rebuilding the W33 455

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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 11:04 PM
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rebuilding the W33 455

I have started, but have limited time to work on it so it is moving slow. I pulled the engine and disassembled the it completely. I found two bad rod barrings, two bad rods, and two bad pistons. This thing was ready to blow. I am lucky, the block was all good it did not need to be bored and I had a good virgin crank for it. I was able to find stock rods and pistons. everything is balanced and ready to go. The cam and lifters were good too. I am too lucky. I am replacing the balancer and oil pump. new rings, barrings, heads are good , but I am replacing the valve springs, guides, and seats, and a lite surface. this I think will bring her back to life. Any positive input will be welcomed. Thank you. I am not sure how to insert my pics but I have a new album that I started for this.
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 05:05 AM
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You should consider replacing the camshaft and lifters as well since you are changing the top end of the valve train already. It wouldn't cost you much more considering the whole balance of things.
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 05:32 AM
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cam

I was thinking the same way but the machine shop has checked it all out and said it is fine. you think I should anyway?
Originally Posted by Oldsguy
You should consider replacing the camshaft and lifters as well since you are changing the top end of the valve train already. It wouldn't cost you much more considering the whole balance of things.
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 05:35 AM
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The shop I use is well known for building race engines in the area.
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 05:57 AM
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nice thumper roller cam and a stall converter to get the big girl out on the dace floor. I wished the car was closer to me I would have liked to have got it when it was for sale.
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 06:25 AM
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Originally Posted by kjr442
I was thinking the same way but the machine shop has checked it all out and said it is fine. you think I should anyway?
A physical inspection is fine to determine if there is any catastrophic failure but I really can't see how it can indicate the amount of wear that has been incurred over the lifetime of the engine. A replacement cam shaft isn't as cheap as it would be for a chevy small block (that's cheap) but it shouldn't be that much when compared to what you are going to be spending already.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/P...p/?Ns=Rank|Asc
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 06:28 AM
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Or shop on this site for even cheaper.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...m-lifters.html
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 07:29 AM
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My opinion is to keep the cam if good. I like keeping things as they were and I dont know if the cam specs of the W33 can be had with a new one. Replace the lifters for sure.
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 09:04 PM
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She still is for sale, let me know when you want it shipped.
Originally Posted by firefrost gold
nice thumper roller cam and a stall converter to get the big girl out on the dace floor. I wished the car was closer to me I would have liked to have got it when it was for sale.
Old Oct 30, 2010 | 09:40 AM
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Finally Pictures

Finally Figured This Out
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Old Oct 30, 2010 | 08:36 PM
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After a closer evaluation I have made the decision to replace the cam, lifters and valve springs. I had to replace one valve too. I was ok with the cam, but after a good cleaning I found some pitting, so Oldsguy you were wright !! Thank you for the input.
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Last edited by kjr442; Oct 30, 2010 at 08:50 PM.
Old Nov 1, 2010 | 02:42 PM
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I am in need of the right cam for this car. can anyone help with specs for the camshaft for the w-33 , maybe same as the w-30 ? I can't find any specs on it. I have the 2:93 rear end on this and don't want it fall on it's face.
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Old Nov 1, 2010 | 06:45 PM
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I would be surprised if you could find that cam, that is why I suggested you use the old one....its the heart of the W33 and what makes it special.
Old Nov 1, 2010 | 09:47 PM
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Old cam/ new cam

I do agree, and did want to keep it but it is just to pitted up. If I need to I will have one made.A special ground camshaft can be had, and not all that bad on the price considering.
Originally Posted by Oldsmaniac
I would be surprised if you could find that cam, that is why I suggested you use the old one....its the heart of the W33 and what makes it special.
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 03:46 AM
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(say it in time ) roller roller roller get yourself a roller roller .
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 05:21 AM
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Originally Posted by kjr442
I am in need of the right cam for this car. can anyone help with specs for the camshaft for the w-33 , maybe same as the w-30 ? I can't find any specs on it.
Don't have to look too far for that! No mystery, it is in the 1970 Chassis Service Manual.
Same as the 442 and W30 auto cam, W32, and W34.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 08:01 PM
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camshaft

Thank you , no mention of the w-33 in the FAQ . I did not think about the service manual
Originally Posted by wmachine
Don't have to look too far for that! No mystery, it is in the 1970 Chassis Service Manual.
Same as the 442 and W30 auto cam, W32, and W34.
Old Nov 5, 2010 | 08:55 PM
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what do the markings mean ?

