I've been looking all over, but can't seem to find any horsepower/torque specs for the 455's in a 71 Delta. Anyone know the specs or have a link to a location? It would be greatly appreciated

 

Normal 340hp @ 4600 rpm 460fp torque @ 3200 rpm 4 barrel carb

W-30 360hp @ 4700 rpm 460fp torque at 3700 rpm 4 barrel carb

 

In my Standard Catalogue of American Cars:
Delta 88 custom - 2 bbl carb, 280 hp at 4400 rpm.
Options - 320 hp 455 and 335 hp 455.
W-30 option 350 hp.
It doesn't say which cars get these optional engines

 

My Chilton's has the 340HP number as well for non w-30 445 w/ 4brl

 

Thanks for you feedback guys. This one came stock with a 4bbl, so I'm assuming 320hp at least. Guy is looking to sell a running one for $300. I was just wondering because I have an option for a 68 Toro motor. Of course this guy wants more. I would love to have the Toro, but it will put me in a pinch for a min. Especially because my engine is still in my car unsold...LOL

 

I wouldn't base my decision to purchase a 455 on factory HP numbers. These numbers are suspect anyways. I wouldn't put much faith in them. I would base my decision on what kind of heads the engine had.

 

Good point Old64 they should be Type E heads which can be either big valve or small valve. If it is original to the car they are most likley small valve.

 

Please don't rely on Chiltons for any specs.

 

I'd get the 71 motor. If It isn't ballzy enough for you, I don't think you'll have any trouble getting your $300 back out of it if you sell.

Unfortunately, the 71 motors have 40 cc pistons and if you put new head gaskets on it you'll only be at 7.8-1 compression.

Depends on your goals really. If you plan on a rebuild in the near future, get the toro motor for the better parts. If you just need something to cruise or sell, get the 71.

 

Eventhough the 71 motor would have low compression pistons in it, you could always get the higher compression pistons when you rebuild it. The TRW L2323F pistons are a good aftermarket forged piston that isn't too pricey.

 

Well after riding 1.5 hrs, i found out it was actually a 72. The guy told me he looked really good and it had G heads, they were Ga. I checked the casting number to verify it was a 72. I left it there. I think i was so pissed at his indifference regarding that fact I didn't want to give him any money of mine. He went as far as showing me an email from some guy which stated he would come by if I passed on the engine. I do plan on a rebuild in the near future. I want a reliable car that I can drive around town or over the road. I got a call from a guy that is anxious to see my 350 today. The Toro might be back on my radar....

 

another good thing about the 71 455 is it is setup with valves and guides for unleaded gas if you use the stock heads. at least that is what the motor shop told me when i had the 455 rebuilt in the 71 442 i had.

john

 

I know someone with a 68 350, and he says he used premium with no problem. I guess I could always use an octane boost or lead additive with the Toro motor?

 

Lead additive is fine, but "octane boost" does nothing for upper cylinder lubrication. There are many that swear it is not needed. I'm not starting that debate up again, but I'll simply say I'm convinced it should be used, and even if you are in doubt, it is cheap insurance just in case the non-believers might be wrong.

 

I have a 71 Delta 88 Royale 455 2 barrel. The spec sheet states that 71 455 came in 320, 340. and 350 HP versions. How can I tell which HP version is my engine? Thank you.

 

The 2bbl version would have the lowest horsepower rating.

 

Thank you for the reply. I later found out that the 2 barrel was rated at 280 hp at 4000 rpm. That was the stock engine for the car. Option was the 4 barrel. Took a while to find it out on the internet. Also was looking for tune up specs. Found 30 dwell is correct but was trying to figure out if timing is 8 or 10 degrees. I see both referred to on different forums.

 

My 350 engine with the factory points distributor was 10 but I bumped it to 12 with no problems.

 

Here are the factory ratings for 1971, showing both gross an SAE net HP.



Note that the D88 family had three available 455s, the L30 2bbl, L31 4bbl, and L32 4bbl. Also note that the gross HP doesn't account for exhaust type, whereas the net HP does.

 

Always with the definitive answer Joe. We are lucky to have you here mate