So I have an Olds 350 core in my garage and I will probably end up redoing it, but before I do ... I wanted to check what the best way to get a 455 for rebuild would be.

There's not much in my area unless I want to buy a 455 with a car wrapped around it, which is usually crazy expensive.

What I am looking for is a decent core Olds 455 for a fairly stock rebuild. What should I expect to pay for a long block (or short block) assuming I have to drive a long distance to find one? Are they considered "rare" nowadays?

Other than the windowed mains in the mid 70's, anything else I should watch out for?

 

Windowed mains started in 1977 and the last 455 was made in 1976, so you don't have to worry about that.

For a rebuilder, all 455s are the same other than the heads. 73-76 used J heads which are the least desirable from a performance perspective but are OK for a driver/cruiser.

 

u could swap your 350 in this delta and take its 455 .

but i like the way it is. black on black ... make offer- in your neck of the woods.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/122072784550...84.m1436.l2649

 

I check the nearby Craigslists daily. Just grabbed a 455 core for $300 - 1970 block and GA heads. It was only a few miles from me. They're still out there.

 

There is always fastnal to ship a engine on a pallet.

 

They're out there. Just be patient in your quest.
I bought three or four before I ran across a running 70 Toro motor at a great price. I passed on numerous others. Jet Boat Motors are a way to go as well. Many of the 1970's jet boats came with Olds 455's.
I paid $300-$800 depending on the year of make and the heads. But I am also not afraid to pay a little more for a decent motor when they pop up real close by. I hate driving several hours just to find the motor in question is questionable. LOL

But I also bought two 455 motors with entire cars wrapped around them. LOL. I sold the parts from the car and wound up with two free 455's.

 

i have a 69-70 455, block taken apart,good crank,rods it ran just smoked.new rings,pistons(cast) bearings e heads or c heads have both, no intake. has all the tin ill take 500,00 plus the ride. im in mi tho so the ride may be steep

 

There were motorhomes offered with 455s in the 70s as well. Check it out!

http://www.gmcers.org/

I recall hearing that these 455s had K heads on them...

 

Even if you can't find one on Craigslist it is not usually hard to find one. Just look for anything Oldsmobile on Craigslist that is older than 76. If they are selling parts and not listing a 455 call them anyway. if they don't have one maybe they know someone that does. Even call the people that have cars listed with lots of junk in the background. I would bet with 3 to 5 hours of investigative work you could have one lined up. This is how I find stuff from time to time.

 

I'll keep looking and let you know what I find.

One other question: Should I consider any other blocks like the 403, 425, etc.? Are there any major advantages / disadvantages?

Just to be clear - I'd really like a 455...

 

The 403 can take many of the more modern 307 items.

The late, great Mr. Witt was of the judgment that the 67 Toronado 425 with the C heads and all the goodies was The Best Olds Ever Made.

Depends on what you want. Displacement is displacement, and aftermarket upgrades are cool, too. If you want something to make a monster out of, a 455 has more displacement, but has less ***** if it's a smogger motor. Take it if you want to put a lot of upgrades into it.

If you just want a motor to drop in and be happy, an earlier hi-comp big block is for you. Less displacement, but more ***** in its stock form. Good candidates are 70 and earlier 455s, 425s, and either 442 400 engines.

In short, any 70 or earlier engine that begins with a "4" would be fine.

 

https://reading.craigslist.org/pts/5699525580.html not mine but more than reasonable,shouldn't be too far for you, idk