I just found this thread: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/sleeving-a-455-block.25539/ It seems like there are no concerns with sleeving. However, I'd still like to know if any has an opinion about decking my block again. Thanks!
My machinist has put sleeves in, then gotten the sleeve flush using hand-methods rather than decking. I have been suspicious of this, but it seems to be working for him.
If done correctly a sleeve can be used even if a whole is punch clear through the wall into the water passage. They need a certain amount of good steel at the top and bottom for the sleeve to for lack of a better term seal to. I've heard on our blocks they have to be careful in pressing the sleeve in..........as there is a certain amount of press fit to lock the sleeve in.......the act of pressing it in with the wrong fit can damage our thinner blocks.......I've read some places freeze the sleeve to help take the stress off. I would be certain a shop like Francis Engineering in Plainville who is very familiar and a top notch shop can install a sleeve and cut it down without effecting deck height much. Just go through your entire combo and setup with who ever b4 hand so both are on the same page. If you had to run a thicker gasket to get things correct it is what it is. Getting to tight on piston to head is a dangerous game........id certainly rather deal with being a few thousandths more clearance than a few thousandths short. How far a rod and piston grows with heat and stretches at the top changes all the time especially with heat and rpm
I would not touch that thing until I saw a sonic check, performed by a competent machinist who will check and correct the sound velocity of his tester to compensate for the material these blocks are made out of. Anyone who tells you that you don't need to sonic check a Buick block.. that needs to be interpreted as " Yes, I am a successful machinist that knows nothing about Buick 455's, but am arrogant enough to tell you to risk your money based on my 'knowledge'." That is someone you need to run from... That is a strange place to have a crack, minor thrust side and in an area where most Buick blocks are the thickest.. Here's a typical Buick 455 block sonic check sheet If I am looking at your pictures correctly, then that crack in number two cylinder would be at about 5'oclock on the sheet above. If it's thin enough there to crack, I shutter to think how thin it probably is elsewhere. Have it checked, don't spend another dime on it until then. If it checks like I think it will, you need to take that inspection sheet and another sonic checked virgin block back to your original machinist, and demand that he re-do the work, free of charge. His advice is why your here. JW
