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ENGINE
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June 01, 2006: This is the stock 300ci shown with a custom aluminum intake. I'm saving the intake for the 455 build; it's unique and will add a nice touch!
June 23, 2006: Located a 455 engine from a buddy who's brother-in-law removed it from a '71 Riviera. The story goes that the car itself was destined for a frame off restore, but not worth it once they disassembled the car. The engine was the only thing worth saving. Here are a few pics from the cabinet shop where it was stored for about 6 years ... note all the saw-dust!! Sorry for the lousy pics, I only had my phone at the time.
July 4, 2006: Just got the engine home and blew off all the saw dust. I'll be cleaning her up prior to mounting on the stand and disassembly. Note how clean the tranny fluid is and the oil wasn't too bad either. A good beginning in my opinion.
July 14, 2006: Things are progressing smoothly as my time permits removal of the TH400 and mounting of the engine to the stand. Next up, engine disassembly.
September 12, 2006: Engine (455) is at machine shop where it is being tanked, bored .030 over and honed. Stock heads will be reused with upgrade to the valve springs and lifters. Some welding work needed to be done to fix two broken manifold flanges.
As well, the TH400 transmission was dropped off to be rebuilt.
September 14, 2006: Parts ordered from TA Performance including the following (w/part #s):
TAP Forged pistons, 10:1 (.030 over) - TA1607
Hastings piston rings (.030 over) - #2M645
TAP Double roller timing chain/sprocket set - TA1524
TAP Timing cover 'assembly' - TA1533A
TAP Camshaft (.455-I/.468-E) - TA112
TAP Lifters
TAP Valve springs
TAP Water pump - TA1537B
TAP Water pump aluminum pulley - TA2029TC
TAP Engine mount/frame pads
TAP Aluminum radiator w/transmission cooler
Also ordered a fan shroud from Year One for a 67GS400, since the stock '65 unit won't work.
Future parts needed will be valve covers, carburator (although I may just rebuild the Holley that came with the old 455), modifying the driveshaft (shortening and modifying for TH400), rear gearing from ??? to 3.42, and mandrel bent exhaust system. Headers might be used, but $$$ talks so they might wait a bit.
September 20, 2006: Found out the valves were no good so ordered stainless OEM replacements from TAP.
October 05, 2006: Took various "in process" pics of the 455 ...
Included in these pics you can see the two areas on the head flanges that had to be welded. Those will be ground down, smoothed and re-tapped for the exhaust manifold bolts ...
This is the TA Performance timing cover assembly. Note the oil pump with adjustable pressure regulator (oooo, pretty) ...
Double roller timing chain/sprocket assembly ...
Here's the 10:1 (.030 over) compression forged pistons ...
These are the stainless steel intake and exhaust valves. I had them custom cut from blanks locally since everywhere else was back-ordered ...
Also picked up the TH400 transmission which is now rebuilt and ready to go! Nothing special about it; I'll still be using the stock torque converter since this is a mild build ...
October 06, 2006: Couldn't take the cheesy stick on flame anymore, so I sanded and primed the intake cover. I really dig this intake; although it's not original it definitely gets attention. I'm undecided on whether to paint or chrome it, though I'm leaning more toward the chrome as it will be used for the 455.
... Using this one for now ...
October 13, 2006: Ordered from TA Performance again:
TAP Headers (raw; will ceramic coat after fitment) - 2012CH
TAP Exhaust piping (2-1/2") - 2007A
Dynamax mufflers - 2009A
Edelbrock 750 carburator w/elec. choke & mount. plate
October 17, 2006: Picked up the fresh 455 ... Nice!
October 20, 2006: Received my exhaust, headers, and carburator today ... THANKS TAP! Feels like Christmas! Also ordered the Bolt Locker stainless steel bolt kit.
October 24, 2006: Received my chrome valve covers & chrome bolts, radiator hoses, replacement distributer gear (to reuse my Delco Remy), manifold water outlet, 180deg thermostat and fuel pump block off plate.
October 29, 2006: Installed the intake manifold and hoisted the engine onto the stand. Pieced a few items on just to get a glimpse of the final result.
November 1, 2006: Received my TAP aluminum radiator (mfg. by Ron Davis), aluminum underdrive crank pulley, new harmonic balancer, billet sparkplug mount kit, mini-lightweight starter (thanks to Jamie on v8buick.com), 5/8" oil pickup and various other small items. Still waiting on the aluminum water pump pulley. Also assembled the oil pickup, oil pan, timing cover and water pump today.
