1970 Buick Skylark part II

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

read: expensive heart transplant

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

Update:
Went to swap meet today and picked up a doug nash overdrive to put behind the turbo 400.... still want a 6 speed, but for $150.00; I couldn't figure out a reason to swap out the t400. Now to just clear an engine stand to start the 455 build.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

Update part 3 or 4... can't remember.
I blew the 455 apart today, cleaned it up.... need to drill and tap a broken bolt into the water jacket.
Need to bore it as the cylinders are pretty loose.
Need to turn the crank down as there's a .005 variance on several journals, and there's a .0013 variance between the journals (this is rod).
Need to turn the main journals as the middle journal has a groove in it.

So let's see, put a Buick motor together:
1200 in machine work on the block
800 bearings, gaskets, and pistons
200 in valves
500 to open up the heads and get the Stage 1 valves in it.
300 for an intake
400 for headers
(I can make the intake and headers, but still will cost a couple hundred for parts).
And I still have a bottom end that is good for 600 hp without spending another 1000 for a girdle....

so should I put the 454 in it and work on getting a a 6.0 LS motor? same hp, greater potential, and better reliability.....

[fahrenschnell]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

Yep....454 and then 6.0L.....

Seth

[cantvalve16]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

I would probably second that motion. You won't like the 454 for handling, but the power will be good. The nose heaviness will probably fuel your 6.0 search. Andrew Borodin (over on Pro-Touring.com) did the swap from a big block Chevy to a 6.0 and is very pleased with the handling difference. His car is a 70 GTO so similar issues apply. Check out his build thread is you get a chance.

If you plan to keep the car.... do what you really want to do. Doing it a bunch of times in a money saving manner doesn't save as much as doing it once the right way.

[DanStokes]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

You HAVE to do the BBB - just because it's a BBB. I LOVE that engine. I know the BBC is cheaper and the LS is more modern and will be lighter and all - but 'tain't a BBB!!!

Dan

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

I agree about the BBB, but I may have another home for it (think 48 fastback).... the other, more pressing problem, is I'll be in the same doghouse as Seth if I spend that kind of money on the Bu power..... I can get Buick-labeled, plastic covers for the LS motor, wouldn't that make it better? ;D ;D

[stage1scott]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

Update part 3 or 4... can't remember.
I blew the 455 apart today, cleaned it up.... need to drill and tap a broken bolt into the water jacket.
Need to bore it as the cylinders are pretty loose.
Need to turn the crank down as there's a .005 variance on several journals, and there's a .0013 variance between the journals (this is rod).
Need to turn the main journals as the middle journal has a groove in it.

So let's see, put a Buick motor together:
1200 in machine work on the block
800 bearings, gaskets, and pistons
200 in valves
500 to open up the heads and get the Stage 1 valves in it.
300 for an intake
400 for headers
(I can make the intake and headers, but still will cost a couple hundred for parts).
And I still have a bottom end that is good for 600 hp without spending another 1000 for a girdle....

so should I put the 454 in it and work on getting a a 6.0 LS motor? same hp, greater potential, and better reliability.....

AND PEOPLE WONDERED WHY I SWITCHED TO FORD!!

[DanStokes]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

Nope - because you would know in your heart that it isn't "right". Explain to your wife that it's cheaper than therapy.

Dan

I agree about the BBB, but I may have another home for it (think 48 fastback).... the other, more pressing problem, is I'll be in the same doghouse as Seth if I spend that kind of money on the Bu power..... I can get Buick-labeled, plastic covers for the LS motor, wouldn't that make it better? ;D ;D

[cantvalve16]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

I hear what you're saying Aaron. In that case, swap in the 454 and have some fun without the wear and tear on the relationship. But, don't forget the blower. ;D

[TheSilverBuick]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

Do I really have to say? Though I'm not as put off by the LS engine as I would a BBChevy.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

then you'll be slightly less put off by the 350 I'm picking up tonight to make this car mobile ;D (since it's smaller then the BBC)

I do still have the 215/300 Buick..... wonder what that sucker would be like with turbos (okay, I don't think in a linear fashion).... would require substantial lightening..... but, it'd be completely Buick.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

I should do a flow chart to chart the twists and turns of this car.... today, I picked up a 350 Buick motor (see photos) for 50 bucks..... it has forged pistons, head studs, port matched heads..... and looks like it might have 1000 miles on it - apparently the tenant left it and the landlord threw it away.... a quick re-ring job and my buick will have a buick in it..... anyone want to bet that'll change too ;D ;D
Benefit of this motor is the 500 or so cost it will be to put it together and in the car.... as a side bonus, I looked up the numbers and it's a 71 block/heads - which is just fine for my 70 buick...... and since it has forged pistons ...... hmmm, what deviltry can I do with it?

[TheSilverBuick]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

Hopefully it cleans up nice

[fahrenschnell]

Re: 1970 Buick Skylark part II

Sounds good......Doesn't look as good.

Seth