455 Well, this is the direction we are going to go with the project. :TU: Found on Craigslist, doesn't look like much, but we can't wait to start: and this: and this: And we also got the guy to throw in a Engine Stand and my boys got him to come off the asking price $50. Total $325 We are going to simply enjoy the Buick with the 350, while this is being rebuilt. Weather permitting, the plan is to take it to ThunderValley next Friday for a ...hmm, guessing 16s 1/4 mile? But it will be a starting point.
Sounds like your boys now the fine art of haggling! Enjoy! 350 or 455 as long as its a Buick engine I think you'll be happy
Thats very complete! Get your ziploc baggies out and keep everything labeled with a sharpie Also, thats a long shaft trans, not sure if that will work You will have to swap on a short shaft (which goes in from the inside!) or you might be able to shorten your driveshaft ---------- Post added at 10:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:41 AM ---------- No build yourself a stand like this so you can run it!
Long tail trans means it was a fullsize car, but the PS pump bracket makes it look like an A-body engine. Either way the egr valve means it has the low compression heads.
Good stuff! Now look for some early heads to raise the compression up a bit. I suggest leaving the th350 in place to start with.... As stated above the th400 will need to be torn appart to swap the tailshaft plus you know the th350 is working ok now anyways... If you do the th400 swap just be aware that there are a fair number of things that need to be changed to make it all work nicely. Need a th400 driveshaft, move the crossmember, mess with the e-brake, setup the downshift control wire etc.
Curtis, I would love to have a test stand in the garage! Yep Sean, I was told the block is good block, but the heads suck so the plan will be to replace them and other things BTW.. Suppose to be '76 Buick 455 that had less than 80k miles. Who knows if that's true. We took a bit of a chance, hoping it doesn't come back to bite us. Thanks guys... Many more questions to come.
Hey, no hole in the block. Good carb HEI distributor All the brackets/Accessories Tranny, even if it is a long tail, still has some value. You are in good shape.
Well if you have a welder, pick up some scrap steel (or new stuff) and start building. I can send you more details and dimensions with pictures if you decide to do it. I was making one first - $30 worth of scrap metal then $10 worth of casters from harbor freight. It would have worked great. But then I lucked out. One got listed on CraigsList for $80! I added the battery, exhaust, radiator, wiring and gauges. Here's a video of the first time we started a 455 on it - it was 11pm at night, we just put the distributor in and guessed at timing and who knew the dang thing would start! - there's no exhaust, just open manifolds, and yes thats bright flames shooting out behind it! - the next day I apologized to all my neighbors :laugh: <embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w75/cstanley444/Buick/MVI_6801.mp4"> One with exhaust - dual mufflers off a junk yard V8 T-bird - The rad is from a late model dodge Caravan and it did not cut it. It would run for 10 mins then Id have to shut if off - Got a rad from the junk yard out of a Cadillac with a northstar V8, it was brand new, still had stickers and it stays at 185 all day long now. <embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w75/cstanley444/Buick/MVI_7295.mp4">
Haven't been here in a while.... But anyway, you have to do what works for you. As for me, I like our 350!!! And we have to run it for our class. Good Luck!
You may want to read old posts regarding performance issues associated with use of a Poston intake. Some will say that it actually hurts performance relative to the factory unit because of its poor design. In one post I recall TA Performance alerting the owner of Poston's of the design issues but he refused to take it off the market because he was selling so many. But do not rely on my recollection. Read this infornation for yourself.
I only read a few posts here but to be short and quick. To really make your 350 Skylark a fun street car without a huge outlay of cash. Put a posi and a set of 3:42 gears in the rear. Install a shift kit or have one installed to quicken up the shifts and enjoy. As one who "had" a strong 350 street car I can tell you there is a certain amount of joy derived when someone says,Wow that's a Buick 350? Equal dollars spent on a 350 and 455 will only leave the 350 guy asking why later but I totally understand the reasoning behind wanting to keep the 350. I miss mine or atleast the way it used to run a bunch almost everytime I pay for the gas my considerably stronger but much thistier 455 uses.
Gas mileage was an issue with me when I decided to run a 350. At the time I liked to cruise a lot so I did not want mileage to be an issue. Mine has been a very reliable motor and held up very well to the abuse I have given it. I know I have at least 500 1/4 mile passes on it in the last 15 years. I get the same result when I pop the hood at the track and they say, "That is just a 350?" "I thought it was a 455 in there it runs well." The 350 also seems to like a small shot of nitrous to get it to run like a modified 455. I got to a low 12 with just a 75 shot. But my engine is not stock either. ---------- Post added at 01:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 PM ---------- I have heard and read also that the Poston intake is not a very good intake to use. You would be better off with a stock one or a TA intake.
