Thread: Engine Builder/Shop for BBB

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If I lived in northern California and wanted a hot rod 455 Buick, I'd likely contact TA Performance in Scottsdale, Arizona and have them build a crate motor for me, then ship it to CA.
TA Performance Products Inc. - Your Leader in Buick Automotive Parts and Accessories

Alternately, I might ask around at the car clubs and local hot rod meeting places and find out who in the area is a respected engine machine shop and builder. Surely there has to be at least one good shop within 50 miles of you. Then I would contract with the local shop to work with TA to supply parts and have the local shop put the motor together, fire it and run it in.

Now, knowing that the Buick is probably going to cost twice what a good BBC would cost, I might be convinced to drop a 454 into the Buick. If a guy was starting with a good bare block, I would think that a 0.060" overbore and a 4 1/4" crank, rods and pistons would make a nice 496 that would haul the big Buick for a ride. I would build it at about 9.0:1 static compression ratio with a short hydraulic roller cam (210-215 intake duration @0.050", ground on a 112 LSA to help power brake vacuum) to provide plenty of low-end grunt. Don't overlook the cast iron peanut port BBC heads, they are perfect for a warmed-over street cruiser that won't see over 5K revs and the price is right.
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