Big Block build help
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Joined: Jul 2011
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Big Block build help
I am ready to start a Big Block build for my 65 442. I currently have a 65 425 A block, and the bare block is all I have. I want to run power brakes and air on the car. I had considered trying the 455 N Crank, 425 aftermarket rods and 455 Pontiac pistons. I am not sure if thats the way to go, or if just going back with good aftermarket 455 internals would be the way to go. I am very open to suggestions. I would like to have 550 HP 550-600 tq. The car will be a keeper and something that gets driven to local cruise ins, and maybe some events an hour or so away. I had planned on running a 200r4 transmission. Any adivce/help would be greatly appreciated.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,477
From: Central Fl
I am ready to start a Big Block build for my 65 442. I currently have a 65 425 A block, and the bare block is all I have. I want to run power brakes and air on the car. I had considered trying the 455 N Crank, 425 aftermarket rods and 455 Pontiac pistons. I am not sure if thats the way to go, or if just going back with good aftermarket 455 internals would be the way to go. I am very open to suggestions. I would like to have 550 HP 550-600 tq. The car will be a keeper and something that gets driven to local cruise ins, and maybe some events an hour or so away. I had planned on running a 200r4 transmission. Any adivce/help would be greatly appreciated.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,477
From: Central Fl
In all honesty the chances of you making 550hp on even 8k are pretty slim, annerexic actually. You'll need lots of head/intake work, a great carburetor, a top notch bottom end (maybe a stroker kit) and an all roller valvetrain at the very least.
Better figure on at least 10k.
A64pilot made 491 after 11k(granted that included his pulley setup), so take it from there.
Better figure on at least 10k.
A64pilot made 491 after 11k(granted that included his pulley setup), so take it from there.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,814
From: Erie,PA
Do a stroker.Have the 455 crank offset-ground to 4.500" stroke.You could also get the complete Eagle stroker kit.One of these ways will boost your torque without making the car less drivable.Torque is what gets you moving.
A long-rod 455 is good and simple,but it won't boost torque,like extra stroke will.
In your situation,you have a 65 425 A-block,which has the odd 45* bank angle for the cam.I would check to make sure you can get a cam made for that block,that isn't overly expensive.CutlassEFI can answer that.The block itself is a great block.You will also need to notch the bottoms of the cylinder bores,even with a regular 455 crank.They did this with the 455 blocks.It's just a good FYI,so you don't get the block all machined & ready to assemble,then find out things are hitting.
Not sure if you are going with aftermarket heads,or stock iron heads.They did make 2 types of 65 A-heads.One type had the AIR bumps,and one type did not.A pair of those,with a valve job,and some mild portwork,and now you have a "65 425" with a little extra inside.
A long-rod 455 is good and simple,but it won't boost torque,like extra stroke will.
In your situation,you have a 65 425 A-block,which has the odd 45* bank angle for the cam.I would check to make sure you can get a cam made for that block,that isn't overly expensive.CutlassEFI can answer that.The block itself is a great block.You will also need to notch the bottoms of the cylinder bores,even with a regular 455 crank.They did this with the 455 blocks.It's just a good FYI,so you don't get the block all machined & ready to assemble,then find out things are hitting.
Not sure if you are going with aftermarket heads,or stock iron heads.They did make 2 types of 65 A-heads.One type had the AIR bumps,and one type did not.A pair of those,with a valve job,and some mild portwork,and now you have a "65 425" with a little extra inside.
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Aug 9, 2010 08:36 AM
