Looking for some general information on these engines. Several years ago, I bought a 455 out of a '70 98 at a bone yard. They guaranteed that it would be rebuildable, but it turned out to have a broken rod and significant block damage. To compensate they gave me a 455 out if a '74 FS wagon. My plan had always been to rebuild it and drop it into my C/S. I disposed of all the damaged parts from the '70 engine, but have the heads, intake, 7 pistons/rods, Q-jet, etc; and have the complete '74 engine.

Can I make a decent engine out of this stuff? What are the differences between the '70 and '74 block?

Recommendations?

 

Short block differences 1970 vs 1973:
CR - 10.25:1 vs 8.5:1
HP - 365 SAE Gross vs 230 SAE Net
Heads
Pistons
Cam

Other differences:
Intake manifolds
Exhaust manifolds
Distributor (points vs HEI, different advance curves as well)
Carburetor
Emission controls
Accessory brackets
Air cleaner

It sounds like you've got the parts needed to supply a rebuild, but still need to do the machine work and replace the pistons, rings, bearings, etc.

- Eric

 

Actually, that depends. Most 1974 455s used FA blocks that did not have the provision for the equalizer as noted above, but there are documented uses of F blocks with the provision at least as late as the 1974 model year, as demonstrated by the VIN derivative.

 

It'll need the lower end done for sure, and some work on the heads. Is it just automatic to put all new pistons/rods, or could I find a good 8th piston/rod and re-use the ones I have?

 

Use the 74 block buy some kb132's. 0 deck it. 74 rods resized with arp studs. 70 crank E heads with big valves. Performer intake. 224ish cam

 

I would tear down the 74 block have it checked before buying any pistons if the block needs boring the stocks wouldn't work if just a hone is in order sure you could find so e 70 pistons but your there why not upgrade to a lighter one Just my opinion