Wanting opinions on a 455 rocket. I found one out of a 1974 olds 98 that runs although it has a soft plug out of it. I am kicking around the idea of rebuilding it and putting it in my 1986 olds cutlass supreme. How hard would it be? Will it produce much more hp and torque compared to the 350 rocket I was originally thinking about? Has anyone else done this or know anyone that has, and if so was it very hard to do and troublesome throughout the process? What is the aftermarket selection like for performance parts? Any input will be appreciated, Thank you.
455
- Thread starter fdcutlass
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If you can get your hands on a 455 you might as well. 100 more cubic inches definitely won't hurt. Built correctly a 455 will be quite the torque monster, however you might want some earlier heads. 1974 wasn't the best time for power like the earlier years. Many people have put big block olds engines in their g bodies. It's just like putting a 350 olds in, don't quote me but I believe the only real difference in blocks is the deck height, hence the wider intake manifolds. Can't remember, but you may need different mounts. The frame mounts should be the same though.
You'll spend the same money (actually maybe less) building a 455 than a 350. More out of the box parts are available like aluminum heads. You wont have to mill them to get decent combustion chambers like you would on a small block. At the end of the day look at what you have to work with on the 455 vs the 350 and decide which route you want to go. Both can make great power.
Do a search of the forum and you'll find plenty of builds.
You'll spend the same money (actually maybe less) building a 455 than a 350. More out of the box parts are available like aluminum heads. You wont have to mill them to get decent combustion chambers like you would on a small block. At the end of the day look at what you have to work with on the 455 vs the 350 and decide which route you want to go. Both can make great power.
Do a search of the forum and you'll find plenty of builds.
If your car has factory Air, you need to be a bit more careful. Somtimes the valve covers come very close to if not touching the a/c unit. These motors are a inch or two taller and wider. A lot of guys go with small blocks for just this reason, but it can be done. Just get a big shoe horn.
Thanks, forgot to mention that point. The condition of your body mounts will determine how much interference there is.
I have installed a olds 455 in a 83 cutlass a few yrs ago and this website was a life saver for me.
http://robertpowersmotorsports.com
http://robertpowersmotorsports.com
Do the 455. You won't be sorry. It should bolt in and will produce a lot more power than a 350 in stock form. Being a late model 455 it will have the large dish pistons which is bad for performance due to the crappy compression ratio but its not a show stopper. Have some fun with it now, then build it right when you have the time and money.
well thanks for all the info guys, its been big help. My car did have factory air but it has all been removed. Dennyboy we will have to keep in touch and compare notes on our builds, as all this talk about monster torque and hp has pursauded me to do the build. 86-blk442, where are you at I have a 403 in my yard.
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