Quote:
Originally Posted by cts-v
I bought a running 455/th400 out of a 72 vista cruiser to put in my 70 cutlass supreme.
My question is.... Is there anything special/ different/ unusual about vista cruiser 455s that I should know?
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Not really. 72 was a low compression year so it's probabaly around 8.5:1. A 68-70 motor would have had more
compression and HP. Around 10:1
Quote:
Originally Posted by cts-v
Other advice about things I should check would be appreciated.
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Your valve stem seals in the heads are probably dried out and cracked after 40 years of existance. You should replace them. While you're in there you'll probably have to wire brush 1/8"
of lead build up on all of the valves. Aftermarket head gaskets are thicker than the factory ones, so you may want to have the heads machined down to compensate. all of your 350 brackets and pulleys will bolt onto the 455.The motor mounts should as well. Just remember if you use the 350 brackets and pulleys, use a 350 water pump along with it so your pulleys will align correctly.
Be sure to replace the oil pump after 40 years as well. I put in a running 455 earlier this year and the oil pump failed after a month of driving it.
Get a new timing gear set and chain, the 455s have a nylon gear that is a piece of junk. I'd put a steel set in.