New " MUST HAVE" Lifter Valley Baffle Tray from T/A Performance

I just thought I would post a little about a New Part from T/A Performance that I installed today on one of my 455's. While speaking with Mike Tomazewski I found that he has had this idea for quite some time and has now made it available to the Buick community. It's main purpose is to prevent the HOT oil spray coming up through the cam tunnel from reaching the bottom of the intake manifold. A side benefit is quicker oil return to the pan. These are available for the 400/430/455 as well as the 350 and would be benificial when using composite intake manifold gaskets or for more oil control. Installation is as easy as: Centering it in the valley, Center punch, Drill and Tap....Done. I chose to spot face the cam tunnel because I had the cutter available through a machinist friend but it is really not necessary. The Baffle Tray is constructed of sturdy aluminum and comes complete with Grade 8 bolts, flat and lock washers. Mike also mentioned that he feels the installation could be performed on an assembled engine in car (less camshaft) using a section of PVC that is split lenthwise and then attached to a shop vac to catch any metal shavings. During a cam change would be an opportune time for this upgrade. He is working on outlining all the details for that scenario. I believe the part number for the 400/430/455 is TA-1735. For further details or to verify any of the information / procedures you should contact T/A Performace.

Thanks Mike, for a simple but effective addition to our passion.

Larry

 

Yes they are a good idea... Many of us were getting them from AMP however with them now pretty much out of business if not fully closed down it is great that TA is making these. I think I got mine form AMP about 12 years ago.

 

This is a totally different approach than the AMP tray (which is also a nice piece), though their objective is alike.

Larry

 

Nice!!

 

Very nice, great news.

 

Not to sound like a pumpise prick, Ole man Grumpy Jenkins did this back in the early 70's to possible late 60's. Its nothing new. Not even in design wise. It works though. It works very well, I used them in Chevy builds until I moved from Michigan.

 

I assume this completely eliminates the need to use the modified steel gasket as a valley cover?

 

I dont think it could be used with a lifter bore girdle. Perhaps the girdle would perform the same function to an extent.

 

That is correct.

Larry

 

Mike is still selling parts and I just bought a lifter valley tray from him. Does the same thing as the TA part with no need for drilling and tapping. The TA part looks nice but I will stick with the simpler version that does the same job

 

Is this what is needed when changing Intake Manifolds going from the standard cast iron manifold and going to a SP-1? I know there was some literature that came with the manifold hat talked of folding the gasket etc, because there is no lifter valley cover gasket when installing these manifolds ? So do I need to buy one of these when going to the SP-1 ?

Thanks

Bill

 

How new? (Re: Lifter Valley Baffle Tray)

Dear Larry and fans of assertive V-8 Buicks

Thanks for the head's up! Do you have any idea how new this product is? It appears to be literally brand new because I cannot find it anywhere in the TA-Performance catalog or website.

Thanks, Edouard

 

Yes I still have these, even retired guys need something to do.

Models for V-6, 350 and 455 Buicks
#2020 455 T/A SP1, SP2, & Edlelbrock intakes
#2020S for stock 455 intakes
#2020KB T/A SPX and KB Wildcat (supplied with screw on PCV baffle)
#2021 T/A 350 intake
#2021S Stock 350 intake
#2022 V-6 231 & 3800

 

Re: How new? (Re: Lifter Valley Baffle Tray)

Yes it is a Brand New Product, that's probably why it hasn't made it into the catalog yet. I'm sure it will be updated asap.

Larry

 

Glad to see you chime in Mike!

The TA piece looks nice, but if you're just doing an intake/gasket change, the shield type as shown above is the ticket. It's what I currently run.

 

All good info Larry. I have one of AMP pans in stock for a future BBB build of mine that will be outfitted with a TA lifter bore girdle. Though I understand your concern in regards to the already weak lifter bosses (especially with very aggressive roller cam profiles), where these holes are drilled I feel they are in the strongest area and won't affect the structural strength at all.....but I'm no engineer. Not to mention if someone has enough cam to break any lifter bosses I would recommend the girdle anyway, rendering the new TA tray inapplicable. Hope that clears up any doubts .

Larry

 

Glad to hear AMP is still selling parts!

 

Mike, are these still available? Looking for a #2020