BondAR

Hey guys, looking forward to getting a 455 short block home to begin tearing it down to replace the stock 350 in my '69 cutlass. This will be my first engine build and swap, getting real excited! I need your help on figuring out the correct places to attach the chain for a lift. I've heard of using the accessory and bellhousing holes as well as head bolt holes diagonally on the deck.

I'll most likely be buying an engine stand and lift from harbor freight and 3/8" chain. Since the engine is 45 minutes away sitting on a broken wooden pallet, I'd like to know the appropriate bolt sizes depending on the attachment location. Thanks!

matt69olds

cherokeepeople

he said short block so no heads,so the head bolt holes are not 3/8th more like 7/16 or 1/2 don't remember right off hand.

BondAR

Thanks guys, I don't know why i didn't check ARP's site for head bolt thread sizes earlier but looks like they list the early blocks using the 1/2" thread vs 7/16 for others. The 455 I'm picking up was from a '74 or '75 delta 88. I'll probably pick up several in both sizes and different lengths and a stack of washers from the hardware store.

joe_padavano

All 455s (and all 1964-1976 Olds V8s) use 7/16" head bolts. The switch to 1/2" head bolts happened with the 1977 model year and the switch to windowed main webs.

w-30dreamin

When you buy an engine stand,do yourself a favor and buy one with 4 wheels. The engine is much more stable on a stand with 4 wheels verses 3 wheels.
Especially once the extra weight of the heads and accessories are bolted on.
The 3 wheeled stands do work but can tip somewhat easily.

matt69olds

BondAR

Brought it home! Ended up using inch long 7/16-14 Grade 8 bolts and washers with the load leveler from harbor freight and their crane. Worked like a charm. Thanks for helping!