Serious inquiry into a 455 W-30 motor for my replica. Regardless of condition as long as it is recoverable.

 

What are your goals? All you really need is a set of F heads and a W455 aluminum intake and put them on any 455. If you are looking for the exact thing you would also need a correct carburetor and distributor. I would not use an original W-30 cam or pistons. If you are building a "replica" I would at least update the cam and pistons to something more modern and not worry about the numbers correct carb and distributor.

 

Also, Contact Vader, He is a member here. I think he has most of the parts you need.

 

I appreciate the input. It has a 68 370 hp 455 (according to seller) it is a 455 with C heads. The engine sounds good and has some power but doesn't have the sound of my old W-30 motor.
I understand the F heads flowed the best of stock olds heads, so that makes sense to me. I also understand the cam and pistons comment, new technology can improve the performance. It has an edelbrock performer manifold now with a quadrajet on it.
Guess I just néed to evaluate what I have; compression check, etc. If it's solid, follow your advice, and build me a replica motor.
Thanks.

 

You may also get a clone that is already done. There are a lot of them available now a days.

 

3.91

 

The F-heads do not outflow the other castings. They are all about the same.

 

Maybe flow wise not price wise.

 

Correct. If you just need the look,take an E and grind the lower leg off. You will save about $2500.00,which you can use to buy parts that will make more power,or to have the heads ported.

 

In Reno, Nevada craigslist is a listing under Olds that advertises a 1970 W-30 motor. It has incorrect block, but has F heads and the intake. Guy wants $10,000 for it which seems a little steep. Good luck!

 

I appreciate the input but don't need the look. The car is a replica because I can't afford the real thing yet but I don't want to work anything to make it look real. Just want something to drive and go to local cruises.

 

Good F-heads are at least $2500.00,and they don't make any more power than a C-head,if they are both stock.
What car do you have?

 

If you don't need the look of the original F heads and your just after performance keep your C heads. Like others said they all flow about the same. Unless the 68 455 was out of a toronado it will probably have small valves though.

 

??? what are you hoping to do ??? a w-30 engine (or car) costs real money. If your just after the sound that can be taylored w any number of changes to any 455

IMO work the 455 you have to what you want !!!