4.1 motors

[daveismissing]

What are the origins of these motors? Are they considered Buick?

[TexasT]

They are a Siamese cylinder design on a 3.8 block. Similar to a small block 400 Chevy is a siamese cylinder on a 350 block.
Allows for a bigger bore but does away with some of the water jacket between the cylinders. This can effect cooling.
Stock they have 252 cubic inches but with the stroke kit can be in the 270 range depending on the actual bore.

I consider it a Buick engine. But they were installed in the other makes. They were produced for 80 to 84. I'll look for a list.
There were also Buick motorsport blocks but these are a different animal and require different non production parts. Stage II is a heavy duty block but you better have the Benjamin brothers on standby as these can become a money pit in a hurry.

[Forzfed]

http://www.turbobuicks.com/articles/4point1ForCheap/

Rich, weren't there some issues with stroking the production 4.1?  I thought some clearancing  had to be done?  I'd like to stroke my 4.1.

[larrym]

Even the 3.8 has to be clearaced

[TexasT]

If you are going to go with stroking it I would get with a vendor and buy all from one place. Nick Micale, our newest sponsor, full throttle speed, Webber, David Husek or some one I havent mentioned. I think you are buying knowledge of what works. Also a good machine shop is very important if you are going to assemble it yourself.
I like the article in the link. Lots of good info there.
I am happy to see kits with 4 inch forged pistons. This is what I hope to do also. I'm not real keen on hypereutectic as a good idea. First I want to make sure my diy trans holds up to the 3.8 before I add more power, and there is that money thing.
Let us know what you do. I'd love to read about it and see pix.

[Forzfed]

I don't know if I would do that right away.  I already have h beam rods and diamond pistons.  But if I did do that I would get rid of my champion irons and move up to some fancy aluminum heads.

[tb3]

I grabbed one out of a station Wagon in the local yard, years ago

[Scoobum]

I have a 4.1 block sitting here...no idea what it's out of.

[tb3]

weren't they in the 82 carbed gn's too?

[Scoobum]

weren't they in the 82 carbed gn's too?

I saw a list on one of the boards one time of everything they came in. Have to hunt it down on a rainy day sometime.

[tb3]

Looks like the 4.1 is called the "LC4" and does come from the buick family.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_V6_engine

[Charlief1]

 

weren't they in the 82 carbed gn's too?

There were 215 82 GN's built and most of them were 4.1 carbed cars. If you'd like to learn more visit www.beforeblack.net for more info.

[Forzfed]

I saw a list on one of the boards one time of everything they came in. Have to hunt it down on a rainy day sometime.

Look at my third post.

[Scoobum]

I saw a list on one of the boards one time of everything they came in. Have to hunt it down on a rainy day sometime.

Look at my third post.

Blew right past it...thanks!

[TexasT]

Here is mine after it came back from a hot tank and a magnaflux. There are several casting numbers I know they came in regals and lesabres and some Cadillacs from what I have seen. I'm sure there were some under the hoods of olds and maybe Pontiac.
I think I drilled the head bolt holes but I don't remember. I know I bought the bit(i think I have two) but I haven't drilled the turbo oil return hole yet, and ui have to procure a tap.
The 291 and 484 casting numbers seem to be the most common but I have read of a 255 or something like that that came in the Cadillac. I have been looking for one but haven't come across one yet.