Building 455 motor
October 1st, 2018, 09:59 AM
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 46
Building 455 motor
Thinking about building a 455 to replace my 350 in my 72 CS. I plan on getting the blocked cleaned and magnafluxed first. Then having machine shop bore/hone cylinders and install cam bearings. I'm not sure how difficult it would be to assemble to whole motor, since I've never done that before. I feel I have a good mechanical ability for things and have done some more difficult jobs but this is new for me. Is it worth trying to assemble or should I put it off till have enough cash to get it done?
October 1st, 2018, 10:07 AM
#2
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Tracy Ca
Posts: 1,564
Not sure what ability you have, but if you have above knowledge of engines, I would do it. Research on the internet, things you are not sure of, and get a good Olds manual, about Olds engines. I know a lot of guys here. don't like Mondelo,but I have one of his manuals, and I think it has a lot of good info. Just take your time, and if you are not sure of something, research it more. I remember the first time I did one, was fun, and scary. First time starting engine, a little scary, but when it started, great feeling.Go for it.
October 1st, 2018, 11:39 AM
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 13,732
I say go for it.
I rebuilt the engine in my 1970 Supreme back when I was in high school. I read through a friend's book "How to Rebuild a Small Block Chevy" (this was before Al Gore invented the internet) to get an idea of how things should be assembled. I had the machine shop do their thing with the block, heads, crank, rods, and pistons, then put all the parts back together myself. That engine is still running today, so I must have done something right. If I could do that as a high school kid with just reading a book, then you surely can do it with all the help you can get here.
I rebuilt the engine in my 1970 Supreme back when I was in high school. I read through a friend's book "How to Rebuild a Small Block Chevy" (this was before Al Gore invented the internet) to get an idea of how things should be assembled. I had the machine shop do their thing with the block, heads, crank, rods, and pistons, then put all the parts back together myself. That engine is still running today, so I must have done something right. If I could do that as a high school kid with just reading a book, then you surely can do it with all the help you can get here.
October 1st, 2018, 05:37 PM
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,232
If your reasonably mechanically inclined, patient, and willing to ask questions I don’t think building a engine is something to be afraid of. First thing, find a machine shop and machinist your comfortable with. Hopefully you know another Olds enthusiast who can offer some recommendations. There are plenty of knowledgeable people on these forums, and lots of good info on YouTube. Be patient, if something doesn’t seem right, stop and find out why. Good luck!
October 2nd, 2018, 05:18 AM
#8
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,259
As for building your first motor, well, there's always a first time. I built my first motor after reading a four part "How to Build Your First Motor" article in Car Craft back in the 1970s. This is more about attention to detail than anything else. You need to spend the time to get the block completely clean (including all the oil passages). The traditional way to do this is with a gun cleaning kit. Pay attention to the special oil gallery plugs with weep holes that lubricate the distributor gear and timing chain. Be sure the small holes are clear and that you get the plugs installed correctly. Use assembly lube to protect the cam and lifters on startup. Make notes or take pictures when disassembling to get everything back the right way. Study the Chassis Service Manual Chapter 6. Use a good torque wrench.
I suggest contacting cutlassefi on this site for a cam to match your build and intended use. You'll be much happier with a custom cam than an off-the-rack cam. The one he spec'd for my 67 Delta is perfect for the use and accessories in that application. Be sure you understand how to degree a cam when you install it.
November 1st, 2020, 09:41 AM
#14
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,232
I just went back and re-read some of this. Is the engine the OP asking about a core engine that someone took apart, or a engine that has had some machine work done?
if it’s a untouched core engine, there is no machine work to double check. Find a shop that your comfortable with (hopefully familiar with Oldsmobile engines)
if it’s a untouched core engine, there is no machine work to double check. Find a shop that your comfortable with (hopefully familiar with Oldsmobile engines)
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