86 Cutlass Salon 442 455 engine swap

[Jacob Coffin]

I just recently purchased a one owner 1986 Cutlass Salon 442. It has the 307hp v8 in it with the 200-4R trans. I was impressed that the motor is as strong as it is because I have heard so many people talk bad about them. I have easy and cheap access to a 455 rocket gold block with a th400 attached out of a 1971 or 72 442. I am wanting to know if its worth the 3 hour drive and $400 to get that setup and swap it with the 307? Or do I tare down the 307 and build it up? I work at a machine shop so I can do all my own engine work as far as heads and block but is it worth it with the 307? Thanks for any help that comes. Have had my other 442 for close to 15 years and I'm leaving it stock and show condition.

 

[85442/86buick]

hello and welcome ,

damn for $ 400 plus the drive for a 455 and a bonus 400......Hell yeah. even if it's nothing more a rebuilt core.It's not like olds 455's are growing on tree's anymore. even if you let it sit for a year or 2 before install.
But research frame reinforcement / etc before install , it could / will twist the frame ,etc.

Dave

 

[High Roller]

71/72 only 350 Olds's were gold, BBO were blue. You better check the heads & block # 1st.