I'm starting to slowly gather parts for a future 455 build for my 68 442 convertible. I'm looking to be in the 450hp range which is very easy to achieve with a 455. My main concern is durability I don't want to just build a strong motor but it's gotta last even if driven hard.

I will be going with an eagle crank and rods but what I want to know is at what hp should you consider billet main caps,straps or girdle? Do aftermarket main caps require special machining to the block?

I was planning on using arp studs in the bottom end and for the cylinder heads.

Looking for some good tips and advice here guys!

 

Call me silly, but the first thing I would consider is the fact that your car doesn't have a roof. 450 may be a little overkill. BUT then again, you do have a better frame.

 

You don't need to do anything special. Stud the mains for added durability, have it line honed. For more protection add billet straps across the mains, but that's about it. For 450 HP don't get too crazy with the bottom end yet, save the billet mains and girdles for the 600 + guys.

 

Thanks pilot! Had a feelin you would chime in! Was thinking of getting some straps from Mondello. JUST KIDDING....

 

LMAO! Get some, but maybe not from them lol!

 

x2

 

Hey J-Chicago! I think I'll be fine there are guys here with convertibles and they have more than 450 hp.

 

I have about 475-500 HP and I beat on it at the strip weekly. Stock caps, straps, stock N crank, Eagle rods and Icon pistons. Nothing special needed at that level.

 

600 HP can be put on convertible frames. just weld in a few support braces under the car for strength. run one tube across from one side of the frame, up over the driveshaft, to the other side. then run tubes on either side from the lower control arm mounting brackets to the tube that goes across. and it's tucked up underneath so nobody can see it. years ago i put drag motors in drag cars...now i put drag motors in street cars. sleepers are so much more fun.

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in addition to that, you can add what i call a "twist bar" which is just a 1/2" rod bolted from the front of each head to the frame rails. it keeps the motor from wanting to twist and saves motor mounts.

 

How on earth could you ever maks 600 ponies?

 

Not quite sure what maks means.....

I was going to post a build thread on my current build to show exactly how I make 600 "ponies", but this website is a disgrace and filled with a bunch of idiots. Think I'm done here

 

Gosh darn I hit the s instead of the e........please don't beat me! Haven't you left yet?

 

Too bad Rob edited this post, I would be interested in reading what it really said. But the point is clear nevertheless.

I think it's funny how an abrasive person like this joins the site and then calls us "idiots" when he shoots off at the mouth constantly in all of his 12 posts. What I really don't get is why we're the idiots when he can't even figure out that it's HIS actions that are turning people off. Oh well, that was short lived. Peace out cracker!

 

Those supports look like the ones from ABC Performance. Are they 468?

 

Well Steve, it was my turn to get his pee pee whacked.

 

I hope you didn't get your pee pee slapped, hopefully it was Steroids that got his slapped. That guy is something else...

 

if he is on steroids it's gonna be a little pee pee slap lmfao.