Finally found me a 455 that runs but i want to build it up some.Would i be better off getting a pair of c heads or could i have the same gain from porting the j heads or doing a multi or 3 angle valve job?

 

Unless you're dead-set for iron heads, the amount of money you'll spend doing the valve & porting work would be better off being put into purchasing a set of aluminum heads.

Just my opinion though.

 

Hey Charlie

Get the C heads! It will be much cheaper! I saw an add somewhere complete ported and rebuilt C heads for $900. Thats a damn good deal! But even stock C,E, G, or Ga heads will be much better then the Js. And bolt right on!

 

Good point!

 

I agree with "gearhead", E-brocks are a better way to go. They flow better than stock "C" head and are lighter. Plus you are getting all new parts, not 40 year parts. Plus the "Cool" factor. By the time you have iron heads ported and hard seats and new guides and valves, springs , you will have $1500 in them. I run across E-brocks on Craigslist a few times for cheap. I bought a jet boat w/455 from a guy on craigslist for $800 for he was moving and had to sell. I pulled the engine with E-brocks and sold the boat and trailer for $600 just to get rid of it. It was a great deal, not something you find all the time, but they are out there.
If your looking for a 455 engine, look for people selling there boat, sometimes you find a great deal.
"Racing junk.com" has E-brocks on there now.

Gene

 

I also agree that Edelbrocks would be a better choice, but if you plan to port the iron heads, starting with J heads is fine. In fact, since J heads are worth less, the total cost is probably less than starting with a more popular head. Yes, other heads flow better in stock condition, but after porting it really doesn't matter which ones you started with.

 

LOL Thats what i did for my current motor. I found a 77 apollo with a 455 shoe horned in it. Got it for $700 and it ran. Its a 69 455 with c heads. I parted out the rest of the boat for $550.

 

Thanks i appreciate all the info guess i'll be buying the E-brock heads. The motor is currently being shipped and its like christmas in january i can't wait to get it. Some junk yard in orlando is pulling it out of a running 76' delta 98. and i'm dropping it in my 86' 442. i guess it should be a straight shot seeing that i've already put a sbo 350 in it right? But will my th350 hold up?

 

Not if you drive like me! LOL If you take it easy im sure it will be fine. But if you plan on beating on it. Do a trans swap. Im sure you can get a built up TH350 to put in it. I like the gear ratio the best on them for a 3 speed. After blowing a few trans I ended up going with a built 700r4. I am really happy with it. its like a 5 speed auto!

 

lol it sounds as we drive the same! If me and everything in the car isn't getting thrown to the back or i don't hear any tires chirpen i'm wasting my money and time. would it hurt the motor if i do kill the trans?

 

Hey Charlie

No it wont hurt the engine. Go for it. Just keep the number of your favorite tow guy in your pocket. Or drive home in reverse like i had to, last trans i blew. LOL I found a guy o ROP with a set of good C heads for $600 heres the link http://www.realoldspower.com/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=54040

 

Nice heads. Danny S is a nice/helpful guy.

 

lol drive home in reverse! The police where i live don't need any other reason to hassle me! But thats right in my price range (at work now so i can't see the pic) But ima def look and get in touch with him thanks.