260 to 455 swap in a 1977 is done.
#1
260 to 455 swap in a 1977 is done.
Thanks for all of your help, I could not have done it without it. It was a big learning experience. I first sourced a L9EO long block. It was rusted and the block was not used. The heads had valve guides that were installed crooked, they were junk and we went with aluminum, that brought their own challenges, more on that later. We did use the crank because it was machined for a stick, the interesting thing was it had a pilot bearing like a Chevrolet. A second .30 over short block was found and we used it. 1972 I believe. It had an AT crank. A performer intake, quadrajet and W/Z manifolds were used. It currently is paired with a T-50 transmission and an open 2.73 rear end. Obviously there is a lot of room for upgrades but right now the owner is very happy and will decide what he wants to do next.
Before
"New Block"
During
After
Before
"New Block"
During
After
Last edited by JPinAZ; August 31st, 2021 at 12:20 PM.
#3
I was able to use all of the SBO brackets, but they needed to be modified. A simple spacer was all that was needed between the alternator and PS brackets. The original heads had "humps" where the AC brackets attached. The brackets were curved towards the head and went pass the humps. The curves needed to be removed in order for the brackets to sit flush with the new heads. I am pretty sure I used belts and hoses for a 1974 455, I can verify if someone needs that information. The original three row radiator was sent out for rod and repair and is working fine in our 100 degree plus weather. The upper AC bracket had to be modified to clear the aftermarket valve covers and the right head had to be modified to clear the fuel pump.
"Humps"
Spacer
"Humps"
Spacer
#4
A tubular dual hump cross member was used, I think a stamped one might have been better. One new hole on each side of the car was needed to be drilled for the cross member. I had to "straighten" the transmission mount bracket to clear the transmission from the body. I used a hole saw to drill a new hole for the parking brake cable loop. I was able to use just one loop.
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