Dave, thanks for the reply. The reason the girdle would "put the stock pan configuration right out the window" for me is that I can't tolerate the one inch drop due to the current clearance between the crossmember and the pan for my application. X-member mods aren't out of the question, obviously. Devon
I think the reason for the bore spacing is so they can make the webbing thicker at the mains. I was noticing that today looking at my bare block. I too think it would be in the "what makes it a buick" territory.
I was just doing a Ford Focus 2.0 16v zetec engine swap today. I know I know. however it looks like it has a block, and the main bearing caps are intgrated with a halo. would it be possible to do something simmilar to that where lower performance would have standard type main caps and oil pan, and full blown can get the main cap halo with an extremely shallow oil pan. with maybe a 1-2" sump.
ta should buy a bulldog block, study it, learn from it and make thier block far more radical if they want to be sell them. why bother to remake something that has already been done. remember " the market can not support two 455 aftermarket blocks." so, make a 350, everyone is happy. there is no need to monopolize the aftermarket market.
?????? Where have you been? You can't get a bull dog block unless you have a secret hand shake. The market has not been flooded with anything ou: We should Thank TA for stepping up to the plate :TU:
TA and cohorts - Thanks for undertaking this huge project and inviting us for input. User input from this board is awesome. I hope GM/Buick is watching silently because this type of market research is worth $$$$$$$$$ for those divisions. Please remember that some comments on this board may come from those who do not plan on buying a block at all. I am not at all concerned with a new type of oil pan as I think most people aren't either. Don't give it another thought. If guys are willing to spend 20K on a motor, they will love to have the new pan style that supports the power. As far as my input: - I certainly hope you keep the front timing cover stock appearing some way or the other because that most noticeable dictates BUICK. - BIG CUBE POTENTIAL while keeping bore spacing stock. Most likely through sleeving and arrangement of main webbing to deal with the throws of the larger crank. - 4l80E/BOP tranny provisions. GM is coming out with more and more advanced trannies such as the 6L80E (which I believe is the same bolt pattern as the 4L80) which completely will allow more streetable cruise nights and driving which we should take advantage of if we can. You can put these trannys in your car now, but the adapter plate deal is a mess. The side 2 bell housing bolts are the same, just the top two are bolts behind the intake are taller and closer to the centerline of the block. What would it take to include that into the casting as well. - I know you all have the oiling dialed in, but potentially having the ability to run a dry sump would be great. So if you deep skirt the block you may run into problems if you don't take into consideration ways to get oiling in and out through the pan or block. We could always machine holes into the block after production during the build, but would that take away rigidity from the lower end? - Crank Trigger - It may be more beneficial to design a bolt on piece similar to the 3800 instead of working hard to fit into the block when some might not even use a crank trigger. Think on the big end, maybe Buick will introduce a new TRUCK or Buickvette that will use a motor based off this block. We all know they are desperate help for new products to gain consumers attention. After all you may just be designing the future platform for new Buick motor sports. If thats the case, then you will certainly have to get a 358 Buick into the works so we can get our own NASCAR team. Hell I'll be your driver. Anyways, I am excited and waiting patiently.
V8 Looks like a bunch of good ideas kicked around. I doubt you will see Buick in motorsports as it is highly likely that you won't see Buick period much longer. But for the block, things like smaller mains and larger cam journal diameter are of interest to me. Then there is belt drive cam and oil pump options. Looks like there is a fine line between being a "real" Buick or just some World Products big inch engine. I think the real need is some really good flowing heads or the rest of this stuff is not too important. Jim Netherland 67 GS NSS
I know gridles and halos are considered a "crutch"...BUT....would the block draw the budget-concious person and sell a few more units for you to recoup the investment if you made it in a "base" configuration for lower hp (i dunno, say 700hp) and then optioned-up and sold with a halo and girdle as "bolt-ons" with no machine work needed for the install to the crazy guys? The idea would be that the block would be 1500 hp ready with no machine work and a couple bolt-ons. Would it be cheaper or more expensive to go this route??????
What kind of a "budget conscious" person would consider buying a $5500 aluminum block in the first place? A "base configuration" isn't going to make it much cheaper. Personally, I don't want anymore girdles. The "budget conscious" customer probably outta just stick with a stock block.
This has been great to see what everyone is thinking. I will say, most all your suggestions have been looked at. I will also say there have been some new ideas here and they are now being considered. I have had some talk with Denny Manner and he has also brought some thoughts to the table. As far as it looking like a Buick, well the same importance level is being applied to this project as was to our cylinder heads. Yes, there will be some changes that are necessary to bring it up to date and to be versatile, but there will be no mistake that its a Buick when looked at from the top down. The new cylinder head may ..., well; its not even close yet. There are still many folks that have not expressed any thought. You never know how good your idea is if you don't bring it to the table. I have already had one idea from a V8Buick member that has changed the direction were traveling, and may I say it was a surprise.
mike, if the 350 is on the far, far, far back burner for new parts, how about making intake adapters to use a mopar or chevy single plane intake????? john
HUH ?????????? Bills motor didn't prove anything to anyone I assume then right ? Yea, it only made 1000. But a 350" ain't worth it to Procharge it. I need an intake, I have 3 now, I ain't happy with any of them. I gotta go with John on this one, Bah....humbug !! I am thinking Mopar intake with adapters now. Can't find a Chevy that I really like yet. I ain't racing a Buick anymore, I'm racing a car. I wonder if I'll have to run in a crossbreed class ? Or even be allowed in the door in BG..........
New Old idea How about this,make it an option to have the cam bearing journals machined for roller bearings,restrict oil flow to them and not have to worry about grooved bearings,reindexing oil holes etc. Didn't Crower make a roller bearing cam for Chevys? I know this would be an expensive undertaking but may be worth it for big gun motors. Mike Biagini
guy on ebay selling 440 spacer plates for $60. i am bidding on them. k-b did them back 30 years to adapt 440 to a 455 and we have somebody on the site that makes them now. and we can't make spacer plates????????? engineering, material and machine time, sell cost $100??? customer satisfaction....priceless. BAH.....HUMBUG........
Let check out the Spacer Plate's when you get them. Are you going to Make some to sell if you get them?
don't know. we will see. buickdav and i have been floating a lot of ideas around. and not just on intake plates......... :grin: john
