planning a 455 build. Currently available is a 1976 455 and a pair of C heads at reasonable prices. The 455 has a knock, but I was planning a rebuild anyway.
Will they be compatible, and will the motor fit my '72 cutlass?
This will be my first motor rebuild. I know the C heads are desirable. Not so sure about a 1976 block.

 

You'll be fine. Rebuild it correctly (check EVERYTHING!!!) and go have fun.
Drop the 455 on new 350 mounts. Fits like a glove.

 

The 76 block will work just fine with C heads and fit in to your Cutlass. While you have it apart, I would do a piston swap to something with less dish to bump up your compression. Good luck. I am sure others will chime in with help for your build.

 

Hey Rootney, it looks like you're new here, so welcome to the forum! Nice to see somebody so local on here as I'm right in Danbury, near Brookfield! Can I ask what car the '76 455 came out of? I have '76 Ninety Eights and would be interested in the donor car or parts from it if it was a full size. I don't know the older engines as well but I can tell you the '76 is a very solid motor. Lower compression or not, it is a very smooth, reliable engine with plenty of torque. I'm sure you'll do well with the C heads on there as well. Good luck with your motor build and let me know about the donor.

John

 

Hey John,

Really nice to have a contact close by. Yeah I'm new to the forum. Bought a '72 cutlass 6 weeks ago. Just got it back from the paint shop. I want to do an engine build as a project with my 13 year old son.
The 455 was pulled from the car 12 years ago and has been sitting in a barn.
I'm assuming the car is not around, but I'll ask.
I't also in Wisconsin and I don't know if its worth it to ship the motor.
I haven't made an offer yet.
Perhaps I wait 'til something shows up on the east coast.

Regards,

George

 

Hi George, nice to meet you. Shipping a big block from Wisonsin could be pretty expensive but worth checking. I'd really appreciate you asking about the car, especially if it's been sitting in a barn you never know what treasure could be hiding in there! If you decide to turn it down, you should be able to find a 455 much closer than that. In fact, I just saw a post yesterday showing a '72 98 sedan in a yard in upstate New York. I don't know the name of the yard but here's the post. I may be interested in some parts from this car as well so maybe this is a better option to look at for both of us.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ocal-yard.html

Let me know.

John

 

I ship motors all over the place. Just did a complete one from Orlando to Boston, $600.00. Not bad imo.

 

Hey thanks for the info.
I have a possible 455 in MA, only couple hours from me.
Sounds like you build motors for fun & profit?
As I get into this, I will probably need lots of advice to keep me out of trouble.
Mind if I PM you with an occasional question?

George