Okay, so I've got a destroyed water pump and milky brown oil...the engines got 200K on it, so it's not a bad time for a rebuild. I don't have the time (or all the knowledge) to do it myself so I'm gonna go with a local shop in the San Antonio area. I'm looking for a strong but super reliable street motor (daily driver)...no hugely lopey idle, overheat issues, vacuum problems etc. I'm thinking about an RV type cam (TA rv ?) and bumping the compression to about 9.25 to 1. I don't care if it doesn't rev to the moon, but I'd like it to have lots of torque for around town. Basically just a cruiser thats fun to punch off the line. I've got manual drum brakes, but Power steering and AC (not currently functioning...but that's a different story) as well as a stock converter. Any thoughts on timing, cam installation, etc? Also, the mechanic likes to use Comp Cams and/or Crane. Anybody got any thoughts on a Comp Cam HE260 or comparable grind? I've heard that Buicks respond to different tricks than the Chevy 350. Thanks for any thoughts you might have. Goof
Hi Goof - Buicks respond best when a Buick engine builder assembles them. Make sure your machine shop is fluent in Buick engine building, or take your motor somewhere else. Buick engines built like a chevy will blow up!
Thanks Marco, I've heard that and I've asked around for guys with Buick experience. I tried to get some leads with an earlier thread but only got one reply..Thanks Phil. Unfortunately, I've got absolutely NO time to work on it right now so I needed a shop that would remove/replace the engine as well. BTW, in my search for a used motor, I found a junk yard that said it had a Buick 430 that "was running"...$200! Would that be a nice engine to build up or should I wait for the 455? Goof
350 Buicks love big carbs dont let anybody tell you a 750 or 800 is to big! The people who tell you a 750 wont run right on a 350 buick are only experienced with 350 chevys that bog and hesatate when they're only running a 650 carb. Get a cam from a company that makes the right cam for the motor that its going in alot of cam manufactures will take a buick "blank" and grind profiles into it that were only meant for a SBC. When you order your cam get it form a place thats done a little research on buick motors, i.e. TA Performance, Kenne Bell, CROWER, or Poston sure you'll spend more cash when you get a CROWER or TA cam and lifters but you wont have to worry about it being one of the chevy grinds that other brands are so fond of.
I'm in the same boat I'm in the same place on my restoration, just about ready to send the motor off to be freshened. What sort of things should I keep in mind when I'm talking to the rebuilder? At this time I'm just thinking of upgrading the cam, lifters, springs. But if the pistons need to be replaced then I'll up the compression. Anyone know of buick engine shops in Southern Ontario? Scourge 72 'lark
Looks to be about an hour away, but have you heard of Mississauga Engines? The owner's name is Cesar. He was partners with a guy down here in NY. I've talked to him before, he's a very knowledgeable guy - big on details! As for his partner down here...well, that's whole 'nother story!:af:
