details like when he called the throttle valve cable on a 700r4 a kick down cable. WTF???ou: he is suppose to be a transmission guy and he skips that??????! I do not know about you guys but I'll stay with the best, Stacey David of course! P.S The only reason those 2 can do an Oldsmobile engine is because they had Dr.Olds show them everything they needed to know.
Just thought of 1 more thing to add. Since they called it a "budget build" why didn't they port there own heads???? Pretty sure they have done it before, and i know they advertised a diy porting kit on there show. I know I'm going to smooth out all the rough areas that i can, intake and exhaust, and last time I checked I'm on something of a budget myself. Just sayingo No:
