Oh and wide front tires are an issue with my headers because of that 1 header tube with the automatic everything cleared and fit nice but they are expensive headers
455 swap maybe???
- Thread starter H/O84
- Start date
- Status
I have ahr stainless headers on mine really pricey but fit in side frame rails no problem,headers are different from small to big block on an olds
Small block headers (260-403) won't fit a 455. Plus, headers are just a nuisance at the level you'll be at. Manifolds are perfectly fine until you start really hogging out the heads, have high compression, big lumpy cam, big carb, etc. and you really need to get that air out. Yeah, it'd be an increase in performance, but manifolds are a better choice in your situation, at least for right now.
I found another block that may be an option. fresh 72 455, standard bore recently honed, new cam bearings, crank bearings, and freeze plugs, claims its ready for pistons,also comes with a crank, stock 4bbl intake, stock starter, torque converter, and a new comp cam. asking $400 but told me to make him an offer. Also found a guy selling rebuilt j heads, ported, clearanced for high lift cam, machined for bigger valves, 80cc. I know j means junk but I heard they can be just as good with work done to them. asking price $600. Would probably pay up and get forged pistons and rods. What do you guys think of this option compared to the stock rebuild set up that has almost every thing everything there?
its not ready for pistons if it was just honed I'm positive if you brought it to a machine shop the cylinders would need to be bored out then finished honed to the new pistons if you add the two togather your close to the other engine that has had all that done with pistons already just remember you get what you pay for and with oldsmobile its always expensive so don't cut corners or you will have an engine that lasts 5000 miles like I posted previously buy that book, read it, then plan and execute it will save you money in the long run
as far as heads and headers go my personal feeling is if your going to run a stock head you will notice the center divider is short on the exhaust, this is what gives olds the unique tone at idle but robs power headers offer no advantage in this situation, so manifolds like posted above are a good choice, if your going aluminum heads like me or welding up center dividers and plugging the center holes off that go to the intake lower area {alot of costly work on a stock head} headers are the way to go
the sbc I was going to put in the car only needed a hone freshen up the cylinder walls they were very good and still in spec. It really depends how nice the bores are. Do notice I said the seller claims its ready for pistons so I also have my doubts that it was good enough to just hone but who knows maybe it was.
with out a proper look over from a machine shop its a guess at best, I have seen lots engines with ok looking cylinders but when actually measured they are shaped like a funnel and not round, the better the bore and hone the better the ring seal
Standard bore, but honed, no pistons? That's no good. J Heads are OKAY street heads but at $600 the cost are adding up. Take $1300 cash back to the first guy. Offer him $1200 cash for everything. If he says no, pull out the extra hundred but tell him that's it, the wells dry. He'll take it, money talks.
- Status
Similar threads
