I need some input! I am finishing up a year long restoration and have been confronted by some engine isues which require the numbers matching 350 to be pulled out of the car. I need to repack the rear main seal. Now I am wondering if I can raise the value of the car by putting a 455 in, rather than the orig. 350. BUT - I do not want to replace the 350 trans or dual exhaust. Would a 455 bolt up? Would a non- # match 455 create a higher dollar value than the orig. 350? This car is a Cutlass Supreme - I did not plan to clone it into a 442....your input is appreciated!!! Bryan

 

Well Bryan, I would not build the car for resale value, I would build it for me!! I don't know how deep your pockets are or what your intended budget is?? A 455 is an easy swap, however you will probably need to upgrade your exhaust to a minimum of 2 1/2, headers would be a perk, you may consider upgrading the T350 with a freshen up and a shift kit! Most likely a new torque converter would be necessary.

You can also get the 350 freshened up and register well on the butt dyno, since you already have it!! Intake, cam, carb, and headers. You can reuse your exhaust, however a freshen up on the trans and a performance torque converter is still recommended!

After that if you really want to wake your car change your gears, and you will see a dramatic improvement!

I hope this helps!

 

+1

It's a convertible, so IMHO it won't matter much it's desirable with either.
But me personally I'd put a OAI hood on it and stripes and badges and call it a 442 clone myself.

I think it would raise the value more that way personally.

 

Build the car the way you want to enjoy the car.

Don't worry about resale value,bottom line, the car is a cutlass supreme and will always be a supreme(not that that is a bad thing). It will never be a high dollar 442 or Hurst Olds.

If you have ever driven an Olds with a 455,there would be no question as to what engine you want.The stump pulling torque of the 455 is addicting and lots of fun.

 

I've had my '72 Cutlass Supreme Convertible since 1982. It had about 46,000 miles on it when I bought it, and I put about 100,000 additional on the original 350. At that point, I built a 455 and installed it. So, I've been both where you have been, and where you are thinking of going.

My suggestion???

Build a 403. You can make it LOOK (to virtually everyone but most ****) just like the 350, it will fit a little nicer than a 455, you'll pick up a noticably amount of power but you won't totally kill the gas mileage and won't overstress the tranny and rear like you will with a 455.

Use the original intake and such on the 403 to keep it looking stock, and seal up the rest of the 350 and put it in storage (in case the next owner wants the original motor).

Lee