Hi guys, I'm new to this board and have been reading many of these posts about 455 buildups. I just acquired a 1973 455, and a set of 67 430 heads. It is going into a 1970 Skylark Custom, (full weight, 3980 with me in it). My question is, are high 11 sec timeslips feasible with these heads? I don't mind a big stall/cam, and I already have a 12 bolt w/3.73's. It does have to run on 93 octane. Here is some of the stuff I have been thinking of: Stage 1 valves in the 430 heads (maybe some mild porting) Edelbrock Performer 800 cfm Q-jet or a TQ 1 7-8 full length headers (already have TA 3 inch exhaust) MSD distributor or maybe an HEI Stage 1 fuel pump Some type of forged flat top? Cam? would like to use stock 67 rockers if possible What do you guys think? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Steve
:TU: there you go steve (hint) guys This guy is trying to put a buick in a chevys place help him out! It is time to take that chevy out of that nice looking 70 lark.
I was trying to keep that on the lowdown Phil.....:grin: Anyways, hopefully next time I see you and open the hood the distributor will be where it's supposed to be.
I've got my car into the 11's, and my car weighs @4050 lbs. Then add another 210 lbs for my butt. I'm running Poston's 113A cam which is similar to T/A's 413 cam. I have '67 430 heads with Stage 1 valves, combustion chambers all polished. Heads are ported and matched to intake. Pistons are TRW 10.0 to 1 slugs. Tops are polished and casting button removed. Block is zero-decked. Rest of short block is stock. Intake is an SP1 with Holley 950HP. Ignition is a stock system with a Pertronix Ignitor 2 setup. Headers with x-pipe setup. TH400 tranny with 9.5",3300 stall converter to a 10-bolt rear with 3.73 gears. My 11.999 was on slicks, but at Milan on a warm day and very poor traction. I'm actually hoping to get out here soon to Norwalk before they close down and see what some good traction and high barometer/cool night will do for me. Good luck. Phil
I currently has a 70 model 455 buick with 69 430 heads and the original 430 oiling setup in a 1984 buick regal. The car has 3.73 rear gears, ta's sp-1 intake, ta 608 camshaft, big stage one valves, 1000 cfm barry grant carb, msd distributor and digital 6 plus msd box, holley blue fuel pump, 400 trans with a 4500 stahl, and the car runs in the low 11's all day long on a 9 inch slick. I have been 7.40's with it in the 1/8th of the mile and has been low 12's coastin halfway to the 1/4 mile. it don't take alot to make these buicks make horsepower. Get them moving and out of low gear around 5500 to 6000 rpm and watch the performace.
Thanks for all the feedback guys, seems that the TA is the intake of choice, is anyone running the stock rockers w/ their setup? I am assuming I have to run adjustable pushrods with any type of aftermarket cam.
Steve, I wasn't keeping the motor a secret I have to tell the world about the motor. however I am subject to getting as much help to make it right! Glad your getting the info you need and welcome to the board.:beer
Steve, I've had NO problems with (replacement) stock steel rockers. The pushrod length more depends on block decking or head milling. I have heard that lifter type and/or reduced base circle on high-lift cams will affect length also. One word of advice though, the correct length pushrods will be lighter, stronger, one less chink in the armor vs adjustable pushrods. T/A intake is mand. IMHO. If you can, spend as much time/money as you can on the heads. Get them flowed, then match YOUR FLOW with a cam.
I have the rockers off the 67 heads, and the rockers off the 73 heads, although those seem to be worn out (there seems to be a lot of play in them) Is there any advantage to running either one of them, I believe the ratio is different? Steve
I'm running the factory '67 1.6 rockers on my car. I do run adj. pushrods as I've cut the block so much, decked the heads, etc. You can run solids, but you'll need and adj. to find out the exact length you'll need. T/A sells all different lenghts. Phil
I've also cut the block and heads alot, so I got 1 adjustable pushrod from TA, adjusted to the correct length, then sent back to TA for the correct length pushrods. Took a little longer, buto No: , a least its right. Hopefully, nothing major will change for me requiring changing the length again.
I forgot to ask, and I'm confused on this, I know I will have to plug a hole in the 73 block to use the 67 heads, but I thought the 67 oiled through the rockers shafts, and I will be oiling through the pushrods, it looks like the 67 has holes to oil through the pushrods? (even though they didn't oil through them?) Also: Can you all tell me about your oiling system modifications? I know about the grooved cam bearings, also read about aligning/enlarging the main bearing holes/oil passages with the bearings. (absolutely necessary?) I haven't had a chance to inspect the timing cover yet, (it's at the machine shop), what type of pump to run? What about bearing tolerances/clearances, should I just use the factory specs? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to get this right the first time. I have been getting alot of info from various sites, but you know how sometimes you just want to get a second opinion on everything, if that makes sense. Thanks again for all the responses. :beer Will be taking some pictures of the car today, I finally have a day off, hopefully I can figure out how to post them! Steve
