i have a chance to buy a 68 455 c heads complete engine out of old ambulance with 65,000 miles on it what should it be worth asking $650.putting in 71 cutlass s project.has 350 in now my old cutlass from high school i actually got back.have several friends with 383.406 and408 chevys i need to keep up with.dont think 350 will cut it
thanks for any help.

 

This is ok price for an engine with the C heads. Because of its use it most likley need a rebuild. Lots of short trips takes its toll on an engine. Good luck with your project.

 

That is a reasonally price for that 455(with C heads)

 

how do you tell if "c heads"? i just picked up a 455 for free. want the intake+carbs but was gonna sell the rest.

 

The large raised letter near the no. 1 and no. 8 spark plugs.

 

Intake and carbs? what kind of setup is it?

 

theres a weiand intake with a pair of 750 double pumpers on it. heads look stock (from the outside anyway) still painted th olds met blue. im assuming theres been some work done inside. not sure what alls inside the motor

 

A tear down would be the only way to know for sure. I have seen almost stock rebuilds in show cars that had too much carburetor like that, you never know...

 

my heads are marked with a large raised 'J' . what does this mean and how do they compare to the 'c' heads?

 

"J"heads are smog heads 74-76 olds I believe. No comparison to the C heads...Not good for a buildup

 

I've heard the J heads are fine for a mild street rebuild. If you have C heads available then use those, but if Js are all you have they will do great unless you race it all the time.