Almond900

Looking for some suggestions as to what valve covers to use and color to paint the motor. I am putting a 1972 455 from a Delta 88 in my 72 cutlass, I bought a 1970 cast iron 4bbl intake and the quadrajet that belongs on it, as well as the notched a-body valve covers. I also have a set of moroso chrome valve covers. My thoughts were do the notched valve covers and paint the motor the metallic blue, my buddy said since it isn't original he thinks paint it gold and do the chrome so it looks like the small block that was in it. Open for suggestions, what would you do?

svnt442

Why does everyone think that because it's an Olds motor that it just HAS to be gold?
In my opinion you should paint it whatever color you want to. If you want to paint it metallic blue, then do so.
Oldsmobile used the notched covers for a little extra clearance, but you can use standard valve covers with no issues.
Just do what makes you happy and have fun with it. That's what it was built for in the first place anyway.

joe_padavano

I'm a fan of sleepers, so if your intent is to NOT call attention to the 455, definitely make it look like a 350. I'd even go for the ROCKET 350 air cleaner decals, but that's just me...

wr1970

I like the metallic blue plan for the engine. It is your car paint the engine any way you want. Don't do what others want. By doing it your own way it makes it yours and different. That is why i put a wing on my 1967 race. That is because you hardly ever see one on that year. I don't care if no one likes it. I get tons of comments from those that do and they love it. I have to tell them this was never a option for that year car.

oldcutlass

Like everyone stated above, "Do what the voices in your head tell you".

Octania

TO make a 425 look like the 350 a car was born with, I went so far as to renmove the rib at the front, near the oil fill tube, and put 395558 2 there on the block casting # shelf. And a 5 on the heads. Plus the paint and such. It was very effective.

RetroRanger

Chevy orange ?

joe_padavano

This may be where we all draw the line...

1968_Post

I never cared for the original bronze color of the 400's in the 68's. When I had the 455 built to replace the smogger 350 that was in the car when I bought it, we painted it gold. Nothing else on the car is original, so why not?

joe_padavano

Nice, but frankly probably more work than was necessary to fool 99% of the people. I have similar plans for the 403 I'll be putting in my 64 Vista. I'm not going to worry about the block casting number, but the BBO "E" heads can become "1" heads pretty easily. Still debating if it's worth grinding off the A.I.R. bosses on the outside of the exhaust ports. A Performer RPM with all logos removed and painted to match the engine, along with the 1964 accessory brackets, water pump, and valve covers completes the ruse.

cdrod

I really like this look. Mine's a small block, but you could paint them Olds blue for your big block.

Almond900

I think I'm going to go stock 455 valve covers and metallic blue. Anyone know who make an engine paint close to the correct color? I look at a few parts houses today and most carry the newer big block blue, Ford blue and the Chrysler blue. I can't find anything close

joe_padavano

Bill Hirsch
Fusick
The Parts Place
Supercars Unlimited

You can also type oldsmobile 455 engine paint into Google.

Almond900

I'll look into it, thanks joe

71 delta88guy

Supercars unlimited paint is killer.

olds 307 and 403

I too liked the bronze, went with the Rustoleum Aged Copper on my 350 and the mighty 260 as well. All about preference.

Olds64

Those valve covers are AWESOME!

wr1970

I painted my 1970 442 engine Pontiac blue. Then i painted my 67 cutlass supreme engine a Metallic Red both engines are in my album My junk 4. I hope the op finds a color he likes and lets us see his engine after it is painted.

wr1970

That looks really good. Thanks for sharing.