455 project on the move, albeit slowly, need suggestions!
#1
455 project on the move, albeit slowly, need suggestions!
Hello to the forum, just thought I would start posting some pictures and also start the story rolling on what I hope will be an OK project on a '71 455 V8 to eventually go into my wagon as time and funds allow. It will have the usual things, such as headers and an Edelbrock Performer. In the vast experience of the group, I'd like to ask a few questions. I have a choice of some flat-top .030 oversize pistons, or, seeing there is absolutely no ridge in the cylinders, to keep the soup bowl stock pistons, showing absolutely no scuffing, ETC. Isn't the torque on a 455 already pretty nice with stock pistons from that year, supplemented nicely by cams, ETC? It would save me a lot of $$$ to only have the cylinders honed for new rings rather then rebored. The crank looks very nice, an 'N' model, and the bearings have no copper showing, only a bit of embedded dirt in a few. There will be new bearings obviously, cold crank tested on a stand, dry, each cylinder had at least 125 PSI compression, so it looks like it should be a good base to work with. What would a decent cam be for this Rocket V8? The car has 3.73 final drive and has a 200-4R, so revving won't be a problem at least, I will probably have to hop up another transmission to live behind the 455 if I have a 'heavy' foot, but will try to live with the mildly built up one for the time being. The idea is to have the better torque on a car that will only be asked every now and then to show its heels. And the idea of finally having a big-block in something I own, we only have one ride around the (big) block in life! Pictures of bearings, ETC to follow soon. The coolant passages looked like the inside of the Titanic, but just a bit of scraping with a screwdriver knocked the scale right off. To the cleaners it goes withing a week or so I hope if budget allows. Regards, Howie
#2
Good morning Howie
It all depends on your budget and goals. From what you've described I'd have no problem keeping the factory pistons for a daily driver. The 3.73 will help give you snap off the line but I agree with your comment that the transmission will not live if your having too much fun. I'd encourage you to go with the budget rebuild now then if you've got better finances in a few years upgrade to a more pronounced build. John
It all depends on your budget and goals. From what you've described I'd have no problem keeping the factory pistons for a daily driver. The 3.73 will help give you snap off the line but I agree with your comment that the transmission will not live if your having too much fun. I'd encourage you to go with the budget rebuild now then if you've got better finances in a few years upgrade to a more pronounced build. John
#4
Good morning Howie
It all depends on your budget and goals. From what you've described I'd have no problem keeping the factory pistons for a daily driver. The 3.73 will help give you snap off the line but I agree with your comment that the transmission will not live if your having too much fun. I'd encourage you to go with the budget rebuild now then if you've got better finances in a few years upgrade to a more pronounced build. John
It all depends on your budget and goals. From what you've described I'd have no problem keeping the factory pistons for a daily driver. The 3.73 will help give you snap off the line but I agree with your comment that the transmission will not live if your having too much fun. I'd encourage you to go with the budget rebuild now then if you've got better finances in a few years upgrade to a more pronounced build. John
#5
#6
Movie clip of stuff going on with the 455 project
Hello to the forum, a movie clip of progress and views on the '71 455 I am looking forward to putting into the wagon in the future. Howie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnovUUYig1A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnovUUYig1A
#8
#10
From what I have learned Gene, the caps are machined each with their respective bases on the block itself, much like connecting rod caps should not be mixed up either, for this would cause a lot of misalignment of bearings, tight spots, loose spots and a rapidly failed engine. Howie
#11
That is why the factory puts the number on them. caps are mark 1 to 4 and the main bearing tangs face each other when installed.
I just find it interesting that people do it, when it is already done. Thats all.
Gene
I just find it interesting that people do it, when it is already done. Thats all.
Gene
#12
Each day I field questions about transmissions, air conditioners, ETC, and while answers may be relatively easy for me, I remember I have been down those roads plenty of times before and the person asking has not. Howie
#14
Rick, I do agree on that one, for when it came to weak transmissions, meaning on old cars being nursed along with slipping transmissions, lifting a foot off the gas just when the gears were changing made them last indefinitely. Had an old Corsica that has a bad slip going into 3rd gear, from 187,000 miles to when the engine finally quit at 311,000 miles. Yes, 311,000 miles! A cooler helped too I am sure, the fluid stayed nice and red too. I am sure the 200-4R I have will be decent for the time being, it has a nice crisp shift sequence, but will chirp the tires from time to time under heavy 'go'. The 3.73's will help and also to roll it out to 5 MPH on a start then smartly push the pedal to the floor and 'feel' the transmission out as it shifts. Was yours behind a 455 as well?
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