I am down to the frame off part of my restoration. I am going to start the frame rebuild soon. I have the 330 in the car which is what it came with, and was wondering about dropping a 455 or something. I guess what I would like to hear is your oppinions of tweakin a car or keepin it some what stock.

 

I put a 455 in my 64 Holiday coupe. Bought it as a roller but also have 2 64 330's in the garage. Depends what you want to do and what shape the 330 is in. If it's just a cruiser and the 330 is good I'd go that way, if you are looking for a hot street machine.... then I'd lean towards the 455.

 

that is kind of what I was thinkin. its not like its a 442, where I would have heart ache hoppin it up a bit. I do want to drive it now and then, but id like to tweak it real good also. So I am kind of leaning to the 455. so, with you doing such a thing, was it hard to change over? and what is your recomendation on a good 455.

thanks!!! ken

 

Mine was a rebuilt relatively mild 455. I have Hedman headers, but they require some clearanceing/trimming of some parts to fit good in my car anyway. Just use stock motor mounts for the 64 330. Bolts right in. The waterpump outlet is on the wrong side on 64s vs every other year. So you will have to use a 64 w/p or change radiator. I used a universal aluminum from www.rocketracingperformance.com for my car. along with an external trans cooler.
Here is my car
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...s-project.html

 

thanks so much vista! im more of a body guy and this whole engine thing is realativly new to me. Ive done it before, but just want get as much learning info from my oldsmobile peeps! I love this site! thanks again!!

 

I´ve put a 455 in my Cutlass Sport Coupe. It bolts right in but you have to change location if the crossmember if you put in a TH400 or some other gearbox. Otherwise it´s like Vista461 says about headers and radiator. I have a radiator from Summit and Hooker comp headers. Gonna change to a set of Kooks headers that i have on the shelf. Nothing beats the torque of a 455.

 

thanks swede64! I just got the 330 tore apart tonight. it has .030 stamped on each piston head, and one cylinder seems to have a bit of pitting. I think I will have this looked at but am thinking along the 455 lines. SO, question. if I get a crate, where is the best place to pick one up and what are some things I need to be looking for to make sure I get a good one. -OR- would your suggestion be to find a old late 60's olds and build one? like I said in my first post, mechanics are not my forte. and am anxious to get to the body work, but if a build would get me a torque monster vs crate motor I would build, WHEEW that was alot!

 

If I was not going to build a motor myself and had the money to spend I would be calling BTR Bill or Smitty.

 

I would definetly call Smitty at http://www.mjproformance.com
he´s been extremely helpful with anything big or small that i´ve thrown at him. I built my 455 but Smitty´s help saved me a lot time and money.
Bill Trovato´s work speaks for itself but i´ve never dealt with him.
My experience is that you can´t go wrong with Smitty.

 

thanks! that helps a ton! I think I am ready to move forward