I was just given an F (F2 nickle content) 455 block #396021. Found that on the site. Very nice by the way. Also found that it came with a set of 4A heads from a 403 SB. My question, along with being dumbfounded by the differences of GM V-8s in the 60's, is can I use the 4A heads on the 455 block, or should I try to trade or buy another set.

Thanks
Matt

 

Look for bigblock C heads or E heads or G heads....the 403 is a smog engine and a smallblock as well...

 

Matt, if you decide to look for another set of heads, which I would do if I were you, consider posting your city and state in your profile. Someone on this site may have the heads you need right across town, if they know where you are.

 

Ok, got my profile filled out now. and is my block a 45 deg or 39 deg bank angle?

 

Its a 39 degree since it is a 455

 

4a heads will not work on a 455. You should be looking fior heads that only have a single Capital letter such as A, B or C heads.

 

Oh well, I did get one G head with the block. That sucks. Maybe I'll get lucky.

 

Actually, they will - they're just not your best choice. The 4A heads do have big-block sized valves and 80 cc chambers, but they still have small block size ports. As noted, correct big block heads are better.

 

Alright, what volume do big block heads usually have, and is there enough meat on the 4A heads to port to big block size?

 

Most big block heads also use 80 cc chambers (the exception is the 68-69 D heads used on W-30s and H/Os). I don't know about the available meat in the ports, but given that the 403s used windowed main webs to save weight, I'd bet the heads were equally thinned out.

 

Ah, I figure I'll be better off finding another set of heads to work on then. Thanks joe.

 

Watch ebay Matt. I've got lots of extra heads, but it would add about $100 to the price to have them shipped from Oregon to SC. Try not to get a set of J heads, from what I hear they can be made to flow well but take a lot of work. The C, E, G, Ga or Ka are all good heads. If you haven't found 442.com yet there's a good writeup there on engines and heads. Some guys say there are errors in the articles, but I believe there's also a lot of good information there. You might also look on realoldspower.com for classified ads of people in the Southeast selling parts. John

 

Big, I have a pair of G heads off a seized 455. PM me if interested. I am in Fayetteville, NC. If I have to ship them to you they will ship via Fed Ex at approx $25 each and that is cheaper than the tank of gas to drive the 227 miles (and back) from Fayetteville, NC.

Let me know.

BTW, the guy you are talking to Joe_Padavano wrote some of that tech stuff on 442.com. He probably knows his stuff...

John

 

Probably?

Norm

 

I got back out to my shop yesterday and compared the one G head I have to one of the 4A's. The 4A ports are itty bitty, teensy weensy compared to the G. The 4A's have to go.

 

That is exactly what I said.... is there an echo??

 

Not an echo.

A question.

Don't bother to answer it, I'm done here.

Norm

 

I DID answer your question. Man I guess you can't read "" very well can't you?

Man this is jsut another reason I hardly come to this site. NOOOOO sense of humor with ANYONE!!

John

 

Take a deep breath and let it go John! I see nothing wrong with what you said. If others take offense that's there problem, not yours. I didn't see what you said as a put down at all. Lets just focus on helping out bigcountry who is new to the world of Oldsmobiles

 

Yeah your right. aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh there ya go!

I have been following Joes "teachings" silently on 442.com for a while and I would put him in my top 5 of people I would take Olds info from over the internet. Glad to see him over here now. (Hi Joe!)

John