455 swap maybe???

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Oct 14, 2008
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The Performer manifold is better for a street build, it fits both square and spreadbore carbs and is taller than stock but shorter than the square bore Edelbrock RPM airgap. My 350's coated Sanderson's don't put out much heat at all, require no gaskets between the heads and manifolds and aluminum collector gaskets work really well, lasted years. In a 455's case, run the Thornton W/Z manifolds with the larger openings and 2.25" or 2.5" dual exhaust, simple and fits.
 

H/O84

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Nov 29, 2016
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I would look at a rocker arm conversion to use a SBC style arms or buy brand new rocker arms and trunions/pedestals.
What does it take to convert to the sbc arms? I have a set of 1.6 rocker rollers I was going to use on the sbc that was originally planned for this car.
 

Kennybill

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This stock 455 with 400 turbo for $600. Is the 400 turbo a short shaft? If it came from a 88/98 it'll be a long shaft. Usually the 350 full size 88 came with the turbo 375. I'm talking 1971 up. Tube headers for a G-body 455 are pricy, and the tube going outside the frame rail on the drivers side can rub on the tire. On a stock/mild 455 tube headers VS Thornton's are not going to be 40 hp more, maybe 10 hp. Jmo.
 

Bar50

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What does it take to convert to the sbc arms? I have a set of 1.6 rocker rollers I was going to use on the sbc that was originally planned for this car.

Pretty sure it was old school Mondello or Dick Miller, some rocker arms studs that go into Olds heads to use SBC rocker arms.
 
Oct 14, 2008
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Actually the SBF Windsor rocker arms are what most companies sell as Olds adjustable rocker arms. Pretty sure the sbc rocker arms are way off on geometry.
 
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Bar50

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Olds rocker arm geometry is 1.55 so...way off, not so much. The rocker arm studs are like 5/16 on the bottom and 3/8 on top. If you have never used them? Why bash and be negative? Of course one can drill and tap them to whatever size. I was just sharing first hand knowledge.

But, Thanks!
 
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1bad79

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IMG_0252.PNG
Olds rocker arm geometry is 1.55 so...way off, not so much. The rocker arm studs are like 5/16 on the bottom and 3/8 on top. If you have never used them? Why bash and be negative? Of course one can drill and tap them to whatever size. I was just sharing first hand knowledge.

But, Thanks!
The chevy one is not correct for an olds,ford small block/AMC is the one to use its super close but now there are some olds only rocker arms I know from Harland sharp maybe others also part number is 5016/5017 the old number was 5002? Or 5003 witch is the small block ford rocker arm
 

Bar50

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First set I found was from Comp Cams for $68
Needs a $17 set of guide plates.



https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-4542-16/overview/make/oldsmobile

Before the Olds 'guy' leads anyone astray, Olds engines have non-adjustable valve train. Requires the end of each valve to be ground after a valve job to bring the stem height back to spec, most machine shops skip that part. Oh, and they have aluminum trunions (pivot points) riding against steel rocker arms, so, all of them are worn out from normal service (obviously the aluminum is designed to give up). Another thing to consider, they are not for higher than stock lift camshafts (not long slot).

This little option allows for use of ANY 1.5 or 1.52 or 1.55 or heck even 1.6 rocker arms. SBC being the cheapest, it saves a guy building an Olds motor some money. Olds motor in an Olds is WAY cool.
 
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Bar50

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Those rocker arms DO NOT come with the studs....

View attachment 65256
The chevy one is not correct for an olds,ford small block/AMC is the one to use its super close but now there are some olds only rocker arms I know from Harland sharp maybe others also part number is 5016/5017 the old number was 5002? Or 5003 witch is the small block ford rocker arm
 
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