Unfortunately Steve got bit by a lack of fuel system and fuel system problems so this is not a case of expensive or weak buick blocks. None of what I am about to post here is pointed at Steve, yes I am sad that Steve has gone to the dark side but he has had a string of bad luck and if this gets him enjoying his car again then so be it. :beer If you guys were to all sit down and look at the big picture, 99% of these so called buick problems are human error. People over building there combo and push the limits of a stock buick block ie 11.0:1 compression, solid cam and a good flowing aluminum head will cause failure all too often, but back the compression up to 9.0:1 to 10.0:1max with a smaller hydraulic cam and you will have a reliable combo that will get any heavy buick deep into the 11's or maybe even the high 10's without kicking the rods or crank. Next is machine shops, I don't care if its a buick, dodge, chev, or a ford, ALL brands are having problems. If the machine work is not 100% correct and it gets past who ever is assembling the engine, its a bomb no matter what brand it is. If the only thing in your toll box for measuring is Plastigage then pay someone to measure the engine clearance's for you. Plastigage will not show you if things are out of round or how much crush is on a rod or main bearings. Shelf life etc of plastigage can also change your out come. I hate the stuff. Cheap chinese dial bore gauges etc can also have repeatability issues so it pays to invest in a good quality tools. The problem with machine shops are, all to often they are cocky and won't double check there work and if anything comes back to them they don't want to admit they made a mistake so getting a independent engine builder to check all your mearsurments is more costly but if you are bent on putting it together your self then spend the money to protect your investment. Oil Mods, we have come a long long ways with oil system mods, this is also key to making are BBB's live. Engine oil has also evolved so do your home work here also.This is something I wll NEVER understand, why do so many people spend big money on a new engine but completely over look the fuel system or cheap out and use a big sucker pump on 40+ year old lines with bends etc. Becareful about info on the net, it is easy to get mislead. Not trying to hijack your thread Steve, I hope you don't mind this post. Chris
Thanks Chris. I would like to caution all others who plan to build significant amount of horsepower with their buicks or any other engine. If I had a good fuel system from the start I would still be driving my 455. You can be sure that before my 454 makes a single pass down the track the fuel system will be bullet proof. A chevy will melt pistons just a fast as a buick if the fuel supply is inadequate. Things I have learned along the way. 1. 6-7 psi fuel pressure minimum measured at wide open throttle under accelleration. Any less and shut it down quickly. 2. Never try to run a stock sumped tank at any less than 1/2 full. 3. Run a mechanical fuel pressure gage somewhere that you can keep your eye on it. 4. 1/2" supply and return lines are a PITA but bigger is better. The safety margin can be critical. Once again, if it ever drops below 6 psi. Shut it down. Pistons are expensive. Buick pistons even more so.
