VI Cutty

Took a look at a '65 Dynamic convertible today. Body is probably restorable but it's seen better days...rust in the quarters (no shock), some rough patch panels in the pan, fender heels mostly patched, and probably a lot more bondo hiding under the primer. No roof, just the mechanism.

The car's a driver although it's been sitting for a year or so now, and had a wheel off so I couldn't do more than listen to the engine run. Looked like a TH400 trans.

It's a 425ci with A heads, looks to be all stock. Blows a lot of blue, mostly from the right side, maybe from sitting but maybe not. Wasn't sure if I heard the rumbly beginnings of a knock in the lower end - I'm not much good at recognizing and diagnosing bad noises yet.

The last thing I really need right now is another car on the homestead...wife is about to blow a gasket...but isn't that part of the fun?

I've got a complete 455 that needs a full rebuild, and another complete 455 still in a car that I don't know much about yet. So, do I "need" a running 425 as well? Is there much demand for '65 Dynamic parts, if I were to part this one out?

Shouldn't cost me more than $500 (CDN, so that's like what...$1.49 US?)...what would you do...?

steverw

I would love to have a 425 myself. The 65 425 has the big .921 lifters and i think the 45degree cam bank angle. The lifters are more expensive, you can get custom grinds for a cam i think. Other wise it should be a good engine, short stroke forged crank, ? valve size I dont know. Not as stout as a 455 according to most here, but the best big block to build according to some here. If im wrong on my info maybe someone will chime in and correct me. I recently talked to cutlassefi about my 67 400 motor, ordered Harland Sharp rockers from him. I was very close to sending my block to have the lifter bores, bored and bushed for smaller lifters. According to Mark getting a roller cam for it, and same for the 425 im sure is very limited without the lifter bushings/ smaller lifters. Unlike the 455, which already has the smaller lifters and larger selection of roller cams. So ill just be happy with my non roller. I think a 67 425 has the 39 degree cam bank angle, more selection of cams, but still the large lifters.
Good luck with your decision, and your wife!

MDchanic

The 425 is a great engine, but only if it's not worn out.

Do a compression test if you are really thinking of buying it - it may have cracked rings.

- Eric

m371961

I am still confused about this .921 lifter thing. I rebuilt my 65 before knowing about this. I bought a kit from Northern Auto listed for all 425s but Toros. Replacement lifters fit like every other lifter I have installed. Replacement cam was made like original in appearance.
However, I am one that believes there is no replacement for displacement and would rebuild the 455.

Octania

pretty sure a 425 that is not Toro will have small diameter lifters.

0.921 lifters were 66-67 Toro, and 66-67 E400. The block will have The Drill Spot if it has 0.921 lifters.

The 425 in practice is a strong argument that there is in fact a replacement for displacement. Perhaps I need to revisit the Ted/Ed race car story again.

"Enhanced" Toro 455 at 14.5 in the quarter => 425 Toro *right out of the parts car* at 13.5 and 12.9 by the end of the day.

Boo-yah

m371961

Thanks, that is what I thought, but it seems there is a lot of different info. This is really my only Olds experience in 40 years of my mechanical background.
Big difference between those 2 in et.