Help with Buick Engine Build...Need advice

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by J. Jaeger, Jan 17, 2022.

  1. J. Jaeger

    J. Jaeger Well-Known Member

    I Remember reading somewhere (probably 30 years ago)...about Buick Engine Builds being Different,....From Chevy....and others, and that you should only have a Buick Engine Buider Build your Buick Engine.
    Where can I find out the Details of How Buick Engines are Different and how to build them.....So I can give them to my Builder....
    I also Need to Know, the Step by Step Details and process..
    of how, to Build the Block and the Heads to Buick Specs...In other words My Buick Engine Build is being complete by a Shop, that doesn't Normally Build Buicks.
    I would like to send it to my Builder in Peoria, Illinois. Thanks, Jim
     
  2. Dr. Roger

    Dr. Roger Stock enthusiast

    I don't have any detailed step-by-step instructions, but just make sure they have the chassis manual and follow all the factory specs such as tolerances given in the manual. I'm sure other folks have a lot more info on tweaks that have been figures out over the years for certain things. I've rebuilt chevys, fords, and a couple buicks, but I always make sure I follow the factory specs given in the manuals and I've never had a problem with one of my rebuilt engines.... knock on wood.
     
  3. J. Jaeger

    J. Jaeger Well-Known Member

    That's a Great Idea....Thanks..!!!
    Jim J.
    .
     
  4. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    Things you need to know:

    The Buicks use a 3.25" main bearing size, and redoing that housing properly is key to long life your your rebuild. It controls not only your main bearing clearance, but out of round main housings are the number one contributor to rod bearing failures.

    The problem with many machine shops is they do not have the larger diameter honing bar that is required to do these large housings correctly. These tools cost hundreds of dollars, and shops won't buy them if they don't need them, or they try and get by with the smaller diameter bar, which does not work..

    So, to find someone who can correctly do the main housings on your engine, simply ask them if they own the align honing bar for 3" and larger mains. If the shop does a lot of olds and BBF motors, they very well may have the bigger honing bar. If they try and tell you that they can use their smaller one.. find a new shop.

    Secondly.. Torque plate.. this is an absolute must for the BBB engine.. due to the thinwall castings, our engine pull out of shape dramatically, when the heads are bolted down. We leave .005 to hone out after the engine is bored, to be able to then straighten it back out, after the torque plates are installed. Boring and honing without a torque plate assures you will get no more than a "marginal" rebuild.

    And finally, clearances.. Because of the unique oiling system of the buicks, we run tighter clearances in our engines. Have him keep the mains and rods to .002 to .0025 and you will be just fine for a stock to mildly warmed over street engine.

    Other than that, there is no difference in building a BBB vs a BBC, all the same industry standard practices apply.

    There is no book, your looking at the best, most accurate source for information.. all you have to do is ask.

    JW
     
  5. J. Jaeger

    J. Jaeger Well-Known Member

    Hi Jim, Your advice is like GOLD, to those of us who, don't really know much about the Technical issues regarding these Engines.
    I can't Thank You enough, for taking the Time and Energy to Clarify the Technical Data and Explaining things on a level that Even an Older, Untrained guy like me, can Understand.
    Thanks again.. I forwarded your message the the Machine Shop in East Peoria, Illinois, so they could hear it First hand, from a Specialist Like You...
    I have tried to Coordinate this Engine and Transmission Rebuild from 1,800 miles away, while Trusting that Everyone Knows what they are doing.
    I did order ALL the parts from T/A Performance at least, where they guided me through the parts selection process....THEY were Awesome..!!!
    Thanks again
    Jim Jaeger
    USMC , Retired
     
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  6. J. Jaeger

    J. Jaeger Well-Known Member

     
  7. J. Jaeger

    J. Jaeger Well-Known Member

    New Question for you...
    It looks like my 455 block may be a 1972...but all other Components, Heads, Intake and Exhaust Manifolds, NOS Timing Cover,.... Camshaft (Stage-1), Carburetor (Stage-1), Distributor (Stage-1) are Date Coded as 1970. Are they all Compatible..?? To build this with 70 Stage-1 Specs..?? If not What can I do to make this as close to a 70 Stage-1 as possible...??
    My Vin. has been authenticated as a 70 Stage-1 Convertible and this Engine is to power it. Original Engine and Transmission were gone when I bought the car in 1983.
    Body is done..Just needs Paint.. All interior Upholstery is New and Transmission was Restored to Factory Specs...Will just need a New Convertible Top. This was a Nightmare of a Frame-Off Restoration. However, it will All be NEW...!! The I can Enjoy it for awhile...then Give it to my Daughter.
    Thanks,
    Jim Jaeger
    Semper Fi

    buick1970gs@gmail.com
    Cell: 304-777-7002
     
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  8. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Yes your 72 block is compatible to work with all those 70 parts. The only differences in the two are the pistons if they're still stock and the oil passages in the 72 block are the larger 5/8" opposed to the smaller 1/2" passages in the early 70 blocks. The larger oil passages are a good thing by the way. Spend some time reading on the street/strip section and you'll have the answers to 99% of yours and your machine shops questions. Good luck with the build, post up some pics and progress of your car.
    Cheers, Bob
     
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  9. GsProf0176

    GsProf0176 Member

    Grooved front Cam bearings durabond ask T/A how to install them. The oil feed holes in these motors is positioned wrong. They oil from the unloaded side of bearing. You can also groove the cam bearing housing in block on front bearing instead of buying grooved bearing.
     
  10. J. Jaeger

    J. Jaeger Well-Known Member

    Thanks Gentlemen...You guys are Great..!!!
    Respectfully,
    Jim Jaeger
    (Semper Fi)
     
  11. N360LL

    N360LL milehi71Stage1

    Jim J,

    There is no better source for the questions you have asked thus far. Jim W is one of handful of Buick engine experts. Given that he IS V8Buick I know you are in great hands. Why not think about sending your engine to Jim W? or another specialist?

    I have built 50+ engines and counting. AMC, Ford, Mopar, Buick, Lycoming, Continental and one Chevy. On deck are Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac and Audi. The fundamental skills and techniques apply to any internal combustion engine. Cleanliness, measure, read, than repeat; rinse and repeat.

    The engine in the convertible pictured in the avatar was built by a Buick specialist 25+ years ago , because my dad and I wanted A LOT more than stock. And it delivers, but looks stock. Another Jim btw.
     

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