***Buick 350 Alum Heads Update***

So does it feel alot stronger? or did you do other mods when you added the heads?

 

Yes, do tell
Any track times...... before, then after install??

 

LOL!!

 

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.

 

Here the thread of my build: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/buick-350-engine-build.347822/

 

You'll luv those 410's

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

Does this mean your close to having a running car?

 

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.

 

Cool! Be sure to keep us updated
Post pics if you have any!

 

Some recent pics. Buick porn as I refer to it. lol

 

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

How is the Fantom Works car doing?

 

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.

 

Nice to see a build coming along with the aluminum heads!