68 455 value?

bullet1 · August 15th, 2008, 09:00 AM

i have a chance to buy a 68 455 c heads complete engine out of old ambulance with 65,000 miles on it what should it be worth asking $650.putting in 71 cutlass s project.has 350 in now my old cutlass from high school i actually got back.have several friends with 383.406 and408 chevys i need to keep up with.dont think 350 will cut it
thanks for any help.

citcapp · August 15th, 2008, 12:25 PM

This is ok price for an engine with the C heads. Because of its use it most likley need a rebuild. Lots of short trips takes its toll on an engine. Good luck with your project.

August 16th, 2008, 09:31 AM

That is a reasonally price for that 455(with C heads)

delta881972 · August 19th, 2008, 12:45 PM

how do you tell if "c heads"? i just picked up a 455 for free. want the intake+carbs but was gonna sell the rest.

joe_padavano · August 19th, 2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta881972

how do you tell if "c heads"? i just picked up a 455 for free. want the intake+carbs but was gonna sell the rest.

The large raised letter near the no. 1 and no. 8 spark plugs.

Oldsguy · August 20th, 2008, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta881972

how do you tell if "c heads"? i just picked up a 455 for free. want the intake+carbs but was gonna sell the rest.

Intake and carbs? what kind of setup is it?

delta881972 · August 20th, 2008, 03:43 PM

theres a weiand intake with a pair of 750 double pumpers on it. heads look stock (from the outside anyway) still painted th olds met blue. im assuming theres been some work done inside. not sure what alls inside the motor

Oldsguy · August 21st, 2008, 06:04 AM

A tear down would be the only way to know for sure. I have seen almost stock rebuilds in show cars that had too much carburetor like that, you never know...

delta881972 · August 22nd, 2008, 10:33 AM

my heads are marked with a large raised 'J' . what does this mean and how do they compare to the 'c' heads?

442scotty · August 22nd, 2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta881972

my heads are marked with a large raised 'J' . what does this mean and how do they compare to the 'c' heads?

"J"heads are smog heads 74-76 olds I believe. No comparison to the C heads...Not good for a buildup

Olds64 · August 22nd, 2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Not good for a buildup

I've heard the J heads are fine for a mild street rebuild. If you have C heads available then use those, but if Js are all you have they will do great unless you race it all the time.

August 15th, 2008, 09:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
bullet1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 46	68 455 value? i have a chance to buy a 68 455 c heads complete engine out of old ambulance with 65,000 miles on it what should it be worth asking $650.putting in 71 cutlass s project.has 350 in now my old cutlass from high school i actually got back.have several friends with 383.406 and408 chevys i need to keep up with.dont think 350 will cut it thanks for any help.

August 21st, 2008, 06:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	A tear down would be the only way to know for sure. I have seen almost stock rebuilds in show cars that had too much carburetor like that, you never know... __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

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August 15th, 2008, 12:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
citcapp Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 3,453	This is ok price for an engine with the C heads. Because of its use it most likley need a rebuild. Lots of short trips takes its toll on an engine. Good luck with your project.

August 16th, 2008, 09:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
Toro68 Guest Posts: n/a	That is a reasonally price for that 455(with C heads)

August 19th, 2008, 12:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
delta881972 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sedro-woolley, WA Posts: 30	how do you tell if "c heads"? i just picked up a 455 for free. want the intake+carbs but was gonna sell the rest.

August 20th, 2008, 03:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
delta881972 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sedro-woolley, WA Posts: 30	theres a weiand intake with a pair of 750 double pumpers on it. heads look stock (from the outside anyway) still painted th olds met blue. im assuming theres been some work done inside. not sure what alls inside the motor

August 22nd, 2008, 10:33 AM	#9 (permalink)
delta881972 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sedro-woolley, WA Posts: 30	my heads are marked with a large raised 'J' . what does this mean and how do they compare to the 'c' heads?