Rob, That's a good idea, but problem is $$$.. it takes a whole bunch to build any race car, let alone a "period correct" one. And of course, with an oil pan on it, it looks just like any old 455. Jet455, I have heard as many as 6 were produced, I know of 2, maybe 3 still floating around. I also need to follow up a lead on a set of the tunnel port heads, that a guy owns, and might be willing to sell. More than likely, those would have been on this block. That's some of the info I have to get from Dennis Manner, as to the reason, application, and number produced, to do the verbage as accurately as possible on the block display stand. JW
I think this was the car that used the experimental engine with the tunnel port intake. Can't find the article on the car, but I think the whole front end (hood, fenders, bumper, etc.) was a light weight fiberglass deal.
tommy, i talked to mr judd about a year and a half ago about his prostock he ran in the 70's. said he sold to some BOZO in texas who proceeded to destroyed the car. asked him if had any leftover parts, nadda. he later when into racing v6 dragster, but good ol' nhra factored the snot out of the car. typical chevy mentality. john
My compliments You gentlemen have done an excellent job with the X block. I recently found some photo's stashed away in my barn you all might be interested in. This was how the block looked the day I found it back in the 1980's. To all involved, you have done an incrediable job. To Scott, sorry about the deck pits you addressed me on. As I hope you can see, it's amazing it wasn't worse. Good luck to you at the future events you display it at. I hope it brings you many good times, and fellowship with other Buick enthusiast's. If I can ever be of assistance on the history, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best Regards, John Fritz
1 for the road This "X" (see photo) was the first thing I saw before I spun the block around that identified it as an Experimental block. It was facing up towards the leaking roof, making a bird bath in it. Through the murky water I could still see the X. Yes "X" does mark the spot! At least it did that day. After 30 years of living and breathing GS's I'm taking a different brand route for a while, but still keeping a couple GS's in the stable, because I ALWAYS come back. "Keep it between the ditches" guys. See ya, Fritz
P.S.S. BTW That Judd's car was not the one this Experimental block came out of. Might have had one but not this one. It isn't even the right year, but thats another story.
Clearcoat Just wondering do you clear all your engines? What type of clearcoat do you use? Thanks.:TU: Ante By the way VERY nice block you guys got there. I wouldn't even think of using that thing in a car. Too valuable to get wasted by a bad part.
Hi John, Yep, those pictures look exactly how I figured they would, after I had viewed the block in person. Looks like you did a good job cleaning it up and preserving it, so I could even have that much to work with. I can see the rear cap loose in the picture, thus explaining the two rear bolts that were bent.. luckily the cap did not get broken, and the bolts were just the typical 430 main bolt, and easily replaceable. Ante: No, only this motor got clearcoated, as it is just a display peice.
Thanks Jim Yes Sir, Except for a couple photos, I left the rear cap off to avoid further damage.Sorry I didn't have a couple bolts to put in it before I shipped, like you said though at least they are standard production bolts. I believe the dowel pins also suffered some rounding (Scott copied me on your mail) as the thieves who stole the other parts off the block, manhandled what they thought was a standard block, as they stripped it of its irreplacable parts. Really is sad when you think about it because the man I bought it from discovered some of his Stage II parts on one of the theives cars one day and the car sounded horriable he said. If they couldn't unleash the Stage II parts potential I'm sure the Stage III parts stood zero chance, and were scrapped. I'm just glad you gentlemen have it now. I was terrified to leave it with anyone for clean up, or machining, or anything for that matter and have it "lost". Because of that it just sat for years virtually unknown. Again, nice work, and another Thank You to Mr. Scott Miller for stepping up to the plate. I wish I could have had the ability to donate it as he has but it was the only real thing of value I had. Best of luck at the shows.
