l have an opportunity to purchase one of two engines.

The first one is a 68 442, 400 engine, the other is an Olds 455 with a casting number 396021F (stick F) that indicates its from 68-70 Olds,


I own a 68 cultlass S that l am making into a 442 clone.


Assuming both engines will have to be rebuilt, which one should l put in my 68?

 

There is no substitute for cubic inches, in this case anyway.

 

Get the 455. Those later 400 engines (G block) have puny bore diameters compared to just about every other Olds engine (except the 260 and 307).

Here's a thread with some info on the G block:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-build-up.html

 

x 2, the late 400 was not a well designed engine, IMHO. The early 400s were screamers!

 

The only engine you don't want, is a late 400, go with the 455 for sure!

 

What's the VIN on the 400G (Hey, you never know )

 

My car came with a 400 but I still put a 455 in it. Go for it!

 

455

 

Hi, I had a late 400 built for my 68 442 it didn't seem to have the power I expected. We put it on the dyno and got about 400 hp, 445 ft lbs . It threw a bearing a little while later, I purchased a .030 over 455 , installed cam, c heads with Harland sharps intake and carb . Pretty much whatever could be used from the 400 went on the 455. It dynoed 460 hp, 530 ft lbs.

 

I'm still on the fence about this, since l got the car last summer, l have done the following:

purchased
- all 442 emblems plus 442 grille
- stencils for fender stripes and trunk emblem hole locations
-bumpers including rear with cutouts
-converted to dual exhaust with trumpet tips
-glove box door with 442 emblem (no S hole)
-painting the car Peruvian silver (original willow gold)
-front disc brake conversion

Does anybody think since of gone to all the trouble to convert it to a 442 clone l might as well go all the way with the correct 400 engine.

here are some pics

Before:


Restoration begins:






Original 350 engine painted

 

It's a clone. Why go with a crappy engine? Doesn't make sense to me. Just my opnion

 

If the 350 is done paint it bronze and don't buy the 400 or the 455.

 

Performance wise what are your goals for the car?

 

I bought the car from the original owner. The 350 is not done, it has 130,000 miles on it, never has been rebuilt. All l've done is paint it.

 

I'm sure l don't want to stay with the 350 so l want some torque.

If it makes any difference l forgot to mention that l replaced the original Jetaway tranny with a 200R4.

I am not planning on tracking the car just want a little more power .

 

Then no question, rebuild a 455. I have a real 442 and I have a 400G block in a corner (not the original) and I've got a 70 455 in the car.

 

Thanks, I think that's what l am going to do and forget about the 400.

 

I say if you want to do a true clone then drop in the 400. if you dont care about it being a true clone then drop in the 455.

 

IMO...Make sure you put the TH400 behind the 455. If the rear end is an 8.2" consider up grading to something larger.

 

That Cutlass S is beautiful.I would leave it a Cutlass S and go with the 455 if you want more power.That car's too nice to turn it into a clone....jmo.For value reasons store the original motor,and again I would keep it as original as possible.

 

Thanks but l think l will stick with my 200R4 Overdrive tranny .

 

Fender Stripe? I sure hope Joe isn't watching

 

Didn't you say in another thread that you were looking for the stock fender number location? (without the W36 Stripe)

 

Nope

 

Did I mention that I really dislike clones. Please don't take it personal, as many on here do.

 

What shape were the hubcaps in? PM me if you still have them.

 

Since you felt the need to post and tell us how you feel, how about taking an extra minute next time to Google the correct spelling for the word PERSONAL

 

Maybe he was talking about the people that work on this forums

 

A 200R4 can be built plenty strong. Lots of GN's in the 10's with them.

 

Yes agree with that for sure.

 

Thank you,


I am a personnel manager, Freudian slip.

 

I think the recommendation to switch to a TH400 was meant for it's strength. The 200R4 is a good tranny behind a 350 but behind a 455 it would not last long unless it was built to handle the extra torque. If it was built for a 455 then you should be good. If not then you might look into upgrading it when the 350 comes out.

 

455man has a point, I get the whole OD idea with the 200. Would just suggest one sink some money into it. Hate to see you twist one off. 2x on properly storing the original parts as it is a darn fine S car. Enjoy is the main thing. Looking good!

 

Sorry that's was pretty funny slip and l couldn't help myself.

 

Thanks l had the 200R4 built extra strong just in case.