Do most Eng. builders know the problem areas of the BBB? (Oil system /Head work). When choosing a Eng. builder what things should I be aware of? (look for). Thanks for any help
engine builders Well, most builders don't know and if they say they do, ask them. If they give you any answer like " sure, just like a Chevy" RUN!!!!!! Find a machinist they will listen and take the time to allow you to explain the in's and out of what YOU want. But also hear him out. The guy I use has built a bunch of Buicks but his bread and butter is circle track and blown hemi's. He had much to add, very knowledgable. He had ideas that saved me a bunch of money and added it were it counts. HOPE THAT HELPS Kelly.:Smarty:
First question I would ask him is how much clearance he would recommend on the crank bearings.......if he says more than .0015 on the mains and .002 on the rods, run like hell!!!:grin:
Where are you located? Many guys ( and ladies ) here know a of good machine shop around the world. Kelly.
.002 clearance on the mains is perfectly fine. any more than that is usually reserved for race engines that spin high rpm's. best bet is to have the machinist check line bore and then if thats ok install main bearings in block and torque to spec. then measure each individual bearing and grind the crank according to each journal. i have the rods done the same way.
Buick 494 I'm in Az. near Prescott. If anyone out there knows of a machinest that knows the Buick engine Let me know. Thanks
A few critical areas you may be aware of: Timing Cover/Oil Pump housing--checking for wear in the aluminum casting where the oil pump gears reside. New replacements available...T/A manufactures them Oil Pump-- Don't run a high volume pump--use a stock pump w/an adjustable regulator Cam Bearings and Cam--Back-grooved bearings are available but you should also probably fit-check the cam before putting everything together as some or all of the aftermarket cams may have slightly larger cam bearing journals than the GM original cams. Also--on the back grooved bearings they need to be installed exactly as instructed---one guy here had a machine shop that thought they were following the instructions but the shop had the motor upside down vs. the instructions--big problem was the result. Oil Galley Plugs in Front of Block--- THIS IS CRITICAL!!!!!! There are two small plugs (press-in on small block and screw in on big block?) located on the front face of the block on either side of the front cam bearing. You will not see these til you pull off the timing cover/housing. IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL THAT THESE NOT BE INSTALLED TOO DEEP into their holes. If installed too deep you will cut off an intersecting oil galley (and OIL!) to the lifters and cam area. I just saw a motor pulled apart where the machine shop had pushed these in TOO FAR---very ugly results and car had only a few miles on the new motor. Clearances--already mentioned but somewhat critical. You need to make sure these items are done correctly or you risk a problem---seeing it done or visually confirming afterwards will give you a lot of "peace of mind" as you drive that car later. Unless your shop "knows" Buick motors you really need to check this stuff. I'm sure there's plenty more tips. Patton
engine builders give TA performance a call. Mike can either do the work or point you in the right direction. He's out there in AZ. http://www.taperformance.com/ Information and Order Line 480-922-6807 16167 N. 81st Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Kelly
