Buick 350 engine build

Updates???

 

Unfortunately, my machinist, Dieter, has been ill for a few days. Because he and his wife are in an at-risk demographic, I haven't been pushing on the project for the last week or so.
Expecting to talk to him on the phone today or tomorrow to see how he's doing.

 

Understandable!

 

Good news, Dieter is feeling much better and has been back at work.
He's finished dyno testing that blown Chevy big block that was ahead of me and is moving it out to make room for my Buick 350. I'm hopeful/expecting I'll have some updates next week.

Once the break-in is complete, I was thinking I should use VR1 or Brad Penn PennGrade 1 motor oil. With new bearings at 2 thousands clearance, should I use a 10W-30 multi viscosity grade? Or should I use a heavier grade, like 20W-50? I'm thinking that with tight bearing clearances, the thicker oil is not the best idea.
I know motor oil is a topic that has been discussed many times before, but what are the oil choice suggestions for a newly built flat tappet Buick 350? Is there any merit to the idea that synthetic oils are "too slippery" for flat tappet engines?

 

No I would not be scared of synthetics, just ensure the zink levels are up there. You can use any old oil and just add a zink supplement if you want. Yes I wouldn’t use anything other than 10W30 personally. Don’t get caught up with name brands.

 

Dont mix and match synthetic/conventional from change to change. Use 1 type, and stick with it. My engine has .002 rods/mains on the dot, has 60psi on the highway from 2500rpm on up, 75psi cold, 25 hot idle, 12ish hot after a highway run at idle. 10w30 vr1. Use what is the easiest to find. If you cant get at least those numbers using a "normal" multi-viscosity oil, there's an issue.
Edit, I should mention I have a blueprinted cover from Underdog350 on this engine.

Your results may vary.

 

Any luck?

 

It got pushed to next Tuesday. Cutting it close to return the dyno headers on time, but this way Isaak and I can both attend.

 

good news! I still need to ship out a pallet to my head porter. I guess I’m causing the delay on my build. I don’t even know if my shipping company is active right now I guess I should look into it.

 

My build delayed as well. TA unable to get roller cam due to non essential / Covid19 situation. Sure there will other bumps in the road until this clears.

 

Whoa, TA Performance has had to suspend operations? I guess I better call them to find out about returning the dyno headers. Then again, if they are closed up, no one will answer.

 

Try contacting them in the vendor section here?

 

Just got a clarification from Tim at TA. They are still open, but Crower has had some shutdowns as a result of all this madness. That is why the roller cams are still out of stock.

 

TA open as of last week or so when I spoke to Tim but the cam vendor closed. Sorry for the confusion/panic if I was misunderstood.

 

Break-in and dyno pulls are delayed again. I'll update when I have something to report.

 

The good news: Dieter, my machinist has bounced back and is feeling pretty healthy again. The engine has moved to the dyno room and is all bolted up.

The bad news: poured coolant into the engine in preparation for starting it and it ran out between the block and the head. So the head has to come off to figure out what is wrong.

 

Looking good. Those must be the headers on loan from TA.

Get that coolant problem sealed up and let's hear it!

 

Those are indeed the loaner headers. TA has been patient and understanding with these delays.

 

Hope it's something simple. So close.