Are they something the average rebuilder can work with? Parts availble still? Should I find a specialist?
If it is indeed a switch pitch ST400 then there are a few places that specialize in that stuff. It is really mostly just the torque convertor some switches and valves that are different from the rest of the TH400. I am sure some guys on this forum can chime in on where to get parts or who to use. I don't think it is too big of a deal to get what you need. I know there are places still making torque convertors for them. I know I wouldn't hesitate to run one if I had it. Greg
definitely a wise idea to go through the oil pump. Do whatever oiling mods you can do without major disassembly. Here is the info you need to clean up the ports and galleries on the timing cover. http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/OilingMods.htm Do those mods with a new pump and booster plate it should survive ok. TA has the shims if you need to get the shimming right on the money. Greg
X2 on getting the biggest aluminum radiator you can get in there. See if they come in 1.25" tubes x2.
I plan stuffing the biggest aluminum radiator I can find into it along with an electric fan. Going to see whether I can hide it behind one of the original shrouds. AZ isn't kind to cooling systems. One other question, did Buick have an "HEI" type distributor that will work in the 430? Or am I going to have to go MSD. Not going to use points.
I am not sure what year the HEI distributor was first installed on the 455 but the last few years had one. They will bolt into a 400 or 430 just fine. You should be able to find one easy enough. Greg
While there are a lot of pluses (easy parts availability, and low cost) to installing a big cap GM HEI into your BBB (BTW, they were used from 74-76), the Big cap can have some interference problems with the upper radiator hose or front of the intake. I like the small cap distributors myself.
While I did give him info on the HEI as he asked. I have to agree with you. I hate the huge cap. It interferes with the rad hose on the older cars and are a bit of a pain to tune the advance into. Often having too much mechanical advance. I prefer a small cap distributor for looks and like the MSD distributor for tuning timing curve. Quick and easy setup. Greg
So the T/A distributer that is mentioned here, is that a big cap or a small cap? I guess it's a big cap since they seem to be saying the coil is included?
TA sells several types of distributors. They have Big cap GM HEI distributors. They have a line of MSD ready to run clones, and Pro Billet which need to be plugged into a box. ALL have vacuum advance. Big Cap HEI, http://taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_691 Ready to run, http://taperformance.com/products.asp?cat=465 Pro Billet (requires a CD box), http://taperformance.com/products.asp?cat=466
Sounds like the ready to run is the way to go. HEI was the first thing I did to my Chevys, doesn't sound like it's as easy on the Buicks.
I did not build the 455 in my car but the distributor in my car is a big cap HEI with the vacuum advance removed. I have to be honest, the only thing I have done is rebuilt the Holley 850 on it, changed the oil to a high zinc synthetic and buried my foot to the floor. What a blast! I should know better after all these years to check everything but.... I guess if your constantly checking everything the big cap could be a burden. I really believe the guy that put it together knew what he was doing. the timing light will go on this weekend.
