I have had a problem since I had the engine rebuilt. I was losing a small amount of coolant each time I drove my 1970 Buick gs 455. Things came to a head when I changed the oil and discovered the tell tale signs of coolant in the oil. I now know I have 1973 heads on my 1970 block. I have heard that I may be able to modify these heads to solve my problem. Has anyone performed these mods and what do they intail, or am I further ahead to use an old set of 70 heads I have which have not been reworked. Problem is the 73 heads have been all reworked and money wasted if I can't use them. Thanks, C
What head gasket are you using? In any case, you should be able to block off the offending coolant passage in the head. There are single scallop heads and blocks.
As Larry said, your 73 head has 2 coolant holes there that line up with those scallops..simple pull each head, figure out which hole is not being covered by the block off scallop on the block and install a freeze plug in the hole needed. If I remember on my 73 heads when looking at the head surface with the intake part of the head facin up and away from me the plugs were on the right. But check and verify. I used a bit of expo over the plug just to make sure it didn't move......not needed though if you get the correct plug. Just make sure there isn't any rusty pieces in the passage when putting plug in or it cold not seal. A thin coat of rtv or even blue lock tight also helps it seal and stay put. As far as head gaskets the aftermarket just list 1 style normally to fit all year bbb unless your using in something special, high dollar, or NOS parts
Thanks , guys I haven't pulled the heads yet , so not sure about the gasket and any mods made as I wasn't the one that put the engine together. I've just got the intake off so far so I'll post more when I dig in deeper.
