Blew up the 350....here comes the 455 econo build

gents, have a 72 short block, standard bore etc, new rings, bearings, polished crank, the not so popular comp 218 cam. Heads have been surfaced, new guides, basic valve job.
Using 0.041 fel pro head gaskets, if I take 20 thou of the heads, will intake, push rods etc work without more machining.....assume original had a steel shin gasket much thinner.
This is an intern motor until I can afford the 470 or 482.
This will be first of many questions, so please bear with me.

 

I don’t know your answer but I’m looking forward to reading this thread. I’ve seen some ‘thrown together’ engines run pretty well.
Patrick

 

Well it’s going to be that - used parts, some faith! Need to learn quickly about Buick oil pumps....I have a new TA cover and Melli g rebuild kit....or a stock timing cover.
This all happened very suddenly.....5100 rpm in a 92,000 mile stock 350....clattering like crazy, oil light on at idle.

 

Milling .020 off heads can still line up intake ok.If not different thickness intake gaskets are available. The ,020 steel shim gasket was not used in 72 and is for round water jacket holes, 72's are oval shape.

 

Ok Gary, sounds like I’m ok to take off 20 thou, if intake needs some work, so be it.

 

Why would you take another .020 off the heads?

You're much better-off taking .020 off the block decks. (Maybe more, to get to "zero deck".) How far below deck are the pistons now?

 

I agree here.Heads are already flat from previous milling.

 

Guys - the short block is assembled, only opportunity I have to help compression is to possibly mill the heads some more. This motor is just for now, I hadn’t planned on killing the 350....but **** happens. Hoping that milling heads will compensate for the 0.041 fel pro head gaskets.

Once this engine is in the GS, if the track opens, I’ll post results.......the 350 ran a best of 16.18!

 

That makes sense since the motor is together.We an raise .4 compression with a .027" cometic head gasket. Great reusable gaskets but costly, about $150.What compression have you calculated in current state with a .040?

 

And so it begins

 

Greatscat, stock 72 short block. Compression is going to be low as you know. Just trying to at least be even with fel pro gasket being 0.041
Again this is an interm 455 to get by till a 470 or 482. Thanks

 

Pulled this out of the stuff that came with the econo short block. Any tips on cleaning it up? Can I pull out the wiring, put my gs350 wiring harness in the plastic insulator?

 

Brett, excellent pics. I think I’ll look into front engine wiring harness. Thanks

 

Repair the 350

 

I have most of the GS Wiring Harnesses in stock if needed. . . . .

https://www.stage1restoration.com/product-category/wire_harness/




.

 

Thanks. Will be talking to Todd.

 

Ordered it today