Hi all. Have a 1971 455 in a '57 Olds. It's seriously sedate. I'm going to rebuild it and would like to know what approach i should take. i don't want a radical engine. but I would like VERY quiet horsepower, and torque (Love for it to be like a S550 Mercedes) . Would 70 heads fit, and help? What cam? what % rockers? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Bill. wfg4u@aol.com

 

I did a 455 for a '54 Holiday coupe so I might be able to steer you in the right direction.
Yes a good set of '70 heads will work, all bb heads are pretty similar except J's. They are the most recent smog head.
Cam? Stay with a single pattern on tight lobe sep. That'll give you the best low-midrange torque. The 455 I did had a hyd roller ground on a 108 lsa.
Icon IC887 piston (that'll give you right about 9.0:1 with stock iron heads)
And I'd do a Performer intake with a 700 or so carb, or the original Qjet.

Hope this helps.