Hello all

I have never really posted anything but I’m in need of some technical information I have a 70 sx but it came with a 350 when I bought it. I have come across a 71 455 out of an 88, could someone tell me if there is a difference between a 1971 455 out of a cutlass, and one out of a 98 or 88. Can I achieve the same HP/torque, is it worth rebuilding or is it a waste of time.

 

The one out of the B body has more class.

 

There were four 455s in 1971.
Fortunately, for comparison's sake, in 1971, GM provided both Gross and Net horsepower ratings.
The engines were:

• Toronado - 275hp net / 350hp gross
• 442 - 270hp net / 340hp gross
• 4bbl - 225hp net / 320hp gross
• 2bbl - 185hp net / 280hp gross

- Eric

 

Also IIRC there are head differences

71 Toro uses large valve G heads.
71 88/98 uses small valve G heads
71 Cutlass & Vista uses small valve G heads
71 SX & 442 uses large valve G heads
71 442 W-30 uses large valve H heads

 

If the 455 you're looking at came out of an 88 it probably has a 2 barrel carburetor. If you want to swap a 455 into your Cutlass consider buying that 455, especially if the price is right.

 

x2 also many more repop parts for 68-72 cutlass and virtually none for b body any years.

 

This is true for body panels, bumpers, and interior parts; however, a 455 from a Cutlass is similar to a 455 from a 98 or 88. The only difference is going to be in the intake and exhaust manifolds, the cam and the distributor settings. I don't think there were even different pistons (for different compressions) in 71.

 

Not disputing that my 72 98 had way more class than any cutlasses i've owned.

 

x2

 

Thanks for the feedback, lots of good information, sounds like the 88 is better then the 98, how can I tell the year, the guy that I’m buying the motor from claims to have 7 455 motors for sale from 71 and up 98’s and 88’s, I know that the later years there was a big change with emissions and a drop in hp

 

Oh boy. Sounds like a rocket scientist to me. Ken

 

70cutlass

what area are you in?

 

If he has seven engines I'd look what the castings #'s are and what heads are on them & post them up here. Assume the seller may not know what he has. I'd eliminate any 2BBL engines he has since you know they'll have smaller valves. Amongst the remaining engines figure out what he has and buy the best one. If any has J heads eliminate those because they are the worst heads to have. Also, they will al be low compression so even if the cylinders just need a hone you'll have to but new pistons to make real power.
To answer your orig questions, if you are rebuilding it, any 455 can be built up the same as any other one depending on what you have to start with and how much you are willing to spend.

Also, ask the guy if he'd be willing to let you pull a head off before buying it so you can measure an intake valve.

 

Viewed from another angle ... the 2BBL may be a hidden gem for rebuilding. You know you're going to have to redo the heads .. makes getting better aftermarket ones a simple choice. And the fact that it was so gutless to start with means that you're more likely to start with a block that's not been flogged to death. As I used to say about the 60°2.8 .. it's not strong enough (in that form) to hurt itself.

 

All engines were low compression starting in '71, so that is not an issue here.

- Eric