Hi all, new here and wanted to introduce me and my 442. Recently purchased a 1977 442 from the 2nd owner and it's running and complete. She's red with white stripes and white interior that's a little tattered because most of the plastic parts are toast due to the Texas weather.
What's interesting is that it's got a baby V8/260 with a factory 5 speed and posi rear end.(Wondered why she couldn't burn rubber). There is only minor rust at the usual places but is very fixable. Plan to replace the 260 with a 455 that I got quite awhile ago from the local Pick A Part from a 72 88 and would like to keep everything else factory. This is my first stick car, so I hope to ask many questions about what's needed in switching the 260 for the 455 and attaching the 5speed to it.

I haven't gotten any pictures yet but will add them when available.

Thanks all,
Ken

 

Welcome aboard

 

Two things. First the 455 crank will need to be modified to accept the pilot bearing for the manual transmission as engines from automatic cars are not setup for use with a manual like with most other brands. Second...that trans will go boom behind just about any other engine than that 260. With the 455 I'd be surprised if you made it down the block and back.

 

That five speed is the Borg Warner T50, which is about the only five speed trans that is weaker than the T5. You'll be lucky to make it to the end of the driveway before the trans scatters.

 

Welcome!!

 

Welcome to the group... Good luck with your project... As previously stated, the current trans would be questionable behind the 455...

 

Welcome to the site Ken. Post some pics of your car when you get a chance.

 

Actually, there's no question...

 

Sweet ! such a sharp looking car ! Im a huge fan of the models design, from the rake of the nose to the fluid fastback.

All these years later still hard to believe that they put such a lightly powered engine in a 4000 lb car.

Nice, it so deserves it. That 88s 455 has more than twice the power of the 260 at a minimum. With regards to the T50 transmission forget about it... It wouldn't hold up with a base 350 let alone a 455. This article http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Bo...ansmission.htm is doing its best to give the trans some credit but they still couldn't deny the truth.

With digitization of this article in 2008, Jim Blackwood suggested the following additional comment:
"I feel the torque limit of 205 ft/lbs should be strictly adhered to!"


Welcome to the site, best of luck with your ride.

 

Thanks all, didn't think the t-50 was such a weakling. Guess I could use it for Chinese New Years behind the 455 and give a big bang.

 

For the 455 crankshaft, I did come across an article about a special bearing that you could buy and use it as the pilot bearing behind a auto/crankshaft but would need to shorten the trans/shaft. Anybody heard of that or knew anyone who used it?