455

[Joono]

Got an offer from a guy at a junkyard I deliver uniforms to the other day for a Buick 455. Said he'd sell it to me for $50. Right now, I've got nothing but time, and I'd like to finally do something with the old Regal sitting out in the garage.

I guess my question is this: How much would I be looking at spending to build this thing back up, and would it be worth the time and effort to throw it in the Regal? Thanks for any help.

Also, I've got very little experience working with engines, mostly only done body work. Again, thank for any help or advice.

 

[Blake442]

Depends... How wild do you want to go with the motor?

And I'd say it'd definately be worth the time and effort to put it in your Regal. 8)

 

[Joono]

Depends... How wild do you want to go with the motor?)

Well, I'd like to keep it street legal. For the moment, anyhow. I've acquired a book on rebuilding Buick engines by SA, as well. Would that have a good start of information for rebuilding this guy?

I'll also add, I've got minimal rent, Teamster employment, and no family; basically, I think if I'm gonna go crazy on a car, nows the time, eh? So, any recommendations on how to get the ball rolling after the purchase?

 

[413Cutlass]

get the sucker stripped down and goto a machine shop.
Have it magnafluxed, and any clean up (bore, hone, align, etc) it needs done.
Then just figure out the right combo in terms of heads, intake, cam, pistons, etc for the hp level you want.

 

[Joono]

Ah, now here's the tricky part. Would someone be able to easily explain the machining process and how different measurements affect what? Or at least point me to a solid resource about that kind of thing?

I haven't done anything with a car since high school (YEARS ago). You see, I also deliver to the NAPA machine shop here in South Bend, and I'd like to talk to them as if I have some idea of what I'd like to get done.

What companies make solid components, also? Everyone needs a starting point, I suppose.

Also, is that book going to help me, or should I try to gather up some more resources to use in conjunction with it? Thanks again for all the help!

 

[supercrackerbox]

www.v8buick.com

www.taperformance.com

These two sites will have almost everything you need.

One thing though. Getting real performance out of a 455 is all in the heads. The heads are not cheap.

 

[Joono]

That's alright. Union paycheck, buddy. :wink:

Now, the real question is what to do with the engine already in the Regal...

 

[supercrackerbox]

Recycle it. 😉

 

[Joono]

I was thinking I could use it to practice putting an engine together!! :wink:

Alrighty then, so strip it down, then haul it over to the machine shop. So, would sonic testing be the first thing on the list?

 

[supercrackerbox]

That works. The designs are very similar. Be a good way to become familiar with the oil pump setup, which can be a weak link in the 455.