Can anyone tell me what the markings mean, or is it unknown?
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Old Nov 5, 2010 | 10:15 PM
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I have now paid a total of 2,102.90 for parts and machine work. I had estimated around 1500.00 to 2000.00 Not to bad I guess. I am just lucky to have it all like the factory did, the block still retains the factory bore. I replaced the cam and bearings as stock/442 spec, lifters, one valve, all new valve springs,seats,guides,valve job, two new stock G M. pistons and rods, I replaced the crankshaft with a used virgin-GM. replacement and is now 10 over. new rings , bearings, balance engine, line hone, freeze plugs,oil pump,new balancer,and timing set. One more thing ,correct 455 blue. If I can this weekend I will complete the build and add new pics of completed engine. next weekend I could maybe re-install this thing and break in the cam. I can't wait to drive this thing with a fresh engine, she should really move.

Last edited by kjr442; Nov 17, 2010 at 08:44 PM.
Old Nov 6, 2010 | 07:11 AM
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Originally Posted by kjr442
I am in need of the right cam for this car. can anyone help with specs for the camshaft for the w-33 , maybe same as the w-30 ? I can't find any specs on it. I have the 2:93 rear end on this and don't want it fall on it's face.
Try Dick Miller Racing.
I bleive the same spec on a W-33 should be the same as a W-34.
Old Nov 6, 2010 | 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by toro68
Try Dick Miller Racing.
I bleive the same spec on a W-33 should be the same as a W-34.
Back in the 1990s , Dick Miller, ground three 455 cams to W-34 specs!

Last edited by toro68; Nov 6, 2010 at 09:27 PM.
Old Nov 6, 2010 | 08:28 AM
  #22  
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camshaft

Wmachine cleared this up for me, and I now have the same specs as the factory did on my new cam.I love you're car by the way.
Originally Posted by toro68
Back in teh 1990s , Dick ground three cams to W-34 specs!
Old Nov 6, 2010 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by kjr442
Wmachine cleared this up for me, and I now have the same specs as the factory did on my new cam.I love you're car by the way.
Thank you. By the way was there a N or J stamp on the crankshaft of your 455?
Twice in 2008, Kathy Mattea, signed Oldsmobile Valve covers for me.
Old Nov 6, 2010 | 11:06 PM
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Thumbs up Jealous

I love that woman , even before she sang 455 rocket. I am looking at this cam and on the end of it I can see a 867 that is white looking not a stamp,and down the sides in between each lobe I can see a 38 9410 on one side the other 5 c f d
Originally Posted by toro68
Thank you. By the way was there a N or J stamp on the crankshaft of your 455?
Twice in 2008, Kathy Mattea, signed Oldsmobile Valve covers for me.
Old Nov 6, 2010 | 11:21 PM
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front bumper

Originally Posted by toro68
Thank you. By the way was there a N or J stamp on the crankshaft of your 455?
Nice, I do like it better with the chrome bumper, but she is sweet.Do you know, is this the only red w-34 made that year?Twice in 2008, Kathy Mattea, signed Oldsmobile Valve covers for me.
Old Nov 8, 2010 | 08:31 PM
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The rebuild is complete.

She is complete now, I just need to find time to install it.
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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 09:15 PM
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She alive !

Goldie is alive and strong.
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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 09:39 PM
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I did replace all the hoses,and fuel line. I replaced the flywheel too, this was in mind at the time of balancing the engine.
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 05:55 AM
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Excellent work! I know you are very excited to get it all back together.
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 07:41 AM
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Congrats, progress is always good
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 09:33 AM
  #31  
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Thanks

Thank you for the help along the way.
Originally Posted by Oldsguy
Excellent work! I know you are very excited to get it all back together.
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 09:38 AM
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Thank you

The encouragement and advice coming from all of you guys has been refreshing.
Originally Posted by citcapp
Congrats, progress is always good

Last edited by kjr442; Nov 22, 2010 at 06:24 PM.
Old Nov 22, 2010 | 06:26 PM
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I am now listing this car on Ebay. She is sold now

Last edited by kjr442; Jan 16, 2011 at 05:43 PM.
Old Jan 5, 2011 | 07:11 AM
  #34  
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I hope you all will check out my youtube videos of my Delta, She is a strong runner, not restored,but rebuilt. Please leave your feedback.
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