AlphaOmega74

I'm not new but far away from being well versed in motors. I am gathering parts to build my Omega and have found a listing for a complete 455 (carb to pan). It is coming out of a 69 Delta 88 that a guy is parting out. Its still in the car but someone has picked up the radiator already. I'm going to have it rebuilt anyway. He wants $700. Is that a reasonable price? I'm in northern Cali and haven't seen too many complete 455s that are under $1000. Guy tried to sell me one minus the crank the other day for $1200. Let me know what you guys think.

don71

Old guys like me just hate spending more than 300 bucks or so. Its just not like that anymore these days.

If the engine for 700 bucks is complete, that's probably a good buy. Try to get everything you can still attached to the engine like carb all the accessory brackets and things. A complete package so to speak would be preferred.

Octania

Buy it, esp. if very complete

Pulleys, brackets, air cleaner, starter, all the tin.
Carb...

67 Cutlass Freak

X2 but I would make sure it turns over with a breaker bar. I would also check the casting #s just to make sure your not getting a mid '70s low compression transplant. If it does turn over you could easily do a compression test.

redoldsman

I am not that well versed on 455's but I believe it should have C heads on it shouldn't it? If it is the real deal and not frozen, I think it is a good deal.

64Rocket

If it is still in the car you can run it for a few minutes or run the garden hose in the lower hose, and fire it up. See what it runs like and sounds.

Gene

AlphaOmega74

Thanks for the responses. Another one is available that isnt as complete (intake to pan no accessories) with J heads for $350. If I plan on rebuilding the engine regardless of current state and going after some aluminum heads, would I be better served getting the cheaper block? Here are a few pics of it.

Octania

I'd lean towards the earlier motor.

esp. if you can or plan to use the factory
intake
carb
starter
HEADS
exhaust manifolds
rocker covers
all the other stuff that comes on a more-complete motor

OTOH if you are enjoying a budget that includes AL heads and intake, sheetmetal rocker covers, etc. then all you really need is that block, crank, and rods that we see above.

Here's an oddity I just noticed- I thought the silver "W" egr type intake on that red engine looked a little odd around the PCV boss by the thermostat.... sure enough... compare to a 1968-9 "J" intake, we see that the early intake feeds cylinders 2&3 from the passenger side of the carb, with the runner on top of the 1-4 ducting. Whereas, the EGR manifold ducts the passenger side of the carb to 2&3 underneath the runners for 1-4. Just an alternate way of routing the criss-cross. Wondering what led to that change.

64Rocket

like has been said, the second engine may be better, I would offer $200, for your not going to use the "J" heads or the low comp pistons or cam, pretty much nothing but the block, crank, and rods. be sure to budget all you are going to need to do a rebuild.
Now if you just want a running 455 for your car, then the first one is a better deal, just work him for the price some, if it runs good and does not smoke and you like it, then go for it. Remember on an used engine, pull the pan & clean, new oil pump, oil filter, new pan gasket, do the valve covers and clean. Might pull valve covers when you look at the engine, may give an idea of its maintenance past.
It's all up to you, buddy. make all your notes and finance's, just how far to go.

Gene

AlphaOmega74

Things happen for a reason, right? So I go to see the complete motor. It was an all original 2b 455 in 69 Delta 88. I told the guy what I was planning on doing with the motor and he says he has about 4 or 5 more throughout the yard. Long story short, we found a 4b 455 in a '69 98 with E heads and he let me get it with all the extras for $500.

On the way out of his lot with at least 50 unmolested vehicles, I asked if he had any X-body cars. His response was I only have this 73 Buick Apollo that is going to the junkyard in a month or so...this car has all the pieces I am missing for my Omega. Mainly exterior trim and dash! Today was definitely a good one.

don71

I would call that a good day too! Nice score.

64Rocket

Where is this yard at? I'm Union City just down the street from you.

Gene