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Buick Big Block

3K views 16 replies 6 participants last post by  69elcaminoss 
#1 ·
whats up guys, have any of you hot rodders ever messed around with a buick big block, a 455 to be exact, i looked up the HP numbers for the 70 model engine, which is what i have, it had 370 hp and 510 tq rating, sounds like it would be a good engine to build on, ive found a good buick performance parts dealer TA performance. is there any chance i could get this engine to run with some of the small block chevy guys around here.
 
#2 ·
The 70 motor you looked up was a "Stage" motor, very powerful and rare. Buicks make very good power and torque, they have some oiling problems, these can be cured. But, you will not be able to run with the small block Chevies without spending three times the money. Buick performance parts are hard to find and expensive. Don't get me wrong I love em and admire a strong running Flint Town Flyer. Speed Costs Money How Fast You Wanna Go!?!
 
#9 ·
79 Malibu327 said:
anyone else have anything to add or comment about on this topic?
Yeah, with that rear-end and a motor that your not going to be reving above 5000RPM, grandma will be passing you on the beltway. In fact your top speed is gonna be around 95MPH with a 4.10 at around 4,750RPM

If you want to run a rear like that, get yourself a built 200-4R, or go back to 3.23s
 
#12 ·
Can't say thats a very good idea, maybe you should go more toward a 400 or a 427, or something with a smaller stroke.

While the buick 455 does have one of the smallest stroke of the GM big blocks (3.900in) it does have a 4.313 bore, not a good idea to spend any time around 6,000 RPM, well unless you have the bottom end in perfect balance that is. This engine was built for low end to mid range power, not high RPM performance.

Get a cam for around 1,000-4,500 or the like and get yourself some 3.23s if your gonna stick with the TH400.

Some might disagree, but I'm sure most would agree that a 427, 402, or 400 chevy would be much better suited for reving around 6,000 RPM.
 
#14 ·
lol, I'm not telling you, you cant do something, I'm just saying it's not a good idea if you want the thing to live very long.

A 3.55:1 rear with a th400 would turn around 4,250RPMs at 100MPH, thats assuming you have the std 15" wheels and 65 tires.

Also if you assume that the tranny is a TH200-4R than you would only be pulling around 3,000RPM at 100MPH with the 3.55s. Trying to educate people that the 350s and 400s are a thing of the past, but no-one seems to listen :p
 
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