I've come to the conclusion that while my Cutlass isn't the slowest thing on the road, it's in need of more grunt to hit the mid 13s I'd like in the 1/4 mile. Bottom line is that I'm now considering two options; tweaking the existing 350 Rocket (decent cam, headers, head work, etc.) OR dropping in a mild 455 - I've decided to officially eliminate the 454 option. The car will be DRIVEN to the track (about 65 miles away), raced and then driven home. It'll probably be raced two or three times a year and spend the rest of the summer cruising. It MUST run on pump gas without additives/boosters. No bottle. Which would be more cost effective, considering the fact that I've already got the 350? Which engine is more durable? I ask because while the 350 has the shorter stroke, the 455 has the larger main bearing size (2.5" vs. 3.0"). Can the TH350 hold up to a 455 capable of mid 13s? The car probably weighs somewhere in the neighbourhood of 3,700 lbs with Chev 12 bolt posi rear with 3.73 gears. Are aftermarket parts more expensive for the 455 than the 350, or are they roughly the same? Thanks in advance for any advice/info!

- GoldOlds

 

Nothing beats cubic inches, and cost would be in the same ballpark. Purchase a 455 to build while you can enjoy driving your machine now. 13.5's are easily capable in your 3700 lb vehicle. My 67 Cutlass does it with a warmed over BBO. I'm not certain about how well the 350 trans will hold up to the torque of the big block. As for the 3.73 gears, stick with a taller tire to keep your rpm's down on that long freeway ride. Good luck which ever way you decide.

 

Thanks, $tryker, I'll definitely keep that in mind; building a 455 while I'm driving with the 350 is a good idea - or at least it will be when I pay off some debt.
I used to work for the newspaper in Belle River and in-laws of mine live there (I live in Wallaceburg). Are you ever on the racewindsor.com Web site? You probably wouldn't recognize me there; I've still got my old Vette (sold it and my Chevelle to buy the Cutlass) in the avatar. Sadly, there aren't too many Olds guys there - if any at all.

- GoldOlds

 

Great to hear from a member that's only an hour away. I was unaware of that site, but I'll definitely take a look. It would be great to see what's up locally in this area. Thanks.
As for drag strips, I've been to Milan, old Detroit, Lapeer, and even Ubly. However, believe it or not, I have not been to Grand Bend!
It is in my plans for this year. I'll make a point to meet you, should you be out that way.

 

racewindsor.com is a great local site; the forum is filled with notices for upcoming car shows, swap meets and racing events at Milan, St. Thomas and Grand Bend; mostly Grand Bend. 99% are Chevy and Ford guys, but it's still a good site. Most of them are from across Essex County. I go by the name BryanJ on that site (still got the Vette avatar).
Getting back on track, what gear ratio and tranny do you have to get your '67 and it's 455 into the mid 13s? What compression, cam specs, etc? I assume the '67 is a bit lighter than the '68 to '72. I've seen a few 455s in local ads that sell for $200 to $500, but I've got no idea what kind of shape they were in. I'd like to find a 455 with clean cylinder walls (i.e. one that doesn't need boring; adding machine work and new pistons is where things start getting expensive). First things first, though; gotta sell that damn 454!

- GoldOlds

 

A stock 69 442 is capable of running 13.90's, so achieving 13.5's can be acomplished easily. Look for a engine with C heads. These will give you the 10.5 compression ratio. I'm currently using a 68 block with these heads, an Isky 280 cam (.517 single pattern 232*@.050). A 3:31 gear in a Chevy 12 bolt with short 26" tires. My vehicle is roughly the same weight as yours.

Keep in mind, you only need about 400HP (300 at the rear wheels) to get anywhere from 12.8's to
13.5's. Check this site out
http://kowboy1.bananaman.com/xycool/dragperf.html

I'm in the process of building another 68 block .060 over with Edelbrock heads and a Crane hyd. roller .563 in & .595 ex 230/240 @.050. Gettin crazy there.

You don't have to get this outrageous! A little over stock specs of the 69 442 455 will get you in the park. Just remember to keep the rpm's under 5000. Thanks again for Windsor info.