BUILD THREAD 81 Buick/Olds Turbo Wagon 02/15/2024 More Parts!

[liquidh8]

I also want to do a roller cam conversion on my 4.1, so I will be watching intently 🙂

After going back on reading a few threads on TB, I figured now is the time to do it. The only thing I don't like is not running the stock style timing chain and tensioner. I've run tons of double rollers on my SBC and BBC's, but if I have a chance to run a tensioner I like too.

 

[liquidh8]

After going back on reading a few threads on TB, I figured now is the time to do it. The only thing I don't like is not running the stock style timing chain and tensioner. I've run tons of double rollers on my SBC and BBC's, but if I have a chance to run a tensioner I like too.

Head studs showed up today, as did my 12" long drill bits to do the oil modifications on the engine block.

 

[liquidh8]

Cleaned up the studs in the ultrasonic, now hanging out with the family for Xmas.

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[liquidh8]

I got in the mood to do some stuff this weekend, the whole family is sick with the normal flu, as am I, so, beer and engine it is!

I took some time and cleaned up the casting flash in the lifter valley and main web area of the 4.1. Also port matched the coolant holes on the block to the front cover.





I'll start the oiling system mods in the coming weeks. It appears someone already opened up the main pickup hole in the block to 5/8". I just have to do the 2 and 3 mains, and the cam feed.

Also cleaned the main caps in the ultrasonic cleaned so I can ship them off to RJC to get machined or the girdle.


Finally, purchased the GM roller lifters and spider. I am having difficulty locating the dog bones though.

 

[liquidh8]

Filled the coolant passages with evaporust.

The block had freeze plugs when I bought it, I'm yanking them for brass, and the front oil passages for the oiling system upgrades.

I have an aluminum radiator, ss lines, new coolant overflow, etc., and the old engine just was loaded with brown. I'd like to remedy that with this build.

 

[liquidh8]

Update, a few lifters came in, as did the spider. Need to get the dogbones to drill and tap some holes.

 

[liquidh8]

Busted out the carbide burrs a few days ago, just get to reacquainted before I do some head porting. After doing some of the lifter valley pulled out the heads to clean up the casting on the exterior. Then, over the course of the winter, I will dive in and port the heads. I did clean up both heads on the outside.

 

[81cutlass]

When you get done with the roller swap, I would really appreciate if you share the PN's and what it all takes. Are they Series 1 3800 parts or 2.8/3100 stuff? I am in the market to do the roller swap on my 4.1.

You have the Dynamic EFI ECM still right? Do you use a laptop to tune or do you have a tablet in the car 100% of the time? I see you can create like 8 flashes and store them on the memory. Since the EBL flash doesn't have an input for flex fuel but I really want to run flex I was just going to create like 6 tunes for different ethanol % and run an Innovate flex % gauge in the car and when I fill up I can see what % I have and then just load a tune that is close to that ethanol %. Just curious if you have used the rapid flash function and how it works.

Cool progress!

 

[liquidh8]

When you get done with the roller swap, I would really appreciate if you share the PN's and what it all takes. Are they Series 1 3800 parts or 2.8/3100 stuff? I am in the market to do the roller swap on my 4.1.

You have the Dynamic EFI ECM still right? Do you use a laptop to tune or do you have a tablet in the car 100% of the time? I see you can create like 8 flashes and store them on the memory. Since the EBL flash doesn't have an input for flex fuel but I really want to run flex I was just going to create like 6 tunes for different ethanol % and run an Innovate flex % gauge in the car and when I fill up I can see what % I have and then just load a tune that is close to that ethanol %. Just curious if you have used the rapid flash function and how it works.

Cool progress!

I will list al part numbers. Right now, the lifters are from the 2.8, 3.1., 3.4. The spider is from the 87-89 FWD 3.8, think lesabre t-type (miss mine). The dog bones can be used from there also, but they are proving impossible to find. My understanding is the lifter bore spacing is the same as a SBC with the roller cam. So, I have to find some dogbones to try it out. I swear I had a stash.

Yes, I run the EBL SFI-6. I use both the computer and my table. Though I do have a micro PC with 7inch touchscreen that was supposed to get installed so I can monitor it all the time. The EBL allowed me to go speed density, it controls the n2o and the meth/alky, cnp ignition, along with everything else. Using all GM type sensors is a bonus for repairs.

I do have the rapid flash, I can pull down the menu with the 8 tunes, "press" the button and change the tune just like that. It is really handy, 87oct tune, 93 tune, 100oct tune, etc.

 

[rfpowerdude]

That looks so clean and sweet!
Did you pour the Evaporust full strength into the coolant passages?