Firstcutlass

I am looking for some bolt on parts to up my HP on a stock 455 that is only pushing 210 HP. I am a amatuer mechanic so I don't go internal. But I would like to have a little more *** behind this thing considering it is in a 69 442 convertible. Any suggestions would be great.

cutlassefi

Need more info if possible, gear, tranny intended use etc.

Lee_A

Just come down to Houston, and buy my COMPLETE 455, with all the bolt-ons, and bolt-ins, already done

It will save you a lot of time and money!

Lee

Firstcutlass

I have a TH400 and running about 65 mph I am at 2000 rpms. So not sure of the gearing. I am just looking for some cost efficient upgrades.

Firstcutlass

Lee beautiful engine but I am looking to do the work myself to learn and by parts as I get my allowance. Lol

svnt442

By the RPM you are running it sounds like there is a 2.56 gear in that car. That can be a limiting factor in the giddy up and go, but not always.

I got my 70 cutlass into the 13's with a 455/th400 and 2.56 gears.

cutlassefi

Headers, dual exhaust and some good tuning would be a good place to start.

AZ455

You're gonna need a fat allowance for this hobby..

I'm still training myself to have some patience when there is something I need (or want) for my cars. My wife helps me with the training though...

75cutty455

In addition to what Cutlassefi said you might wanna look ino a new cam & roller kit and a new intake. If you go too high on the cam you will need a new torque converter and then you might as well go to a posi traction rear end and something like a 3:73 gear.
Thats about it unless you wanna get into heads and all that other stuff.

hamm36

You should understand that you will not get a lot of HP out of a 455. But to bolt-on you need as cutlassefi stated: W/Z exhaust manifolds 2.5"+ duels with H pipe, Edelbrock Intake, 750 carb. ect...

billykissell

you dont need HP. HP is the most deceiving figure in the Oldsmobile lexicon. Torque is the name of the game. Based on your HP number, i assume you have "J" heads. if you have the heads ported you can open the exhaust ports to flow like the old "C" heads. add an intake, and HEI dist, and you will have a very torquey driver. ignore HP numbers. with an olds, HP is overpriced and IMHO overrated.

hamm36

Yes, (2x) what he Billy said.

Firstcutlass

So torque not HP. This my first olds and first solo project. All good info. I do have E heads and a flame thrower distributor but do need to change the intake and carburator. Those spear to be stock. Thanks for all this info guys. Without this site I would be lost and spending way more than I need to.

billykissell

there is nothing at all wrong with a q-jet if it works properly. E heads should be fine as well. it should be a stump puller from the sounds of it. if it were me, i'd drive it. enjoy the gas mileage of the 2.56 rear end.

380 Racer

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svnt442

Hey I had a MILD 455 with bone stock J heads in a 70 Cutlass S that I got into the high 13's so don't knock the 2.56's too much.

billykissell

I'm not knockin'. I have the same gears and love them. i've still got all kinds of power and still get decent mileage.

Rickman48

Dual exhausts and a good performance tune may surprise you!
That Q-Jet can be made to run hard, and still give decent mileage, provided the throttle shafts are in good shape. Appropriate secondary metering rods should also be installed. And adjust the secondary air door.
Make sure that distributor has a decent curve, and you should be good to go.
Hope you've extra allowance for right rear tires!!

Vega

Okay, my thoughts are pull the heads and get some work done on them, find out what compression you're running and work the heads to give you a little more. Also buy a smaller gasket (assuming the block hasnt been worked) and that will boost compression too. If you have a stock intake you could maybe buy an Edelbrock Performer and get some more power out of that. These Olds big blocks like things big, lots of carb and lots of cam (more than a typical 454, and as such, more than most will tell you would be good with it) 750 carbs are usually good (im not gonna pitch a brand to you, i dont make commission and carbs are carbs so go with a brand you like). People have their own prefferences but if i were you i would swap the rear for maybe a 3.08. That would definatly put more pep in your step. Yeah sure it will hurt mileage a little but if you were worried about mileage you wouldnt be driving a big block in the first place, at that point its a debate between "terrible" and "pretty terrible" and in my oppinion the pros are way better than the cons. But thats my take so dont take it as gospel.

Oh yeah, and exhaust and headers would be the first place id go, which seems to be the general consensus on this thread so far so thats where id start. couple hundred bucks and you'll see a noticeable performance not to mention it will sound way better.

Good luck