olds 455 swap

[jakeboggers]

I want to put a 455 eng and 400 trans in my 81 cutlass, what exaust manifolds should I use, or where can I find affordable headers that will fit? Also can any one suggest a trans crossmember for this application?

thanks jake

 

[joe_padavano]

I want to put a 455 eng and 400 trans in my 81 cutlass, what exaust manifolds should I use, or where can I find affordable headers that will fit? Also can any one suggest a trans crossmember for this application?

thanks jake

Use the A-body W/Z manifolds. Use the crossmember for a 200-4R. The trans mount points are in the same place on both the 200-4R and the short tail TH400. If you don't have a short tail trans, all bets are off. Use the 307 motor and frame mounts.

 

[88hurstolds]

You might need a drivers side frame extension for a TH-2004r crossmember to bolt up on any pre 1984 cars since 4-speeds didn't come in these cars until 1983 and I believe not all 83's came with the second mount brace for those crossmembers to bolt up to. Only the VIN 9 H/Os did...

 

[rccktmn2]

455

I believe hooker makes the only swap header for this set up and there over 450 a set and both rear tubes go around the frame, the safest cheapest bet would be to use the W/Z manifolds which are a little cheaper but still expensive. If your using a true dual exhaust I would spend the money and get a dual crossmember, I think jegs has a pretty inexpensive one that they have their name on, you could also use the crossmember from the 200r4 and it will work with a short tail 400 but your stuck with a single exhaust.

 

[robwkamm]

you can notch and weld up the stock cross member to clear the exhaust on the cheap. you will need to do a drive shaft and yoke aswell. i would wait till you get your rear then make the drive shaft.

 

[dan2286]

Re: 455

I believe hooker makes the only swap header for this set up and there over 450 a set and both rear tubes go around the frame, the safest cheapest bet would be to use the W/Z manifolds which are a little cheaper but still expensive.

There is also these ones, http://dickmillerracing.com/store/page8.html . Look at the bottom of the page. They are more expensive but they are much better quality and they fit inside the frame.

 

[DrP]

Kooks fit the best with no changes, just bolt on. From Dick Miller or Kooks. The Hookers will need modifications to tubes and chassis. May need to remote the oil filter also. Depends on model.
If you want more details, PM me.

 

[Blake442]

Kooks fit the best with no changes, just bolt on. From Dick Miller or Kooks. The Hookers will need modifications to tubes and chassis. May need to remote the oil filter also. Depends on model.
If you want more details, PM me.

I would've liked to go with those, since they run inside the frame rails, but couldn't pony up the extra dough... maybe someday when I have too much money... :lol:
My Hookers fit great with just a slight massage on one tube.
I fit them, pounded on them a bit, fit them again, and sent them to be coated.
No need for a remote filter, but you will have to switch to one of a smaller diameter. I actually run the regular filter for the 307 on my 455. The part number from CarQuest is B4007.
The only real modification you should look into with Hookers, that isn't really even necessary (I haven't done it yet), is building some steering stops to keep the tires from rubbing the primary tubes that wrap around the frame.

 

[rccktmn2]

Kooks fit the best with no changes, just bolt on. From Dick Miller or Kooks. The Hookers will need modifications to tubes and chassis. May need to remote the oil filter also. Depends on model.
If you want more details, PM me.

I have the hookers on mine and I didn't need to modify the headers themselves but I did need to do some work to the bottom a arms and I had to run a smaller oil filter the bigger oil filter will not work it will rub the header.