olds 88

i got a 455 i want to put in my car what would you do to it to make it the best it can be thanks

Olds_71_442

I was thinking of starting a thread like this too. I'd like to beef mine up to be just below the point where I start breaking stuff.

I wonder if any of the guys who have rebuilt their engines could help us out here?

blueohbaby

I rebuilt a 455 about 3 years ago. The first thing to know is it isn't cheep. I put a full 4340 rotating assembly in it, 10.7-1 compression, fluiddamper, MSD ignition, Ross pistons, Be Cool radiator and a 930? Demon i think. It runs strong but was very expensive. I dont know why Olds engine parts cost so much more than the other GM parts but they do. I have found the best street cams are the ones designed for a jet boat. They are off idle to 5000 and make really good torque.

69350rocket

Depends mostly on how much you want to spend. Are you looking to do a full build or just a few things to get some more power? And also what heads does it have on it?

olds 88

it needs a full rebuild i was not wanting to spend over 1500 on it and i don't know what heads r on it i will let u know win i pick it up

69350rocket

If your rebuilding then go with a set of flat top pistons, and ARP rod and main bolts and it should be fairly solid. If the engine has J heads, then junk them and get a different set. For a cam I would recommend you have Cutlassefi custom grind one for your setup. Then top the setup off with an Edelbrock Performer intake. If your running an automatic then you might want to think about getting a mild stall converter also.

Olds_71_442

In my case, I'd like to spend whatever it takes to make some power. But I'd rather it use normal pump gas and be just shy of the power needed to blow transmissions or rear ends.

Tvan

Also interested in this topic. I have a 1968 455 with "C" heads that I would like to rebuild from the bottom up. Mine is in my '65 442 with a 4 speed manual transmission.