Finally found a good engine within my budget. Replacing my blown 350 with this 455 in a 72 Cutlass S. Before I have the engine put in, what is recommended to check? Gaskets, freeze plugs, etc? I don't want to tear it all down if I need have to - I am told it runs well, but... I know I will need to get headers but I think the pulley stuff is the same. I have a 350 tranny.

I think I did good on the engine for $600.00, what do you think?

1968 455 olds
Originally a 2 barrel
Rebuilt once
W-30 cam
High nickel content block
Crank drilled to accept manual transmission
Holley street dominator aluminum single plane intake
Small valve Olds "C" heads
Effective RPM range around 2800 to 5500
Compression test shows drivers side back cylinder around 100

 

How long ago was it rebuilt? Is there a number one the engine stamping pad?. If all is what it should be I say you have done well......I would at least check the timing chain and gear.....do whatever needs to be done before it goes into the car...I know this from past experience.....and paint it the olds red

 

It is what it is.The heads have small valves the cam is suspect for those rpms.That nickel content is a bullshit deal about making engine stronger.That line has been around forever.A 1970/72 is just as strong. The good crank drilled for manual transmission with the holly intake.Non running who knows.As long as you are happy that is what matters.Have a good day.

 

I think I did good on the engine for $600.00, what do you think?
===================
OK, agreed.

1968 455 olds
Originally a 2 barrel
Rebuilt once
W-30 cam
=================
what compression ratio?
2-bbl will have small valve heads, so some of the W30 cam benefits will not be realized.


High nickel content block
================
A baseless rumor circulated by persons of low moral character.
Or, lacking documentation, hearsay-bullshed at best.



Crank drilled to accept manual transmission
===================
How lucky can a guy get? Always a bonus.



Holley street dominator aluminum single plane intake
==================
Ooooh a Strict Dominatrix! Cooool.


Small valve Olds "C" heads
===============
expected...


Effective RPM range around 2800 to 5500
Compression test shows drivers side back cylinder around 100
===============
That might be a little low
Prop open the carb and ck all the cylinders for compression
Remove the pan and peek at the timing set, bearings, oil pump [and its inlet] etc.

replace the freeze plugs if they do not look new. Look in the cooling jacket for care/ neglect. Remove the block drain plugs and see it behind them the hole is blocked with rust or nice and clean.

 

Tks for the great feedback. What heads would you recommend to get more power?

Spencer

 

E,g, ga or c big valve head. Just don't get a j head they have worst flow stock of all the big block heads.Any big valve head will be better but for a drive you don't need anything else small valve will be okay.You can always up date later.

 

Cool. I was reading that I can use my 350 rocket heads with the 455 but it may be more work than its worth if they have to be ported.

 

Who told you that you can use 350 heads on a 455?

 

Same dude who told me about the nickel content lol Actually I read it online

 

Bs really.

 

sweet deal but the compression test showing 100 is quite low. what are the others. rule of thumb if the vary more then 10% each then theres something goin on. I assume your gonna take it apart and rebuild it or at least refresh it??

 

Are you saying that you cant?


I know of a 1980 442 with a BBO in it with #5 heads that runs low 12s.

 

Dunno yet. They are checking the heads and oil pan and running some kind of test to see if its leaking anywhere. I assume they have to take the whole thing apart to refresh it?

Took a shot in the dark with this one..

 

Obviously one can physically bolt SBO heads to a BBO and vice versa. The question, naturally, is: are the SBO ports more of a hindrance than the benefit from the CR boost and would that combo have been quicker with a better set of heads?

 

Obviously the head ports are worked and the intake used also modified for this application. But it can be done with good results. Clearly there are other and better options.

 

"they" ??
If you are not doing the engine work yourself you need to nip that in the bud. "They" generally get paid by the hour...

"they" will find that you need bearings, aw damn a cam, new lifters, mightaswell upgrade to rollers... $10,000 motor in the making.

Verify compression.
freshen freeze plugs and whatnot as set forth above.
STOP THERE and run it if nothing is real bad.

Slippery slope, that mightaswell hill.

 

First thing you should do is define what you plan to do with the car. Almost any 455 is going to be an upgrade in power and torque over a 72 350, without doing anything other than making sure it runs as designed. Just changing parts because "they" said it would be good might be opening a can of rotten worms.

 

No i am not! Why go with a head not as good as a{ e,c,g,ga} big valves with more flow.These are just a bolt and go common bbo heads. Bolt them on just so you can say you did it with small block heads! Most racers of olds i think would say bad ideal.Now if that is all you have it is what it is.

 

Yes i agree so really no reason to muddy the waters so to speak with a guy learning is there.