Newbie-- 430 general question

[Dave Haggard]

Everything I read about big blocks seems to say 454/455 is the way to go. Almost like it's the ONLY engine.
But I just found a '69 Riviera in the weeds behind a neighbor's house, that still has the 430 in it.
If the neighbor will let it go, I'm considering building up the 430, and putting it in my '88 WS6 Formula Firebird, with TBI injection.
Yeah, I know. This may be sacrelege to true Buick owners. Sorry.
What I need to know is, is the 430 worth it? Or do I not hear about them much just because they were only built for 3 years?
Anyway, any basic info on the 430 would be greatly appreciated.

[Dr. Frankenbuick]

Dave,

The 430 is a fine engine, and shares many parts with the 455. We are not too picky, and like Buick powered anything!

[Bob]

The only unfortunate thing I have found about the 430 is that forged pistons are not readily available for them. One good thing is they all have good heads.

[shifty_jim100]

Re: Bob, they all have good heads.

Can you give me some more info on this Bob?
Is there anything I could do when I send these heads in from my '67 Rivvy (which has a 430) to spruce them up???

[Bob]

I can only suggest the things that improve all heads, like making sure they are up to specs, a good 3 angle valve grind and port matching. I will be building a big block Buick this winter, and what I decide to do will be on the site. As it will not be a "sponsered" motor, I will be trying to get the most and spend the least. This will make the project interesting to the typical builder. This means, it may not all be the best, or maybe not even right by some peoples standards.

If you go to the buicks.net shop the good flowing heads are marked in the casting number section. They also have smaller chambers giving higher compression.