1974 455, any good?
#1
1974 455, any good?
So I have the opportunity to pick up a 455 (unknown milage/cond.) and transmission for $150. I figure I can't go wrong at that price. I'm interested in building a 455 to replace my 350 in my '72 Cutlass.
I know the "J" heads are undesirable. But is there anything else about this motor I should be aware of, such as weak spots or other issues?
Alternatively, I could get a 1971 455 with approx. 78,000 mi for about $500. What's the better choice here??
I know the "J" heads are undesirable. But is there anything else about this motor I should be aware of, such as weak spots or other issues?
Alternatively, I could get a 1971 455 with approx. 78,000 mi for about $500. What's the better choice here??
#4
I would do the 74. Both wold be considered cores in need of a rebuild and starting cheaper and with a TH400 (most likely) just makes sense, even it's it's a long tail.
You can rebuild the heads, or for not much more money get some aluminum ones and have fun.
You can rebuild the heads, or for not much more money get some aluminum ones and have fun.
#6
#7
Virgin 455s are getting harder to find. 150 is a great price. Nothing wrong with the J heads with good valves and mild clean-up porting. The pistons need to be upgraded to something else for performance. Or build the short block with flat tops and add Edelbrock heads. Easy 450 500 hp with the right cam, pistons, compression, and induction.
#11
#12
I got a 455 for $150 too but it came like this. Buy what you can afford and keep the extras for parts. t.
Oh The carnage
Yup that’s a hole and a crack
Gouges down the side
Crank journal gouged also
It’s a F1 block though. Is it worth saving? I just wanted the C heads (small valve) and Torker that came with it.
Yup that’s a hole and a crack
Gouges down the side
Crank journal gouged also
It’s a F1 block though. Is it worth saving? I just wanted the C heads (small valve) and Torker that came with it.
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