smash72

I've settled on a place to rebuild my 455 I'm green on the scope of these motors and really not sure what I even have. I know there has been some work done to it as the p/o was street racing. I want to dial it down from its current to a driver ended up around 450 to 500hp I'm not trying to skimp on the price but I would like to hold an intelligent conversation with the engine shop.
There are additional pics on my homepage. Here's what I think or thought I have don't yell at me cause I might be all wrong. I believe this is a 68 toro block, but now not really sure I know the lousy blue paint is from p/o looks like it was originally gold. 850 4bbl carb, there is evidence of boring I'm gonna stop here because I really don't know what I'm looking at or talking about. I need to see what the cam is and figure out what this kid did to this motor. He was running a 3400 stall with 4 10s gears or so I've been told. Also was told that's a decent combo for what this guy was doing for 60' anyway. I really want to know what to tell my rebuild guy of everything I need to make this a sweet fast and loud driver. And if any current parts are worth anything towards my rebuild. Budget around 5K plus whatever salvageable parts. I know this is asking a lot but you guys got me this far (ground up restore) and I'm finally ready for the motor. 2016 my 72 Cutlass S gets on the road fingers crossed.

smash72

Notice the dent in the valve cover that was from the p/o beating the headers in with a sledge hammer. He snapped off a plug in the process the motor was running on about 5 cylinders when I got it. First day all excited and full of **** and vinegar pulled the motor. That was two years ago.

oldcutlass

Tough to say without knowing whats inside.

smash72

What parts would be a good fit what cam, what intake, carb, back to headers, all that good stuff it also has a custom 3" dual exhaust is that reusable

oldcutlass

Do you know what it has in it currently for pistons, cam, valve train, head work...?

wr1970

Here is what see i think A performer intake,c heads,double pumper holly carb. Not much to go on. Parts inside can tell more about the motor. What were the track numbers? How about giving motor numbers of the block on the pad!Knowing what oldculass ask would give a better ideal on what parts were used.

joe_padavano

X2. No BBO was ever painted gold. The bronze used on the 400s is often mistaken for gold, but I can't tell from the photo of the bellhousing end of the motor whether that's original paint on the end of the head or not. Possibly those C heads came from a 400 motor?

Get the block casting number from above the water pump and the VIN derivative stamp. The oil fill tube is a 1968-later style tube.

smash72

I will get those block numbers of course it's buried right now. if I'm rebuilding does it matter what it's got in it currently. Doubt I'm keeping the heads. Business keeps up I'm springing for aluminum. Might not be worth a rebuild starting to have concerns been sitting 2 yrs now needs everything. How much for a turn key ? How available are they ? Anyone have one ?

oldcutlass

The reason we asked whats inside of it is because you mentioned salvageable parts to reuse.

wr1970

X2^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^What he said.

smash72

Sorry salvageable parts to resell or use toward rebuild. Really need a good combination of quality parts, a good fit of parts that match and play well together. I would like AC this Cutlass is a original AC car so duct work is still intact. I know things change when adding AC weight, cooling, etc. I'm not married to 500hp at least 400 would be nice. I'm doing a resto mod and have a fiber 442 hood. Will be going with electronic ignition, disc brakes. My problem the engine guy is gonna ask what are you looking to do here ? At that point I'm at his mercy and end up paying a couple K more, or worse a bad com donation of parts. I want to tell him what intake cam carb, ignition, exhaust, even heads if I have to. Hope this helps I have a goal not a lot of knowledge so you guys make me look smart and I appreciate it a lot. Not afraid of hard work so whatever I need to do to prep for this rebuilt 455 I'm in.

wr1970

One thing to think about is your rear gear coupled to a 400 hp engine! Are you up grading the rear suspension and front? The engine can have several ways to get the hp your are looking for. Not cheep on some. A off set grind is one way with a good set of pistons and aluminum heads. By making a stroker that is street able with plenty of power on tap. This would be one example. There are others that are not stroked and maybe cheaper.

cutlassefi

Icon Ic886 pistons, Edelbrock Performer, decent heads and cam (230@.050ish), you'll make 450hp.

smash72

Yes will be upgrading gears and suspension. Brakes, sway bars as well. Adding outside air with the new fiber hood might give me a little hp.
Thx Cutlassefi that's what I was looking for its in Chinese but I will do my homework and look up the interpretation. What's a good gear and stall for above specs if not able to upgrade trans right away currently TH350