i am doing a little parts hunting for some of the small things ill need for my 455 build. i have decided not to re-use my sbo motor mounts in my 72 delta88. joe p. has mentioned the rock auto mounts..... however the part number is diff when looking for a 69 455(my motor) mount and looking for a 72 delta mount(my car) how do i decide on the right mount?

and for the thermostat.... i have heard of a "fail open" type. any body point me in the right direction here for what to order and at what temp?

water pump...... i have all the parts that i took off my 455 and all the parts on my 350 thats in the car but would like to just replace everything to avoid issues. i tried to track down a water pump on ebay and HOLY CRAP!! i thought my computer was going to explode. are all the water pumps listed for the early years 455 the same size and fitment? i want my belt to ride correctly! recommendations on an inexpensive but quality pump?

 

There are 3 different water pump snout lengths. 5.1" 5.6" and 6.1"
You will have to measure the pump that's currently in your car and buy the correct one for your pulley setup.

As far as the motor mounts go, you have to use the ones that were designed for use in your car.
If your car came with 350 mounts, then use 350 mounts and bolt them to your 455.

 

its my understanding that the sbo mounts are solid rubber and do not have the metal "j hook" design that provides as a fail-safe should the rubber wear out or tear? that sound right? what about buying bbo mounts for the same year and model?

 

You would have to find a set of frame docks from a 71-76 delta with a 455, and switch them with your 350 pair currently bolted to your engine cradle.
Then you could use a 455 mount.

My car had a 307 in it, and I just used 307 motor mounts and bolted them to my 455. piece of cake, and no tearing yet, after 2 seasons.