I am in the process of going through a '72 Cutlass Supreme convertible that has the U engine code. The motor was pulled, compression checked, carb rebuilt, pointless ignition installed, and cleaned and repainted. The mechanic used the Olds' metallic blue paint on the motor. Was this the correct thing to do? From what research I have done this motor would have been the 250 HP with the 3 speed automatic transmission motor. Was the metallic blue color only put on the 300HP motor in 1972? or all of the 455ci motors painted the metallic blue color.

 

In 1970 onwards to, I believe, the end of life of the 455, it was painted blue. This is not GM corporate blue of later years, but its own blue. All 455s were blue from 70 on, regardless of application. Sounds like it's the right color, you can post a pic for us to confirm if you want. Small blocks were gold.

 

1970 and onward, all 455's were painted Metallic blue.

 

Thank you both for the information. Here is the engine image.

 

Close enough.

 

People don't realize that the color of these engine paints depends on application technique. We've been taught that you should spray several light coats to avoid runs. That causes the metallic in the paint to be close to the surface, resulting in a more silvery tone. The factory didn't give a rip about runs and slobbered on a single wet coat. The metallics get "buried" in the paint that way and the color looks darker.