455 in a 83 Hurst swap

[hurstguy]

Can anyone give any insight on a 455 olds swap.

I would like to run the 2004r w/ a/c .
Exhaust I have no preference on manifold but would like to know if I need to modify pipes for 455 manifolds

Please dont tell be about the " Leave the orig car alone. I plan on keeping this car along time and dont like the look and
feel of this motor. Its the most ugly motor out of all the g bodies. It also has no top end.

Many chevelles and other 70 muscle cars have modified plants and the they do hold value. I plan on gift wrapping all the original components which are in good working order 38k orig miles.

My other option is the tear out all the emissions and run a edelbrock manifold and carb and dress it up a bit

Any suggestions bros

 

[Dennyboy]

it's a tight fit. I don't think your going to be able to run A/C. your gunna have to get that 200 built up but you probubly know that. I love the 455 in my 81. but it really is a pretty easy swap.

 

[Csilvy2000]

Go for it!

The 455 and overdrive combo is a great match. That transmission will need to be beefed up.

Good luck!

 

[81X11]

I've just done the 307 to 350 Olds swap on my '88 Cutlass. The one issue with going beyond an Olds 350 or 403 is the 455 is just a bit taller. To retain the a/c, you'll have to modify you evaporator box. Other than that, most parts will change over.

I did go with an Edelbrock carb and intake. If you go this route, make sure to buy the NON-EGR intake. My car has the EGR intake and I had to add tall spacers and modify the throttle linkage to get it to work. It's a pain.

As for your originality comment, just keep all the stock parts. If someday you want to put it back, you can.

-Mike

 

[FE3X CLONE]

AC is no problem. Biggest issue is that you do need to modify the stock AC brackets for the taller deck height of the big block.

If your sticking with manifolds buy a set of the reproduction W/Z manifolds and install a true dual exhaust setup. The stock 307 catback exhaust is just WAY too restrictive for even the mildest big block. Been there, done that.

The engine can be a little tight but honestly, I had more room with the 455 than I ever did with the 307 and all of the smog equipment hanging off the engine. Plug changes were about the same with either engine.

Depending on your body mount condition you may have interference between your passenger side valve cover and the evaporator box. Hood clearance would also be affected in this case as well.

Check out www.robertpowersmotorsports.com Bob has a lot of great info on the swap and pictures of how to modify the A/C brackets.

http://www.robertpowersmotorsports.com/G-bodyV6-V8.html

That specific page deals with swapping an Olds v8 into a car that originally had a v6 but there are some good tips there.

Picture of his modified A/C brackets:

 

[FE3X CLONE]

To retain the a/c, you'll have to modify you evaporator box.

-Mike

That's not always the case. Some cars you do and some you don't. Kind of hit or miss.

On my '87 I did have to modify the box but later found out that all of my body mounts were shot on that side of the car and it was sitting lower anyway.

 

[DoubleV]

Please dont tell be about the " Leave the orig car alone.

Only a hardcore purist would snicker at swapping in that 455. I say good for you. At least you're putting in another Olds engine and not a damn Chevy, so it's all good.

 

[mheath717]

Please dont tell be about the " Leave the orig car alone.

Only a hardcore purist would snicker at swapping in that 455. I say good for you. At least you're putting in another Olds engine and not a damn Chevy, so it's all good.

X2 It kills me when I see 442's or H/O's with CHEVY motors in them... or even regular cutlasses for that matter.

 

[warmonga]

have a 1985 cutlass 442 all matching numbers. I recently rebuilt the motor and it cost me two arms an a two legs not just one.. anyway . I just put an olds 455 into my sons regal which came with a 307.. I tell you I should have save that money I used to rebuild the 307 on the 442 and just built the 455 and put it in there.. Bone stock olds 455 on his regal leaves a good 40- 50ft of rubbers on the streets and I believe I could get more if I keep my foot on the peddle.
In other words go for it its a very very easy swap one of the easiest swap I have done on a car.. as long as you lower the motor into the car without the exhaust manifolds and distrubutor.. very very easy swap. also You can still use the ac but will have to modify the bracket a little... Use all the 307 brackets and you are good to go... also the 200 willl not hold up .. you need the 400 th that came with that motor ..
warmonga

 

[86-blk442]

Go for the 455, especially if the car has low miles and is in nice shape. Who cares what others think about you ripping out the original 307... Its YOUR car, have fun with it! It should be a blast to drive when done!