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Q    "I have a 455 and would like to use `69 and earlier 430 (400) heads, what do I need to do?" 

A    The 455 engines oiled the rocker assemblies through the pushrods, where as the `69 and earlier heads oiled the rockers by use of passages through the block and into the heads eventually entering a hollow rocker shaft and weeping into the rockers through passages. The 455 engines only have the oil passage on the drivers side (LH), so oiling the rockers MUST be done through the pushrods.  The oil passage on the driver's side of the 455 block must be tapped and plugged with a flush pipe plug, no modifications are necessary for the heads. If using 455 rocker assemblies, use the 455 lifters and pushrods.  If using the 430 (400) rockers use the 455 lifters and hybrid pushrods that incorporate the 455 ball end at the lifter end and a 430 (400) ball end on the rocker end.  Do NOT use 455 pushrods with the 430 (400) rockers, the ball end is too small and will wear and eventually break through the rocker pushrod cup.

Q    "What is the best timing setting for the Buick engines?"

A    Best performance and throttle response for light street or stock combinations is obtained with initial timing set at approximately 10 to 12 degrees advanced, with total timing of 30 to 34 degrees.  Recurving the distributor is usually needed in order to have the higher initial timing without having too much total timing.  We also recommend deleting the Vacuum advance, keeping the advance, all mechanical.

Q    "Are 455 and other Buick V8 distributors interchangable?"

A    On all Buick V8 engines that have front mounted distributors, the distributors are interchangeable.  With one exception, 400-430-455 engines the distributor drive gears have a different quantity of teeth and the gear itself is a smaller diameter than that used with the "small block" engines.  Gears are easily changed by removing the roll pin and switching to the appropriate gear.

Q    "How do I decipher small block distributor gears from big block gears?"

A    215, 300, 340, 350 and most V6's use a distributor drive gear that measures approximately 1.255" in diameter, where as 400-430-455 engines use a drive gear that is smaller in diameter measuring approximately 1.170" in diamater.

Q    "I'm upgrading to a double roller timing chain, is there any clearance problems?"

A    On the small block engines (215-300-340-350 and most V6's) there are no clearance issues with the double roller sets.   However, on the 400-430-455 engines there is slight interference with the fuel pump arm.  To correct, slightly elongate the fuel pump bolt holes on the fuel pump and slide the pump approximately 1/16" forward when installing.  Also note, on the 400-430-455, use of non-original bolts when installing the cam gear can cause the head of the bolt to hit the fuel pump arm, original bolts had low profile heads.

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TA Performance Products, Inc.
16167 N. 81st Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: (480) 922-6807 Fax: (480) 922-6811

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Last modified: February 15, 2008