New 455 / TH 400

[Olds64]

Hi everyone! Just thought I should let everyone know that I am going to be the proud owner of a 455 and TH 400. Oldsguy has a friend at church that located this engine and tranny. The cool thing is that the current owner only wants $350 for everything!

Oldsguy is arranging the pickup up and delivery of the engine and hopefully we will be able to post pictures by Thanksgiving. I plan on rebuilding the engine and transmission and eventually transplanting them into my 64 98 in place of the current 394 and Slim Jim.

I have a few questions. Hopefully everyone can give me some good advice.

1) What intake manifold should I use on the engine? I was told by 70WCars that the Edelbrock Performer is a good choice; however, I have always thought a multi carburetor setup would be COOL! Does anyone have any information on the following dual quad intake?

http://www.offyparts.com/product_inf...fdb09b480c9be2

2) What cam should I use with the Edelbrock Performer or Offy intake respectively? 70WCars suggested the 400165 Oldsmobile cam with the Edelbrock Performer. What are the specs on this cam?

3) Finally, what should I do to the transmission? 70WCars suggested I upgrade to a 1800 stall converter since I have 3.23 rear end gears. Should I completely rebuild the transmission, or can I get by with just installing a new filter and clean fluid? Also, should I consider putting a shift kit in the transmission?

Thanks for the input. I will keep everyone updated on my project. I don't plan on having it done anytime soon; however, I think it is a project worth completeing for my Olds.

[J-(Chicago)]

Welcome to the 455/400 owners club.
Just don't join the other club I'm in........
The "They've been on stands for a year" club.

[dar83501]

Or my club, the "It's been sitting outside my house being attacked by the weather while my 455/400 sit in the shop waiting for a PIECER SUBARU TO GET FIXED!"

[Dapapadon]

You guys crack me up. Mines just the Too many projects, Not enough time Club.

Olds64 - From your previous posts I think you'll be happier with the 455/400. No comments on the intake or cam. On the trans. I'd stick with a stock converter and no shift kit. But I like to cruise. I prefer smooth shifts to firm. And the 1800 stall would not be very highway cruising friendly. (To much slippage) IMHO

Don

[Olds64]

Yeah guys I know what you mean. I used to be a member of the CSSU (Cars Sitting in Storage Units), but I didn't pay my dues. Now I drive my car regularly.

Don, I know what you mean about the transmission. I had doubts about a shift kit and stall converter. I definitely want my car to be a cruiser. Good passing ability on the highway is much more important to me than 1/4 mile times or acceleration off of the line. I know the 455 will have that kick in the pants feel even if I rebuild it bone stock. Even if it only runs 17 in the quarter mile.

[1FSTLS1]

Are you going to re-build the bottom end? How manny miles on it. I am pulling a 455 with a tb450 tomorrow as well

[59-59-59]

Originally Posted by Olds64

.

1) What intake manifold should I use on the engine? I was told by 70WCars that the Edelbrock Performer is a good choice; however, I have always thought a multi carburetor setup would be COOL!

Kinda of in the somewhat same boat as you..But I have a '57 Olds with a 425 Olds ( Yes, yours is bigger ! ) Anyways this is a semi daily driver and I went with as much of the Edelbrock package as possible. Performer RPM intake and Edelbrock carb. This is an EXCELLENT combo - I havent touched the carb for 4 years already. But I am also a person that dosent want my head under the hood every weekend, either. Multi carb combos are cool - to look at - but I feel as far as a trouble free daily driven car a single 4 bbl will do.

[J-(Chicago)]

Haha, yeah, I saw you bidding on that EB manifold on my last ebay hunt. My ebay SN is Olds88s so just in case we ever have to wrestle over parts, we shall be able to be civil haha.

[Oldsguy]

I am still waiting for that keg of Oklahoma Micro Brew to arrive. Otherwise, that engine stays in MY GARAGE. Does anyone know of a a '63 or '64 f85 I could stuff that in? Just kidding son. That $350 is burining a hole in my wallet, I need to call the guy today to arrange when I can pick it up. Congratulations on the engine. If I could take pictures I would, maybe my friend Mick can snap a few for you. We plan on brewing some Burn Out Stout on friday and bleeding the brakes and installing the hood on the '46. Maybe we will also have time to pick it up then.

[Olds64]

To answer the questions:

I plan on disassembling the entire engine. I am not sure if I will overbore it, but I will at least hone the cylinders and install new rings and bearings.

I know what you mean about an Edelbrock carb and manifold. They even sell camshafts that are matched to their intakes and carbs. I haven't heard if these work well. Anybody have any info on this? I have also heard that multi carb setups are difficult to tune. It would suck to put the car together and then have to tune the carbs every week before I go to a Saturday cruise.

Thanks for the input. Keep the advice coming.

Oldsguy, once you get the engine down here there will be some Blue Moon Harvest Wheat waiting in the fridge for you. Then again, I can buy some Nat Light or PBR if that is more to your liking.

[J-(Chicago)]

Haha, keep the natty lights in case you run out of coolant on the next beer run.

[dar83501]

I would never disgrace my coolant system by pouring Natural Light into it.

[Oldsguy]

Originally Posted by Olds64

Then again, I can buy some Nat Light or PBR if that is more to your liking.

You've got to be kidding