Here's some pics and info on the Buick 350 I built for Tim and Tina West's 1968 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible w/3 on the tree... Engine: 1971 350-2 from 71 Skylark Convt w/ 3 on tree. TA 10.25:1 cast alum pistons .020 oversize Clevite 77 bearings TA Stage1 aluminum intake TA 290-94H cam + Springs + Lifters + retainers Oil Booster Plate Adjustable Oil Pressure Regulator TA Black satin aluminum valve covers Desktop dyno puts somewhere near 365 horse and 364 peak torque (over 300ft lbs from 2000-6000). I will be doing a 455 that will be going into a 70 GSX soon. Will post info when that project starts.
Not sure of the # of the GSX, I haven't seen the car, just the engine, most of it is here in pieces. The guy had a lot of work done and then it sat. Everything rusted and needs to be done again. I have been waiting for parts from the customer. Dan
The 455 is for a yellow 70 GSX. The customer's father bought it in the early 80's. Supposedly a Stage 1 (orig engine is gone).
hey ron i noticed your buildup on the 350 and would like to do a similiar one myself.with the cam you chose and the compression is there any interference with valves or anything like that i should know about before trying it myself and did you deck the block or cut the heads??any head work?? and are the pistons notched or not??i already have the intake headers and i want to combine to nice street combo like yours.any pointers and help would be really appreciated.
We did not deck the block or cut down the heads. Only clean up passes. The pistons were not notched. The only thing you need to make sure you do is use high performance valve springs as the stock springs will float at higher rpms. If you are going to cut down the heads and take some off the block it would probably be a good idea to use notched pistons. The only thing I would've done different is use headers on this engine instead of the stock manifolds. (customer's decision). Head porting is worth every penny if you can have it done. Dan
thanx for the info ron .much appreciated im thinking about buying the ta 310 cam kit.10.25 cast pistons like yours.i already have the headers and ta intake.i have a 750 double pumper for the fuel needs.i dont have money for porting heads as it is pretty expensive.im 18 and graduating this year.but im going to make the rest happen and hoping to make at least 350 hp.my goal is to hit mid 13s with 373 or 355s.thanxs for the info ron.
The TA 310 might be a little too much. If you run that cam you'll definitely want 3.55 or 3.73 gears, You'll also want a good torque convertor with at least a 2500 stall. Also, I highly suggest sending your distributor to Dave Ray for an electronic conversion and a better advance curve. Also, I would consider a good quadrajet instead of the holley. The Edelbrock 1910 seems like a decent unit. Dan
gs69, i have an msd 6a and a hei with an external coil msd blaster2 a 2200 stall converter on a th350 with a shift kit and automatic/ manual valvebody.headers and intake 3'' inch full exhaust with 40 series flowmasters.the only crappy thing is that i have a 8.2 bolt bp rearend with 273s.but im looking for either a 12 bolt or an 8.5 inch 10 bolt.with these do you think the ta310 and some 10.25 pistons mate together right or should i change my set up???
I would go a little higher stall on the TQ...say 3,000 with that cam. I would also get some headwork along with the rear gearing as soon as you can afford it. Call the folks at TA...they can and will advise you.
