455 Stage 2 build has started!

Looks good except the Fram filter...........Ray

 

wow that beast looks great!!!! :TU: don't forget to get some video!!!!! i wanna hear what she sounds like!
Congrats!!
~Scott

 

Lookin good! Now get rid of that oil filter.

 

Agreed. A video is a must for this.:TU:

 

Hi Gary,

You are so right about the Cosmoline coating these short blocks, its so hard to get off!! This short block was frozen in place and could not be used without a rebuild. The bearings and crank still had rust on them, even with all the goop on the parts. I don't know what Buick was thinking, but it really did not work very well for protecting the engine. A bag and some moister absorbent packs, would have worked much better. Also some of the bearings were not installed correctly and I found an extra rod nut in the block covered with Cosmoline, that the worker must have dropped in when he assembled it. Is there any Buick technician's who put in one of these short block's in back then? Is there anybody who worked for a Buick dealer and remembers if these things were usable without rebuilding?

Don't worry guys, the Fram filter will only last about 20 mins. Then I will cut it open! I will video it on my test stand for Mike.

Rob

 

I or Rob will definitly post a video of the Stage 2 beast when it's on the test stand for all to watch (and listen to)!

I'll continue to post and update the thread the moment the motor is home, and it sitting in the car...

:beers2:

 

I'm curious about the compression ratio and what fuel will be required to operate this engine. Will this build require race fuel to run optimally and safely?

Curious about where the line is between a "Pump Gas" engine and requiring Race Fuel to prevent engine damage.

Thanks!

 

What is the point at which 93 pump gas is NOT enough?

Would AVGAS 100LL be sufficient to safely run as fuel in an engine with 11-11.5 compression?

Trying to learn...

Thanks!

 

The 400 I pulled out of a '68 GS had Stage 1 heads on it. I don't know the story behind the motor or the car, but the compression was tested at 11:1 after the rebuild. I put the motor in my '71 Skylark and terrorized Las Vegas with it in the mid 1990's. Even with 93 octane, I had to adjust timing to avoid engine pinging, which sacraficed some power, but was what I had to do. Motor always ran HOT too!

I did try 103 octane a few times (Trick Fuel from one of the service stations), but it didn't seem to help a whole lot and was about twice the price of 93 octane gas.

 

Larry,

Thanks for the link. It's very informative and I'm starting to better understand the considerations and DCR & SCR.

How can the DCR be derived for this engine build? It seems that all things being the same, yet only swapping the cam you can alter the DCR?

Interesting stuff, that is if I am actually starting to understand...

I am very interested in following this buildup! Exciting stuff and I'm looking forward to hearing it run in a video clip.

 

Yes it will run on 93 if the timing is low enough and you don't run the engine hard!! Did anyone see how nice the alcohol injection units are now? With 1 of these under the carb to inject a 50/50 water alcohol mix, the 11.6 compression and normal timing can give you the best of both worlds!! Its very simple to install and can be worth just as much as it is in a turbo car! If a motor is built with high compression, its going to make more torque and HP as long as the fuel mixture can support it. Turbo cars like to run 21 pounds of boost on the 93 street gas with alcohol injection! That is the same compression in the cylinders as 13.1!! Its worth at least 50 hp in a turbo car, and I have had good results in 455 motors on the street with it also. Also higher compression does not make an engine run hotter. Its the lowering the timing that causes the engine to run hot! Did you know also the LS1-Ls3 Chevy motors have over 10.5 compression stock?

 

It could be that the timing in on my old 400 was what made it run so hot, but I didn't realize that at the time. Even with a 7-blade fan, HD 4-core radiator, and electric push-fan, I could still not sit in a drive through very long in the summer.

The LQ9 6.0L in my Escalade is an LS-based motor that has 10:1 compression. I've heard it ping once or twice under heavy throttle and load. You'd think the knock sensor(s) and computer would step in and do something about it. o No:

BTW, this Stage 2 build up is great! I can't wait to see the results. :kodak:

 

Rob,

VERY Interesting about the water/alcohol injection. I did a quick search on Summit to see what they offer. Here's what I found:

AEM 30-3000 - AEM Water/Methanol Injection Kits

Is that what you are suggesting?

What are you using and how is the injection flow controlled? This product seems to couple with the electronics of modern turbo cars to control flow rates and timing.

Are there any plans for this unit to be used on this Stage 2 build?

 

Try this 1 it has a nice spacer plate for under the carb and jets placed to give equal distribution to all cylinders. This 1 is controlled by a vacuum switch that you set by load in your car.
I have this set up on my street car but I dont think Mike is looking to street drive his car as much as I do.

http://www.snowperformance.net/product.php?pk=77

 

Right on the Money Rob about the compression and Gas - Usage has everything to do with it. Many Stock motors back in the day were 10.5:1 and ran just fine on premium fuel.

This beast will be driven and enjoyed once and a while, but not pushed too hard. I know it's a very rare motor, and have no intentions of pushing its limits - not even close. As for the fuel, Rob can recommend something when it's broken in and tuned up. I do not intend to take it down the track, but you never know.

I have no intentions of taking this motor too far from stock, as I think it's important to preserve it in it's original form.

If its WAY too much fun to drive :eek2: , I'll have to think about aluminum heads, or even another motor to similar spec's with new aftermarket stuff.

I'm just looking forward to our local cruise night.

Thanks for all the Help along the way Rob :beer

 

You have to take it down a track! No questions!:laugh::beers2: