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You can do what ever you want with enough money and fabrication skills but why? Do you want to go fast or go cheap or just look cool going down the road. Lifters if indeed they do need changing aren't that expensive. In a pinch you can use SBC lifters if you change the push rods.What else needs attention on the 324? what are your goals? Not enough information to really venture a good opinion. Most everything will have to be changed from the pumpkin forward to the radiator cap to put a big block in a 55.... Tedd
No you can't bolt in a big block Chevy or a big block Olds. If you do enough work or spend enough money (lots of $$), you can do it but it sure won't be a bolt in. The 55 uses a front engine mount and mounts on each side of the transmission. Then there is the steering to deal with. And the list goes on. You would be better off putting a subframe under the car. That is a long way from replacing noisy lifters.
Cmon,motor is 60 years old.
Im sure the noisy lifters are just a hint of things Ill find wrong.
Car has great patina.
Want just a cool cruiser without spending a fortune.
Ive got 10 nice projects in my driveway. Patina rules!
People build flatheads that are 80 years old. Much cooler than a belly button motor.
Frankly, if someone asks "can I put a Chevy motor in such-and-such a car", my first reaction is "if you are asking this question, you probably lack the skills". ANY motor can be put into ANY car. How much time and money do you want to spend? Yes, a BBC can be put into a 1950s Olds. You need to fabricate mounts, and just about everything else. Is this ultimately easier or less expensive than the original motor? Unlikely if you are truthful about all costs (including your labor). People overlook the cost to chase down that last oddball fitting or fastener, not to mention the personal time and gasoline it takes to do it. Your car, your money, your call.
My projects include
71 Pontiac LeMans
73 Pontiac Gran Prix 455
73 Chevy C20 454
73 Buick Centurion 455
73 Chevy El Camino 454
73 Pontiac Grand Am 400 4 speed
76 Pontiac Gran Prix 455
76 Pontiac Trans Am 455 4 speed
Notice a pattern here genius?
Last edited by Nasty455; Apr 10, 2018 at 03:57 PM.
Ya, they ALL have their original engines in them. You have too many go fasters and few cool cruiser drivers. Without cubic dollars, 454 or not you will never make a serious hot rod out of a 44 hundred pound car. Do what you want but my bet is that 55 will never see any miles with a 454 in it..... Tedd
I drive a semi truck 650 miles each day.
My car rides usually consists of some therapy at the local racetrack.
I like the ride of big car as Im a pretty good size dude.
I like stuff you don't see often.
The 55 will make a great planter out front in the yard.
Thanks for all the help!
So if you want a big block, get a big block. Stop whining about the cost of rebuilding or the fact that the motor is too old. Those arguments may work when you ask the spouse for permission, but here they just peg the BS meter.
