I'm trying to build a street/strip engine around the TA 290-08H cam "The 500HP Street Cam". I plan on highway driving to the strip (3K RPM), racing (shift @ ~5500 RPM) and driving back frequently this summer. (anyone try this cam?!?) Besides building a 455 with proper clearances etc., are there any engine block oiling mods that are BAD, all wrong, or harmful for a street/strip engine. I know this can be subjective, but you can't undrill a hole, or fill in a groove easily in an engine block right? I've been lurking around for awhile trying to absorb all I can before posting about this. Thanks, Electrajim http://www.gnttype.org/media/electra.mpg
Oiling mods :Smarty: There is a great thread in the Race 400/430/455 section on this subject. I have been following it for awhile. It is called improving the longevity of your bbb, or something like that. This is a very controversal subject, since all the big name builders disagree on what works and what doesn't. Me, I am going to have the main saddles grooved, and run the secondary feed line from the pump back to the pass side lifter galley. Then all TA grooved bearings, and call it good. If that don't work, I guess I'll try some other stuff?
I was reading that thread in the Race 455 section. Thats what got me wondering, if those kinds of mods would be overkill or harmful for our wimpy :Brow: street/strip motors! Can you please tell me more about this bypass line you are installing? Thanks, Electrajim
Electrajim... Yeah, I am kinda wondering the same. The mods I have made in the past were simply to open up the oiling holes in the main, grind them so they line up, and use TA's grooved cam bearings. I have built a couple of motors that way, thinking I was slick and had the ultimate oiling setup. All it took was one evening of reading that thread to really make me feel stupid and un-educated!!! I am planning on running mine with a Garret T-4 turbo though, and I am willing to pay for the insurance of knowing it is done to the best of my ability. I am also looking into PAE's Halo girdle (the one that bolts on to the bottom of the main caps). I think it ought to hold together. If not, as I said... Try, try again. I'm a die hard, it might take me two years, but I'd put together another one!!!
It's the same one they are all talking about on the race thread. 6an braided from either the sending unit port, or tap into the 45deg elbow on the oil pump. Run along the pass side of the engine to the right oil galley plug. The thought is that buicks have a very inneficient oiling system, and by the time the oil reaches the 7/8 main bearing, it can lose 15-20 psi. By bypassing around the rest of the system, you get the same pressure at the rear main as the front. (classic Buick engine failure is 7/8 rod bearing and/or rear main from lack of oil). Like I said, cheap insurance!!!
