Just got off the phone with Mike... Wow! What incredible service! We had a very thorough and informative conversation regarding Buick performance in general and discussed my goals for the engine build. We then talked about what I was missing and got everything put together. TA's SRP pistons got me right to the compression ratio I was looking for. I only have one more question for the build that I can think of right now - I have a long body high performance water pump (thanks again TA!) on my shelf ready to go on. Now that I'm thinking about it though, my 69 Electra's 430 is probably a short body pump. If there's no difference in the positioning of the block in the engine bay and I use the long body, my fan will probably be set too far into the shroud right?
Great to hear about that! The fan in the shroud is not so much the issue, the alignment of the water pump pulley with the crank pulley will be thrown off, meaning you will throw belts by just starting the engine. This will be the case unless you have a pulley with an extra long snout so that it would accomadate and make up the distance.
Glad to hear Mike T. could help you, I have known Mike since the early 80's. I have purchased many parts over the years an had a couple engines built by Mike and his Co. He has always treated me fair, answered all my questions, and given me great products with great service, I knew he would step up and help the minute I read this thread. Glad to call Him a Friend! Now I just need another car! Cheers,
If anyone was curious, I got all the TA parts in.... WOW! Everything looks great. Pistons and rods are works of art, can't wait to finish the machine work and start assembling. Quick question for you all - does anyone have a deck plate for a 455 I can rent? I'd need it shipped to NJ ASAP so I can finish the honing. I can always hone without one but I figured I'd ask here. Every engine I've bored with the deck plate has sealed BEAUTIFULLY. Thanks again for your help, everyone - especially Mike from TA
I know, I should've asked. Wasn't thinking about it though. I will call on Monday and see if they can overnight me one. Shipping is expensive coming all the way from Arizona though.
Brian, call Rob at Stage 1 Auto in Pompton Plains (973)839-4900. The Northeast GS/GN Club has one that we rent for $25 and Rob has it right now. Check with him if he is finished with it. Tell him John Csordas said you can borrow it & give him the money as I will see him in a few weeks.
I'm wondering how this is working out. If it was me I would've pulled the 430 and slapped some fresh rod bearings into the 430 as long as the crank wasn't too bad and the rods rattling. Even cut the crank if needed. Back in my trade school days I replaced rod bearings laying in the parking lot of the school. I can't see the need to rush a nice(expensive) 455 build. Hopefully everything went well.
