***Buick 350 Alum Heads Update***

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by sean Buick 76, Apr 6, 2016.

  1. PGSS

    PGSS Gold Level Contributor

    So does it feel alot stronger? or did you do other mods when you added the heads?
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  2. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Yes, do tell:D
    Any track times...... before, then after install??
     
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  3. PGSS

    PGSS Gold Level Contributor

    LOL!!:D:D:D
     
  4. Darron72Skylark

    Darron72Skylark Well-Known Member

    I've made a lot of other changes, not just adding heads. I have a build thread posted somewhere here that goes into the whole engine build. Recently just changed rear axle ratio from 3.08 to 4.10, that was a big change too.
     
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  5. Darron72Skylark

    Darron72Skylark Well-Known Member

  6. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    You'll luv those 410's:)
     
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  7. PGSS

    PGSS Gold Level Contributor

    Ok I know, a brutal 4 years nerco post reply..and a somewhat silly one to some maby.

    Iv'e seen pics the sbb deep skirt block and in my minimal mediocre knowledge I noticed the same about it just being a deep skirt with 2 bolt caps that don't even come close to the block edges..

    Yes the Nail Head has a deep skirt design but its beefie thick main caps seem to sit deeper.

    Has anyone or can you machine the block and make new wide caps to fit on the sides and make the mains a 2 bolt and a cross bolt setup? which enough precision for bearings to be square on and true?
    Also is there enough casting or "meat" in the areas needed to maby do this..
    Can the 350 block survive the machining and hole drilling work. If it has a high nickel content, does it make it harder to work with?

    I also think there is a lip on the inside bottom railing that might hinder any chance?
     
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2023
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  8. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    70509162562__F044D5B6-6AF7-41EC-8A38-DFE8A934A928.jpeg Yes the deep skirted block on the 350 is MUCH stronger than the 455.
    A deep skirted block does not need to have cross bolted mains to be strong.
    Look at the bulk head/s of the 350 where each main cap bolts, the bulk heads extend from the wall of the block, and widens as they approach the main bolt holes.
    If you were to try and push the crank out the bottom, those angled bulk heads are going to try to pull the block wall/skirt with it, VERY hard to do.
    The 3.8 V6 is the same design, that’s why the Turbo 3.8’s could handle crazy torque output, the Chevy Turbo 4.3 tho larger, was challenged and had issues.
    Big diesels are all deep skirted, but non I’ve seen are crossbolted.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2023
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  9. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    I have a question. What spark plugs to use with these heads. I spoke with Mike today at TA he gave me some suggestions. Their catalog lists two plugs to use one being a racing plug that isn’t a resistor plug the other plug they suggest is NGK BCPR9ES which is a resistor plug. Unfortunately not available for sale in the USA. I need a resistor plug so not to interfere with my EFI. I contacted NGK and they recommended an iridium plug BKR9EIX to replace the BCPR9ES. Just curious what other people are using. Also there is not much choice in heat range.
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  10. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Check with the big block guys, I’m sure they’d use a similar plug with their aluminum heads.
     
  11. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  12. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    Thanks Larry. Thats what I’ll be going with. Not that I have much choice. Don’t see any rationale reason to go with the more expensive iridium plugs.
     
  13. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Platinum and iridium plugs are fine for modern late model cars and trucks. Not for our engines IMHO. The NGK FR-5 is the plug JW uses in most of his street build engines. I have used nothing else in the 12 years I have run my current engine. JW delivered it with FR-5's in it. That's what I use.
     
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  14. PGSS

    PGSS Gold Level Contributor

    Does this mean your close to having a running car?
     
  15. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    A running motor yes car no. Having the motor Dyno’d shooting for mid February. As for the car mid summer if life doesn’t get in the way.
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2024
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  16. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Cool! Be sure to keep us updated:D
    Post pics if you have any!
     
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  17. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    Some recent pics. Buick porn as I refer to it. lol IMG_1937.jpeg IMG_1938.jpeg
     
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  18. PGSS

    PGSS Gold Level Contributor

    Oh wow that is Pretty!! Love the Miller Light toast:cool:

    How is the Fantom Works car doing?
     
  19. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    Haven’t really dug into it yet. When I pull the motor I’ll redo all the wiring and sort things out. Sent the rims off the old car to be repaired. Then need to swap suspension over, at least what’s not damaged.
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  20. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

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