Supreme68

Im sure this has been covered numerous times, but I just wanted to get a feel from what others had to say. I have a 68 Cutlass Supreme with a 350 in it. My car has been sitting for several years and the last time it was running, it had overheating issues and by looking at the oil, it appeared that I had a blown headgasket. So with that being said I might just want to go with the BBO instead of upgrading the 350 that is currently in the car...

What is a fair price for a good running 455 with manual tranny??? is there anyone on the board that sells them??? From what I read, the motor mounts of the 350 bolt right up to the ones on the 455.

Also, are there any years that were better than others?

Im not sure if my numbers match, and quite frankly dont care... Im not trying to come off as a jerk, but my intentions for this car were never to restore it to factory conditions... I like customizing and making a car to your standards and taste... I plan on never selling the car and keep it in the family forever...

RAMBOW

Engine & Tranny are two separate things- in more ways than just the physical items.

While its very possible to find a 455 already mated to a Th400 for sale, i don't think its as likely to find one already mated to a Manual.

Think of them as separate projects-

What are your goals for the engine build? Its very possible to build a pretty wicked SBO 350 and you already have a core motor to start with- as opposed to buying a 455 core, and having it built.

start watching craigslist in your area for motors. I see them all the time- but unless i could go for a ride in a car with a motor before it was pulled, i don't think i'd trust one to jsut go back in another can and run- i'd have to at least go through it.

thats just me though..

Supreme68

well i have plenty of time to look... def not jumping into anything just yet, but i do want to know what im looking for when it comes time to buy...

the only reason I wanted to buy both at the same time was to make sure the tranny was mated correctly to the engine...

Texas Jim

From rebuilding engines f/ years, I'd get a good rebuildable one and build it, also, to my tastes. Like you stated f/ the car, to your taste, and the 455 the same way. I think you're making a very sound decision. And if you want power, the cheapest way is to have more cubic inches, and the 455 is again, the way to go. Good luck!

The_Jeremiah

In my opinion you want a complete 455 from a toronado. I built my 455 from a 68 toronado 2.07 intake engine (C heads), and its very very strong. i have bought 2 different 455s from toronados for 400 each. thats not to bad in my opinion. when i switched engines, it took me a weekend. the brackets switched onto the new engine, the motor mounts fit. the only problem you might have is exhaust, i put headers on mine at the same time.

oldsdroptop

I like my Oldsmbiles like the words I live by.....go big or go home.....I have 2 455's here....best motor ever made.....by far.....just my opinion.....Oldsdroptop

The_Jeremiah

as far as daily use goes, you cant beat them in my opinion, just so much torque! great if you get some loser in a 454 chevrolet to race you at a light XD

also id like to point out mine has a large cam, fully ported heads, harland sharp rollers, performer rpm intake, 207" heads, 11 to 1 compression, and some other goodies, and im still getting like 12 miles to the gallon or so at 2300 - 3000 rpm on the freeway, not bad, i have never seen another big block act like that.

The_Jeremiah

sorry for the double post, but if you live around the west coast you might want to give this guy a call <www.dansgarage.net>, i know he has at least one 455 floatin around he will sell for a good price, he doesnt mess around with junk, i have been to the yard many times gettin olds parts

svnt442

The issue with taking any old 455 and mating up to a manual trans is you need to machine the rear of crank for the pilot bearing as this was not done for engines destined for automatic life.

Supreme68

Thanks for all the replies. Yeah Im definitely capable of doing an engine and tranny swap. Ive done several on on civics and integras and those engine compartments are not forgiving at all. So this should be a walk in the park.

Unfortunately I live as far from the west coast as possible. I live in jersey so if anyone knows someone in the area that sells/collects these engines Id appreciate that.

and yes svnt, thats why i was looking for the engine/tranny combo all at once just so I wouldnt have to have the pilot bearing drilled...

But like i said i have plenty of time to look and wait for the right deal...

507OLDS

I have a complete 70 350 4-spd set-up,& I also have a 70 455 4-spd set-up.Both have M21's,but I also have a spare 67 M20 as well.It is nice to already have a 4-spd crank,but the crank can be drilled for the pilot bearing,when you have it at the machine shop.The 4-spd stuff will be as much or more than the engine core,as those parts are harder to find.If you had a 70,my parts might be more worthwhile,as far as correctness goes,but I could still piece together a package,with a 455 core,& a 4-spd set-up,to go into your 68.I just did this same thing for a guy with a 68 convertible.We did a 68-69 455,with the C-heads,an M20,& a 3:42 posi rear. I have more 68-69 455's & C-heads,& I have enough parts to put another 4-spd set-up together.Parts included would be:
455 core engine,with C-heads
Muncie 4-spd
shifter & linkage
bellhousing,fork,z-bar,pedals,rods,frame bracket,etc.,everything you need

Price would be $1,000.00 for all of it,& I can meet you halfway accross Pennsylvania on I-80. If you need a posi rear,I can do that too.

Supreme68

wow!!! thats sounds like a great deal... ill def look you up when the time comes...

and just to make sure, the engines are running and do not need a rebuild???

507OLDS

OH NO! All of the parts are cores. The heads & block will be cleaned & checked.The crank will be a mint one,not needing any turning,but you will have to drill it for a pilot bearing.The 4-spd box is a core,but all pieces are good.
The 70 455 I have is complete & running,but that engine is $800.00 from intake to pan.I just ran it last month.It is 40yrs old,& runs well,but has never been apart,so I would still highly suggest going through it.It has the pilot bearing in it.If you wanted that one,with a 4-spd set-up,it would be $1400.00.

Supreme68

ohhhh i see... no worries... ill prolly go with a complete setup so that its more plug and play...