Bull Dog Block Info

Discussion in 'Race 400/430/455' started by JEFF STRUBE, Oct 6, 2004.

  1. blown455

    blown455 Pit crew

    You're not thinking any differently than anyone else that is debating on buying this block. Until Rod has one in his hands and running he will be in dought. It's hard to put full trust in this when we have been left in the dark about it for so long. Rod and myself are finding it hard to put our full trust in Bull Dog. Not for the reason that it won't get done, but what kind of reputation does he have with the Buick community, not much to go off of. I know I'll get hung for saying this but if TA were to produce a block I would not second-guess this project. Mike has a good reputation to stand behind to support this. But at this point Mike is not offering a block :( So, though we are optimistic about this, we have nothing to lose at this point. I should say in Rod's case, that doesn't go for everyone. Rod split another block this year, so for him to put together another block for next year it would cost him about $3,000. That's if he has a block and doesn't have to buy one. So, to spend a little more on something that might work and last him a few years he's not really out much more than he would be if he had to build a block every year. I can say this if this block doesn't work Rod has mentioned getting out of Buicks, I hope it doesn't come to that.


    Jim- I know I talked to you about BullDogs experience on this project before. You mentioned that he had his hands in on the Indian Adventure motor, right? But as far as building a block from scratch this would be his first?
     
  2. alan

    alan High-tech Dinosaur

    At the time the block project was announced I had already looked into a billet aluminum block that, if the company had been willing to pursue it, would have cost over $6000 (judging by the price of their other blocks).

    For someone where money isn't a problem (not me!!) this may still be an option.

    http://www.cnblocks.com/projects.htm
     
  3. D-Con

    D-Con Kills Rats and Mice

    Those of you who are first to test the water deserve some respect. That being said, what about the risk for Mr. Bulldog? He's going to be out a lot more than the price of a couple high-dollar engines if it doesn't work out. Bulldog went where TA was not willing to go whether their reasons were justified or not.

    Also, somebody had to be the first to try a set of TA heads, and intake, and girdle, and so on. I would hope that there will be some very close networking between Mr. Bulldog and the first few block owners. But really, if the primary difference is more meat added to the original block design, how bad can it really turn out?

    Keep in mind that a stock-block SB chevy can make 800 HP and last longer than a Buick.

    Maybe some destructive testing such as putting an engines like Rod's together with more boost and 20% nitro is in order? Of course that would be an expensive test, but how cool that would be.

    I am starting to wonder if there aren't more people starting to complain about having an untested block available than not having a block at all! As for me, GO BULLDOG! and thanks for your support!

    I would step up and buy one, but I already have a 494 that has been on the engine stand for almost a year and it looks like it will be for another year as I am moving again. I hate it when life gets in the way of hobbies.
     
  4. 10inchbuick

    10inchbuick Midwest Buick Mafia

    As far as I know bulldog did the casting work for Indy cylinder heads mopar stuff I think he told me he was responsible for everything eccept the amc stuff.They not have built buick stuff before but designing a buick block is no different than a mopar chevy etc.As with any venture you enter into it's all speculation until the fat lady sings or motor in this case.I am 100% behind Bulldog and Jim B they stepped up to help us.I will take this thing out and beet the hell out of it 500hp fogger and another 250 through a plate should test it just fine.So jim and Dick get it done I'm ready.
     
  5. Buicks4Speed

    Buicks4Speed Advanced Member

    Starting somewhere......

    You said it DUDE! I'm ready to try anything over the stock crap we have. Among all the other improvements, just the oiling and small mains give the block more meat for block strength and gets us away from emptying the oil pan and running crazy oil pressure. I get tired of tearing off the girdle and all the spacers just to check things out not to mention all the rtv to seal it up when you put it back together. I know your concern Gary but there are more than plenty of guinee pigs out here getting the new blocks for you to see how they turn out. So just give it some time and you will be able to make a decision. Then hopefully there will be enough interest to make a second run of blocks without having to wait too long. Waiting does suck but only when you really want something.

    HELL YA! Just know that the JUICE will be flowING! :shock:
     
  6. Buicks4Speed

    Buicks4Speed Advanced Member

    OH! It'S ON liKE DonKEY KONG! Here COMES THE HAMMER! You can even run that BIG tire ya got! :laugh: SO, "huff" and "puff" but you ain't blowin' this little piggy's house down. :moonu:
     
  7. 9secStage1

    9secStage1 Worlds Fastest GS Stage 1

    Hold on guys! :Smarty: I can see where this thread is starting to go and its not down a good road.

