I just picked up a complete 455 cheaply, had been previously transplanted into a '70 cutlass which apparently sat parked inside the last owner's shop for years until now, also reportedly not ever substantively apart. - appears to be a '73-vintage motor (33m on the vin pad) with J heads.

It'll be a work in progress as time, research and money permit. End goal will be to build an upgraded street performer with eye towards retaining good idle and engine vacuum.

I've browsed through prior posts but didn't see anything directly addressing this question. Are E-brock assembled heads essentially a direct bolt-on that will allow retention of a stock fuel pump and any other stock components or brackets that mount to the block onto or near the ends of the heads?

also: do they accept factory exhaust manifolds?

I'm basically wondering if these might be a good choice instead of the time, expense and unknowns I'd encounter in trying to find and rebuild a better set of factory heads to replace the J heads.

thanks

scott

 

For the life of me, I don't see what the heads do with a stock fuel pump. The fuel pump mounts on the side of the front of the block completely away from the head mounting.

 

I thought to ask because I've heard there are interference issues with the stock SBO fuel pumps and aluminum heads and I've not had a lot of time yet to research fitment compatibilities on the BBO.

 

The E heads were designed for the big block olds which has a taller deck.

Using them on a small block will have contact with the fuel pump.

 

 

 

Yes a stock pump can ride on the edelbrock heads.

 

I learn something new every day, even at 74 years.

 

I don't know why Edelbrock did this and Procomp copied it. The Robbmc pump will not fit according to it's website.
https://www.robbmcperformance.com/products/olds550.html

 

 

thanks all for the good info - every bit will help as I read up on BBO building ideas -

Mark - you were actually the one I was going to check with to see if this might be something you'd be interested in building at some point - as stated, basically looking for a relatively simple, pump-friendly street performance build with decent idle and vacuum. I have an idea on some of the upgraded parts I'd want to use - simple things like. E-brock (low-rise) dual-plane intake, Milodon oil and water pumps, Cloyes (or similar quality) double roller timing chain, maybe a set of Thornton's BBO exhaust manifolds - but internal build and head options are open to reasonable suggestions. Would probably try to retain the modified (Everyday Performance) 800 Qjet I have on my SBO unless you had different thoughts on that subject.

 

 

The exhaust port position and bolt pattern is the same as factory heads. If using cast iron manifolds, I would use a composite gasket intead of a metal one. Retorque periodically to avoid leaks.