Update on future build

[phil_long]

I had read a post somewhere that the TA heads and Champion heads required porting of some sort......it's somewhere in here

https://www.turbobuick.com/threads/my-new-ta-si-heads-and-gn1-aluminum-heads.441944/

If they good out the box then cool, I won't worry about it.

[Steve Wood]

When I read that thread, my impression that it was more a comparison of Champion vs TA and extracting the most power from both thru porting.  Both need additional work to achieve the best flow.  

I am not a vendor so I have no interest in selling parts per se.  I sell goats and sheep and collect social security for a living.  I don't have any need  to get people to buy car parts.  I think it is relatively easy to build a ten second Regal without assigning any magic to the parts list.  On the other hand, I think the hard part is build one that runs day in and day out without breaking stuff.

Good heads are definitely on my list.  I would have chosen well ported iron heads for longevity but we all know that I am probably in the minority (as usual LOL).  Hopefully the build quality of Champions is such that porting is not needed as they slightly outflow a well ported irons out of the box as I recall from the early tests.
 

[phil_long]

This is why I post here! Thanks so much for that response. Back to the basics. My next step is to buy some stock headers. The quest continues 

[Steve Wood]

Cannot help you on headers.  Hopefully there are some out there that fit and and will last long enough to make them worth the price.  Based on my on experience with other cars in recent years, look at the "goodness" and suck it up to pay the price LOL

I tend to buy on the price and then do it all over again...smh

[Grumpy]

ummmm.. headers  they will all crack eventually. Especially racing a lot. Had a custom made SS set for big $$$. Still cracked. NATURE OF THE BEAST. We have used TA's in mild steel an SS in a lot of street cars with good results. Fit great.  just my opinion. 

[phil_long]

And you opinion means a lot!! Thanks for the responses gents. I'm really excited about this build. I'll be sure to update this thread with pics after I get back from Vegas

[phil_long]

The roller rockers and studs showed up today!! I have to work on resizing these pics still so I can post. We've made some progress with the getting all the rings gapped. Now we're in the process of installing the pistons 

[Steve Wood]

Getting there!

[phil_long]

So, just to be clear, a standard front cover with the oil pump from TA or FTS should suffice? I plan to make the call tomorrow to order the front cover and whatever bolts I need for more stuff. I'm all over the place right now. Lol

[~JM~]

So, just to be clear, a standard front cover with the oil pump from TA or FTS should suffice? I plan to make the call tomorrow to order the front cover and whatever bolts I need for more stuff. I'm all over the place right now. Lol

Do you have an OEM front cover? (I have not read complete thread)  I've heard from more than 1 source that the after-market covers are not as uniform as the originals.

[Steve Wood]

Phil...I am not sure what to suggest to be honest.  I think I might go with Full Throttle Speed because you might get better customer service.  they sell a completely assembled cover that is supposedly machined and set up.....not cheap, but it is cheap compared to rebuilding an engine.  Maybe you can find some comments online about it?

[phil_long]

I've been searching for reviews online about it. Their cover looks pretty good as it comes with the oil pump. I'll continue to dig. I'm going to go with a stock oil pan as well instead of the bigger one that RJC sells. I don't see a point of spending extra money on a bigger oil pan. 

[~JM~]

Chinese Timing Cover post: https://www.turbobuick.com/threads/oil-pump-clearance.467301/#post-3902619

[phil_long]

That's a very helpful thread there. Thank you! Sounds like most leans towards TA

[Steve Wood]

I think the others sell TA parts as well.  Might get better service as well.