    So why don't we all sit tight and wait for Jim to get that first block from Bull Dog which will be ready for use. I am sure he will be building one himself and and testing things. And with that first couple of blocks we can all be able to see the actual block and see its strengths and weakness etc. and then draw your own conclusion. Either way it's gotta be better than the factory block. But like I said before I will wait until one is actually done and ready to build up. Until then I will wait quietly, patiently and be supportive to the project.

    So without all the "what if's" let just cool the thread direction down
    For now let's just wait and hopefully this block will be a reality "real" soon.
     
  8. alan

    alan High-tech Dinosaur

    :laugh:

    The only bad thing is that by the time I get everything together (engine, driveline, car, combination) they may not let me out of the rest home on Saturday nights. :Dou:

    At least maybe I won't huff and puff and blow my engine up!! :beer
     
  9. staged2ny

    staged2ny Silver Level contributor

    This is great ,it looks like im going to have a lot of {girdled spare 455 blocks and parts} to choose from once you guys start buying the new block and nead to sell your old ones to pay for all the new parts your going to want .. :laugh: :grin: :TU:,....MIKE
     
  10. buickdav

    buickdav Kris' other half.

    Just my opinion here yall........ But I wouldn't think that ANYONE in the automotive world would attempt something like this, unless they were completely sure that a quality piece could be presented for purchase. The list of people in the world that are capable of just throwing away money associated with a project like this is fairly short I would think. And those few are smart enough NOT to do something so careless. I have a feeling that if Dick thought he was pouring water down a rat hole, we wouldn't see anything that resembles a block.

    AGAIN, just my opinion here. I can't play piano, no sense in trying to make anyone think I can. But I think between Bulldog, and Burek helping out, there is enough experience to make a nice part.

    Now back to Alan(a huffin') vs. Rick(a squeezin') ? That looks fun.
     
  11. Truzi

    Truzi Perpetual Student

    Doubt I'd be able to afford one for a long time, but its something I'd definitely like to do in a few years.

    Obviously it is engineered to hold up better than the stock block, but I think someone should try to break it. We need to know its limits.
     
  12. Buicks4Speed

    Buicks4Speed Advanced Member

    I personally plan on keeping my old short block, if it stays together, as a spare. I figure that I'll loose my butt on it anyways trying to sell it especially with a new block out. Although, If I get desperate for a little cash it will be the first thing to go. In pieces if need be. :blast:

    Hey Alan, what happened to the "gang". I figured you had help. Or are they in a rest home ahead of you? :laugh: It will be a good feeling that not having to worry about juicing the guts out of the block like the current gernade I'm running. :TU:
     
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2004
  13. stagetwo65

    stagetwo65 Wheelie King

    Yeah, I can't quite decide whether I want to sell my current monster to put cash toward a new block and internals, or transfer all my stuff into the new block. If I choose option #2, all I gain is the strength of the block. It's not like I'm gonna pick up any power just from transferring parts from block to block. I'd really rather build a bigger mill, seeing as the block is supposed to be capable of 573 cubes. That'd save me from cutting my Moldex crank down to Mopar journal size as well. Snipers beware though, nobody's gonna STEAL this motor off of me! You want it, you're gonna pay good money! :laugh:
     
  14. D-Con

    D-Con Kills Rats and Mice

    Somebody whispered, "that is a job for Doug...."
     
  15. alan

    alan High-tech Dinosaur

    I think a blower motor in an Estate wagon would be a good test! :3gears:
     
  16. staged2ny

    staged2ny Silver Level contributor

    I know no one is going to give their block away, YET ...lol But hey, you never know , that need for speed is pretty strong and i bet i'll be getting a good deal on some parts pretty soon. i feel a winter build up coming on . :TU:...... mike
     
  17. 10inchbuick

    10inchbuick Midwest Buick Mafia

    I have a new 523 rotating assm for sale in the parts section check it out I'll work with you
     
  18. Thumper (aka greatscat)

    Thumper (aka greatscat) Well-Known Member

    Doug,do you do Paypal,I think I have about $500 in it????
    gary
     
  19. GSX455

    GSX455 Well-Known Member

    Hey, Doug are you going to purchase a new crank with the Mopar Main size?

    I just faxed of my spec sheet to Geoff and I selected the Mopar Main size, I was planning on having Whitey cut my crank down to the Mopar size, do you see any issues with this? Why did you say it would save you from having your Moldex crank cut down?

    I am assuming you would want the smaller Main size is that correct?
     
  20. GS Kubisch

    GS Kubisch THE "CUT-UP" BUICK

    Wayne
    I just talked with Joe at moldex to double check on the process......
    He said it would move the oil holes over on the journal but they could could correct it with "bleeders"......
    I'd say strength-wise we're good since this is also BBC journal size.
     

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