from looking at the charts, it looks like the only big port heads in 67 were in the 430's, is this correct? id like to have my 67 heads cleaned up and put on my 76 455, which is currently in the car. then when money permits ill build the 400 shortblock properly and have a numbers matching car again. ive heard that putting the stage one valves isnt worth much power over standard valves, and would make no difference when i put the heads back on my 400, is this correct thinking?
stage valves won't fit in your 400. They would have to be unshrouded to benefit in a 430, from what I understand. I don't know for sure, but I thought that all the heads for the 400's and 430's were the same, from year to year.
here is where i was getting my info from. i figure if my 67 400 heads arent any better than 70's 455's then i might as well modify non original heads. http://www.atlantabuick.com/CastingNumbers.htm
67 400 heads should be some of the best iron heads from the factory! From the website you linked to: 1. 67-68 400-430 "Big Port" Heads (These heads flow about 5% better due to larger intake ports). 2. 70-71 455 Heads 3. 69 430 Heads 4. 72-74 455 Heads 5. 75-76 455 Heads That, and you get some extra compression for your 76 block. I would definitely go with the '67 heads. I have also heard they are better for porting.
it says on that page that the bold numbers are the ones that are big port, and for 67 the only bold numbers are the 430's. am i reading this wrong? hopefully, because then ive got a nice set of heads to start with. as well as a what i hear is a very nice core in the 76 455.
Nope, you're right... For some reason I thought they were all big port in '67. Anyway, they should still be excellent heads to use. That 76 block is a great one to build too. A little heavier webbing, better lifter bores (probably a lot less core shift). I just disassembled one a week ago, and it was really nice too (76). Sounds like you have a real good start for a high performance motor. You know that those heads on the '76 are junk, and that the pistons have a pretty deep dish, right?
yeah, after spending a few years on this site i realized what i had, a 7.9-1 motor, with useless heads and dished pistons. i bought the engine in my very young and ignorant stage, heck im only 23 so im still young and ignorant. the engine code is SO which means 1970 350, but its def a 455 (its cast into the rear of the block). the head numbers say its a 76 455, and it has an egr manifold, and 74 and later carb so i assume its a 76. it didnt have an a.i.r. pump or hei, but i still think its a 455. its served me well so far though, i ran a 14.3, launching at only 1000 rpm and feathering the throttle because of traction. so its not a total dog. at least not next to the jap cars. but those times, and easy 13's with better than 195/50 tires, seem to say its got more than the 205 hp in a 76. so im still at a loss as to engine year.
yeah, I'm another younger one on here- 28. Buicks are still old guys cars... it's still a fact of life. :laugh: I thought the 76's had it cast right on the block. I'll have to go home and look for it on my block. That carb you have should be a good one, if it came on that motor. It's probably an 800 cfm. I still need to find one of those. All that torque is sure to burn your tires off! Imagine what it could do if you could hook it up good. You have that in a '67? I have a '67 in my driveway right now, but it's not running. It could be, but it's rough, and I'd rather sink the money into my '69s. When it did run, it ran strong for what it is- 400 junkyard block with a GS118 cam and B4B. Definitely needed a converter with that cam though. I will be building a '71 block with '71 converted stage heads soon. I am hoping for high 11's with it when it's all done, but we will have to see about that.
steve, the "455" IS cast into the block, above the bellhousing for the trans. i purchased a 74 q-jet because its an 800 and i can use the same parts as those that were on my 67. the orig carb used different rods. high 11's is where id like to be with the car one day, once its no longer my daily driver. good luck with your project, id like to know how it turns out.
Thanks, Joe. Are you going to the BPG nationals next summer? I plan to have it done for that (I hope... I have a LONG way to go). The nationals are only 25-30 minutes away from my house.:Brow: I thought they also cast in a "76" on the block. I hope to put up a web site documenting my progress, but with my limited time I don't know if that will happen. Should be a crazy pace to build a motor and assemble a whole car before August! I think I can I think I can I think I can....
i hadnt checked for a "76" on the block, ill be sure to do it now though. its nice to know what your working with. i plan on going to at least one buick event this year. ill be done with grad school in a month and will finally have the funds to put some serious work into the car.
