$17k Indiana (1 hr N of Indy, 2 hr S of Chicago) 455, 0.030 TRW forged, 10:1 ‘73 block Stock reworked rods, ARP bolts Clevite bearings 118 cam Delphi lifters Hi P oil pump TA intake Mighty Demon 930 cfm Edelbrock alum heads Roller rockers Cast alum valve covers Stock front cover 1-7/8 headers 2 Super Dynomax muffs (super quiet) Torque strap System 1 filter K&N air filter and top MSD 6AL Mallory distributor 7 Autometer Sport-Comp gauges Mechanical Stage 1 fuel pump full time Holley electric pump plumbed in parallel with check-valve for part-time use Stock fuel tank with bottom feed for electric pump T400 built by Coan for full auto abuse 3500 Coan convertor Driveshaft loop Brute Force u-joints Custom driveshaft 8.5” 10 bolt 3.42 Long studs Centerline polished wheels Fender supports Rear seat braces Also have frame saddle to bumper horn supports, but uninstalled Airbags Drag shocks Full interior 9/10 (9.5?) Bench seat Column shift Manual windows and locks Decent paint 9/10 Rear fiberglass bumper filler Driver front filler NOS Fault: needs one passenger front bumper filler Fiberglass 2” cowl hood Carpeted trunk
I don’t know if this is allowed or not, but I have a short walk-around video here with the car running and an under hood view: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1462494114002469/permalink/2852487535003113/
Also, I’ve got extras - couple alternators, starters, fuel filter canister, 3.5” header collector extensions, header mufflers, 73 heads, nice stock oil pan and valve covers, spare short-block with new cam, NOS lifters, hypereutectic pistons, polished rods, engine stand, 2 more cams, new engine mounts and stuff I’m forgetting.
Thanks guys. It’s quiet with the Dynomax muffs and the 118 cam. Runs 12.0s at 110-111 Weighs 3600 lbs
A few more pics and some additional detail- The car runs 12.0s on motor. About 15 years ago I had @Buicks4Speed put together a kit for me that would allow a very safe and doable 10.99 pass, especially with the 118 cam. With his kit I included a WOT switch for the carb, a min RPM switch (3k), a rev limiter (6k on the MSD), and a fuel pressure cutoff switch (set at 5psi). I ran it at one of the final Midwest Challenges in Morocco, IN back around 2006 or 2007. The launch was good, and I could feel a split second burst of higher power then normal. I lowered the fuel pressure cutoff switch by 1/2 psi and it got faster, then I decided it was either a weak auxiliary fuel pump or the way I plumbed the fuel system. I got an 11.7 out of that run. Stopped trying that evening for fear of burning something up. Never ran the N2O again or since cuz life got in the way. I use a mechanical Stage 1 fuel pump, and a manual switch to turn on a Holley Blue that is plumbed in parallel with the mechanical up to the regulator. It pulls hard through the lights with nothing more needed. Since the N2O fuel pressure test, I installed a check valve to keep fuel from backing into/through the mechanical, if any at all. Haven’t tried the N2O since. GN puller fan on a thermostatic switch, aux pusher fan on a manual switch, and F-body radiator (plastic tanks). My daughter took the car to prom in 2019. That burnout pic is on her former boyfriend’s street (his dad wanted to see it, lol). I was driving that minute, not her
Ramin, surprised to see you selling. I know the work and dedication you put in this car. Its a great ride and very streetible and reliable. GLWS.. I've been promoting it myself to some friends. Hope all is well and hope to see you again soon.
Thanks Gary, I appreciate that. I fly more than race these days, and hate to see the car not driven as much lately. I’d rather it go to a good home. Looking back, I think it’s coming up on nearly 40 years since this kid met a cool dude running a Buick with a bunny on the deck lid at Thompson (me running my Dad’s ‘81 Regal v6 without Dad knowing). Buick guys were far and few between and hard to find, and without internet, trying to run something other than Chevy or Ford was a real handicap. You helped me figure out the RPM issue in the 455 I built in my late teens (shaved heads, stock rockers & pushrods). That engine is still running today, my brother in law has it. You were (are) my Buick hero! Hope Sandy and the “kids” are well.
We're doing fine, thanks. Yeah its been a long time, kids are married with kids, and their kids have kids, am I that old? Still racing the "Bunny", Sandy had her X at the Nats and it was going down the track,12.72,one of only a couple out of 73 I believe. We wish you well.
Keep doing whatever it is you’re doing! Guy in the hangar next to me is 93 and still flies and works on cars, planes (owned 2 until he sold one this summer), lawnmowers, etc.
I love this car. I need to talk the commander into letting me buy it! I had an 81 V8 regal with blue interior way back when.
I know that it has years but any idea how many miles? Is the trans a manual valve body? Are the heads ported or out of the box? I tried to watch the video but it won’t come up. Thanks
I think the odometer has 105k or so, but would have to go back and check. I estimate I have about 1k miles on this build. No, it’s full auto. I had Coan build it with the understanding that it was going to take abuse behind a big block Buick and launch 3800 lbs of metal and azz, but needed to stay full auto. Column shift Heads out of the box. My theory: these heads flow better than stock irons, but the ratio of flow IN:EX is the same, so off the shelf Buick performance cams made for stock heads should work great. Hence the 118 cam. Plus there’s more in the combo with future porting and intake matching. Vid still works for me?
Got it. Thanks for the detailed reply. I don’t know why the video doesn’t work for me? I’m looking to buy something solid and put together right so I can enjoy it while I work on my other stuff. If this works out, I’ll be in touch. Thank you again
Sold. Bittersweet. Off to a nice home. As it departed down the road, my wife turned to me and said “I’ve never known you without a Buick”. Well, I’ve got some spare Buick parts, so that’s not exactly true, but nothing with a VIN. I might have to find something to put my parts in once I get older and stop flying. I’m not leaving V8Buick.com and hope to see you all at a Buick event somewhere soon.
