NightStalker

I have a 455 in the garage and I am slowly gathering parts for the build.

Can someone help me decipher what I have?

Here is the data I have pulled thus far..

1. Block is marked behind the water pump: 396021 F
2. Left front pad of block (just under the head) is marked: 39M306925
3. Heads are "C" heads with what I can best read as 394 548
4. The back of the block, behind the flywheel is marked: F2

I am building this engine to eventually drop into either my 1965 442, or my currently street running 1969 442 W-30 Clone.

Will this be a good platform to begin a nice "streetable" engine?

Are there any links to already written posts which offer possible build solutions (by desired HP and budget?) here on Classic Olds?

I appreciate any insight you may provide.

NS

2blu442

It looks like you have a 1969 455, the pad in the left front includes the vin number and the second digit being a 9 shows it's a 1969 production engine. Yes this would be a good engine to use although depending on what you do during the rebuild any 455 would be a good platform to build on. The C heads are desireable so if your going to stay with cast iron heads these would be good ones to use.

You can do a search to look for build data under the engine section, or review the major build section to see what you can find there. Or create a post asking for ideas. But you would need to provide things like what your end goals are for the motor, what you want it to do. How much money you can spend on it. What other componets will you use in the car, manual or automatic transmission? Highway gears or low gears? John

NightStalker

John,

Thanks for the assistance.... here are my two cars.

1965Olds442Pic2.jpg

1965Olds442Pic6.jpg

and.....











NS

Beob

I love both cars, but its OK to say you have a Cutlass. Nobody will think any less of you or you cars. When builing an engine first determine what you want the engine to do and how much power you want. Is this a daily driver or a weekend toy?

firefrost gold

Hi Im shane and i have a Lemans yes I know its not a gto A 4 speed cutlass is very cool
I really like the rear wheels on the 65 do you have a set? v8 tv has a video of bill travato doing a build up on a olds . His site high performance olds . com has some good info. his book how to build max power for olds is good, there is a book crazy about cars can get it from a link on here or ebay its all on olds too . real olds power has a engine combo thread 's of what others have done also there is enough info ther to keep you thinking for a few days . what state are you from?

NightStalker

Thanks for the feedback on the build and the cars. I am new to "this" and want to clarify the information about the cars in order to assist in any advice folks may offer.

The 65 is a 442 will definitely be a long term project and I have not decided which direction to turn on the build. I am not a racer, so I suspect it'll be a weekend driver, but I have a 455 out of a 1969 442, on an engine stand in my garage.

The 69 is a Cutlass S, and I thought I'd just list up front that I wanted to make it a 442 W-30 clone instead of hiding the intentions. It is a great driver and I really enjoy firing it up and taking it out of the garage for a short trip every once in a while.

I am proud to own both of these cars and it reminds me on a daily basis of my first car, which was a 65 442 (400/4-speed) car.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and insight on this subject.

FireFrostGold: Sir, I am stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, just up the road from Kansas City. I do have a full set of the rims, but I know nothing of their history. Do you have any additional information about them?

NS

Run to Rund

A 65 442 should have emblems and "scoops" in front of the rear wheels, behind the doors.
Your 455 is entirely satisfactory if in good, rebuildable condition.

NightStalker

Run,

Thanks... the 65 does have the scoops (see pic below), however, my family moved while I was deployed this past year and only one of the scoops made it to our new house. I don't think I'll be able to replace the lost one any time soon. I am sure guys who have them have planned projects, but you can always hope for a small miracle!!

1965Olds442Pic3.jpg



NS

Cameo White

Back rims on the 65 are aluminum units from 79-80. Probably 14 x 6. Not sure what all they were available on, but look at the 79 H/O. Same rims, partially gold painted.

Cameo White

Oh, and what is the carb on that 69 455? Since the 400 came in the 442, that engine block is out of a full size Olds.