import extermination

how much should i spend and what things should i look for?
i know i should be looking for a block with a f,f1,f2,f3,or f4 because of the high nickel content, and to get one from 1968-1972.
is there anything else?
thanks -jake

Olds64

Don't worry about the F casting unless you plan on racing the car often. Any 455 will be great! The later (post 73) 455s had J heads, however, a 455 is a great engine. If you build it right you will be very impressed.

I spent $400 on a 455 and TH400 that was complete from the oil pan to carburetor. The engine had J heads on it. Luckily, I had a set of C heads to put on it.

64Rocket

any of the 455 block from '68 to 76 will do fine. The F1 F2 and on I think is a wives tale. The '75/76 blocks don't have the clutch pivot bolt hole on the block, other than that all are the same.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1115414854.html

Gene

joe_padavano

There is no proven connection between the "F" numbers and the metallurgy of the block. Don't sweat it. I've been buying up 455 blocks in the $50 -$75 range for a bare block and complete core motors for $150.

import extermination

oh man, ive deffinately been looking in the wrong areas then haha, eveyone i find is like 6-700 bucks canadian( prolly my problem right there)

69Rman

Welcome! To yet, another Canadian member!!!
Our presence is growing in these Olds forums.

Where in Canada are you? You should add your location to your profile so we can all see where you are from on each post. It helps us all out when parts are being bought/sold.

There is some 455's out there to be had. I know of a guy who has (maybe had) a decent 455 out of a '76 Delta that he'd opened up and replaced all of the seals and valve guides on. Was looking to sell it to me, but I've since decided to stay with my 350 (for now). He is in Ontario, near Milverton I think it was.
Anyway, if you are at all interested in it, and are in Ontario, PM me and I can forward your email to him.
He was a real nice guy, and seemed very truthful. I sold him a bunch of parts last summer. I think he had said that he would want about $500 for it, but it is a running engine, in a car still. He said it only had 76,000Km on it I think too.
Let me know.

PS, I like the name you chose...lol

wolfman98

Welcome to the site EH! A lot of guys around here use the older 455's and 454's for drags. A few have the money for a newer 501 but not a lot want to spend that much money. A decent 455 block is hard to find here and I would look into finding an old car that might be at a wrecker's yard but the block is good. Depends on how much you are going to put into it. The last 455 I saw for sale here was a 70 , probably came out of a cutlass. Complete with heads , carb and banged up oilpan he wanted $500. My car I traded a Model A for and am very happy with it. It came from Saskatoon originally and brought here from Calgary. Unfortunately I have it all tore apart right now from the windshield forward. The motor works great but it had an oil leak at the front seal and hose clamp at the power steering pump. Motor was really dirty and carb all gummed up. I fixed the carb just by cleaning it and now I am painting up everything as it comes off. All new seals and gaskets , timing chain and gears ,dist. cap and rotor , wires , plugs etc. I always get carried away with these projects. My current projects are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfman98/ and http://photobucket.com/wolfman98

citcapp

Look for the big full sized oldsmobiles in the wrecking yards or on craigs list those are the ones the go unnoticed and are cheaper. I was given the one in my 57 just for pulling out of a guys yard for him. I bout the last one from a member here. A toro engine for 350.00

import extermination

thanks 69Rman i chose the name because i like to do my share in showing up civics, and bmw

as for location, im a good distance from ya. im located in bc near WA

finding old oldsmobiles are just as rare as finding an engine out here lol, ive been talking to one guy says he has a 1970 455 motor with E heads, everything but carb for 700

2blu442

I know that Razan (Wes) is somewhere in B.C. you should send him a message and see if he has a lead on a 455. I'd set you up with a complete 455 for $250-450 but I'm at least 600 miles from you. John

citcapp

How far up in BC are you I am in Bothell, WA and I am sure I could find you a 455 local if a drive to Seattle area is not to far. Let me know

import extermination

chilliwack,bc thats 3 hours away from seattle

citcapp

Thats doable check craigs list in the area and if you see something. I'll go take a look at it for you. I will also check the local pull it yards if you find something I can pick it up and hold it for you until you can come pick it up

import extermination

if i decide to do it that way, that would be awesome thanks
im gonna dig a little more around here and see what i can find.

2blu442

Ooops! I made a typo, Ranzan is the name of the Classicoldsmobile member living in B.C.
John