Winter 2020 (Now Spring 2023) 350 Fresh-Up Project

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by knucklebusted, Mar 13, 2021.

  1. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I've finally gotten the motor pulled out of my 350 4-speed car to clean up all the leaks, get headers on it and swap in an M23Z.

    As I take things apart, I'll probably be asking questions. I think this poor thing, 92k miles and never been apart, leaks from every place possible.

    First question: Is there any bolt, nut, fastener that should never be reused? The flywheel, clutch and bellhousing bolts looked good.

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  2. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Your exhaust manifold bolts are probably rusted beyond reuse. But most bolts will be ok . You can see by inspection what you may not want to reuse. rod bolts you may want arp bolts. Which will require machine shop to inspect and rebuild rods.
    Depending on what pistons you use, you may want to mill block deck, to get desired compression ratio. you will want to replace front cam bearing . The ta backgrooved is a good choice
    Take your time. It should be fun once it’s completed
     
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  3. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    You've got exactly two (2) months...go:). You don't even need to include travel time. You might (probably would) have the only 350 4-sp car there.

    I don't think there are any bolts on these that not re-useable. You doing anything else besides the re-gasketing & trans. (Headers, intake, etc.)? As @alec296 said, exhaust manifold bolts. I think @ToddsGS has the original style but one needs to be cut down for 350 vs. 455.
     
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  4. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    It is getting headers and those exhaust bolts are not going to be reused. Only one came out so far. Rest are being soaked. I'm going to inspect everything as I go.
     
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  5. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    Trans sounds interesting. If you can order that M23Z trans with an o.d. 4th gear ratio, that seems like the best way to go.
    You could run 4 series gears.
     
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  6. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Already have it. 2.98 first, 1:1 4th and 3.08 rear gears.
     
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  7. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    What year did you start going to the Nationals?
     
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  8. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I think 1982?
     
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  9. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    I had my Sherwood Green/Green interior (no vinly top) 350 4-sp car there a in '86-'87 & I think again (restored) in '98. I don't remember ever seeing seeing your car there and I try to be tuned into 350 4-sp cars.

    Do you remember back around '86-'87 there was also a really nice dark (Hunter) Green/Saddle interior (no vinly top) '72 350 4-sp there. I only remember seeing it those 2 years. Always wondered what happened to that one.
     
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  10. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I've only had it since 2014. The previous owner came to the GS Nats back in the late 80s. I've been tweaking and tuning it for the last 6 years. Disc brakes, swaybars, quick ratio steering, tubular upper A-arms, dash tach, recovered the seats, less rusty bumpers, tilt column, wrapped sport wheel, wiring repairs and LED lighting.
     
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  11. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Two thing:

    1) I'm going to be pulling the oil pan, intake and heads. Is there any reason I can't pressure wash the external parts before I start disassembly to avoid getting grungier than I have to? Obviously, I cover the carb and distributor and won't do much on the top end at all. I think valve covers and below is where the money is at.

    2) Starter still has the bracket holding it to the block. Will this starter work on a Buick? It is for the 153 tooth small block Chevy, which I believe we share the same pattern. I've got some credit on Amazon to burn through.
    Amazon: Rareelectrical CHEVY MINI STARTER COMPATIBLE WITH 153 TOOTH FLYWHEEL STRAIGHT MOUNT
     
  12. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    1) I don't see why not. Seal it up well & have @ it.

    2) No idea.
     
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  13. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    1. Yes, spray on gunk degreaser or foam oven spray cleaner 1st. Brush it all around.
    2. It looks like the right mount pattern & the knurled bolts. Plus they throw in a couple shims that you may or may not need.
     
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  14. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    As for #1 absolutely #2 If I’m not mistaken the Chevy LT1 starter is what you need from an Impala/Roadmaster/Camaro 92-97 or 98.
     
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  15. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    But the one listed has an R-terminal for points boost during cranking. The LT1 starter only has the one for starter trigger.

    Trying to narrow it down.
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2021
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  16. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    My bad I don’t have a points distributor so I don’t need the R terminal.
     
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  17. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    I got this thru Amazon, in 2015. It's a DB Electrical SDR0059K. $53 :D
    Couldn't pass it up.:) bolts, shims, test sheet, etc.
    But....it's still in the box.:rolleyes:
     

    Attached Files:

  18. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    Just looked it and it’s out of stock.
     
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  19. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

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  20. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

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