Hi Guys, Looking for Machine Shop to install larger valves in a Buick 215 Alu Head. Anyone have a shop that you know can do this. I'm not sure it's practical because the head had steel sleeves for the valve seats. Probably expensive but I want to explore the options. Thanks, Scott
You can get larger seats but the small ports defeat the purpose. I used 300 Buick heads years ago with 1.74 IN and 1.5 EX. Valves were 2.3 Pinto. Today I would just get Rover 4.0 or 4.6 heads and bolt them up. They have larger valves and smaller chamber will add about 1 point of compression. If you go over .450 lift on the cam you will have to cut the guides down for clearance. I recommend the Crower 50230 cam. Edelbrock performer intake with 390 Holley. Rover bigbore Headers from TSI. They are fender well headers designed for MGBs. In a larger engine compartment may work with modification.
64 only aluminum 300 heads. I milled them .030 because of the large chamber. My 215 was the 11 to 1 version. Really closer to 10.25. Steel shim gasket will end up about 9 to 1. Later Rover heads will end up around 10 to 1 with the standard pistons. I've had 215's and Buick V6's in Jeeps built up about the same and the only difference is exhaust tone. Higher cost of the excellent TA heads wouldn't be justified for the little motor. Great for 300, 340 or stroker like Jim B is building. I would look at the later Rover for larger displacement except sleeve retention issues.
