Extra stud holes on TA heads

Discussion in 'Race 400/430/455' started by BQUICK, Jan 9, 2014.

  1. BQUICK

    BQUICK Gold Level Contributor

    I'd be afraid that the localized heat could hurt something. The shortblock is completely assembled.

    I would hate for the epoxy to blow out going down the track! But....the stud will be closing off most of the hole though....
     
  2. Schurkey

    Schurkey Silver Level contributor

    Who assembles a short-block when the block has a big hole in the side?
     
  3. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    ^^^^ x's 2
     
  4. jay bird

    jay bird Well-Known Member

    Castings may vary,but if they had to make the hole in the head bigger,they didn't put the stud in the right place.As much as your worry about things your not going to be able to run that block.Every time you fire that motor up your going to worry your self to death.The place you took it to isn't cheap.I would definitely get a disscount.
     
  5. TA Perf

    TA Perf Member

    That's why I said to have it tig welded by someone who has a big or powerful tig welder. I have had aluminum heads welded and with a large or powerful welder I can touch it almost immediately. Yes the block will get some heat into it but it also get hot when you run it. By tig ing it the heat will be more contained. If you know a good welder just ask and explain what I suggested.
     
  6. BQUICK

    BQUICK Gold Level Contributor

    OK, thanks Mike. So the localized heat shouldn't be an issue for that adjacent cylinder?

    ---------- Post added at 11:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:02 AM ----------

    I just talked to the shop. They said they used a TA jig but the bit wandered due to the water passage. They say if I use epoxy and put the head right on it will cure after the head is torqued and should be no problem.

    I asked about a discount and they said they didn't charge me for the hole in the block. :Dou::rolleyes:
     
  7. TORQUED455

    TORQUED455 Well-Known Member

    ^^^lol!
     
  8. TA Perf

    TA Perf Member

    I'm sorry, but I think there smoking rope.
     
  9. Tuna

    Tuna Platinum Level Contributor

    I have to agree with Mike. I drilled mine by hand with a home made jig. The drill does jerk around when you break thru into the jacket. Engie warned me of this. I did it with the block in the car, which I do not recommend! They aren't as straight as they should be, but none of them came thru the side of the block......... Just think if you could get a new block with those holes already in place! Dave
     
  10. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    Are these holes necessary with a set of Stage 2 SE heads?My 464 block is slated to be machined for a block girdle and I am planning on running the S1 SE heads but would also like to be able to run my iron S1 heads if they can be plugged. If this needs done, I might as well do it now while they have my block and checkbook hostage...lol
     
  11. BUICKRAT

    BUICKRAT Got any treats?

    I believe you can, but it's like 6 grand and is aluminum.
     
  12. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    Bummer..

    I would install the 4 studs in the bottom there, and put a straight edge on it.. you will find out if that last hole is in the wrong spot, or if the angle is wrong, right away.

    also check and see if it's 90* to the deck surface.

    Never seen a casting issue cause this, and with them having to oversize the holes, that's your clue right there that one stud hole is screwed up.

    Everyone can mess up.. but if they continue to refuse to admit a mistake, I would find a new machine shop for my future work.

    JW
     
  13. Tuna

    Tuna Platinum Level Contributor

    I'm pretty surprised they won't admit it too! I have used the same shop for years. They know Buicks and the work they have done for me has always been flawless! Their turn around time has been very reasonable, but they're not cheap.
     
  14. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Time to look for a new core block and a new shop.
     
  15. Tuna

    Tuna Platinum Level Contributor

    I was being sarcastic. Bruce isn't spending that kind of money, and those blocks are kinda hard to get. Dave
     
  16. BQUICK

    BQUICK Gold Level Contributor

    They did admit it...how can they not?...there is a hole in the side of the block. I guess the issue is that they worked with what they had and blocks vary. It does seem like they went a little deep. You also never know if they had their best guy working on it.

    I don't think I have a choice but to give it a shot. They aren't going to get me another good sonic tested block and do all the work over. Fill, line hone, bore, deck, assembly isn't going to happen on their dime.
     
  17. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Maybe im wrong but that still doesn't explain the head having to have that hole enlarged, that pretty much seals the deal on the hole being drilled at an angle, improper jig use or whatever the cause, maybe it wouldn't have gone thru if it were straight, ive owned my own biz for 15yrs sometimes you do things on your own "dime" to protect face, security, and oh I dnt know cuz its just the rite thing to do ...,jmo
     
  18. BQUICK

    BQUICK Gold Level Contributor

    I see your point. I was thinking of not even drilling the extra holes since I went with the more $$$ Cometic gaskets but they said that the extra bolts even though small have to help some especially on a Buick with less headbolts than most.
     
  19. vonwolf

    vonwolf Silver Level contributor

    My big concern is there enough meat left on the block to torque the head bolt to 140 lbs or what ever is called for epoxy alone will never hold that. If there is sufficient iron to hold the stud and the epoxy is just to keep the water in it would be fine but you will always know there's a cobbled up patch on your nice freshly rebuilt motor, that would get on my nerves. Sounds like there's not much to be done, my people skill are getting worse as I get older so that shop would not like me after all the dust settles.
     
  20. BQUICK

    BQUICK Gold Level Contributor

    No the smaller additional studs only get torqued to 55lbs....they are saying only go to 45lbs.
     

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