Olds 455 vs 383 SBCg

[87Cut1a55]

I'm having trouble on deciding which way to go as far as an engine swap for 87 cutlass. I have the choice between a 383 sbc Stroker or a 455. The 383 would be a crate motor for around $5000 and the 455 came from a 72 cutlass 442. If I went with the 455 I would disassemble and rebuild with some performance parts. My question is what is everyones opinion on which way to go from a performance and money view, as well as anything else. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[87Cut1a55]

Also forgot to mention my plan is to build a fun street car that I can take to the track too mess around and really just see what it can do. I'm not trying to build a on race car. Just something fun and fast to cruise around with.

 

[dogsht]

Both have their pros n cons. The 455 built equivalent should make a little more torque at the same or less rpm making it a little nicer driver. The 455 has some cool factor over the belly button sbc but their are benefits to following the herd especially for a rookie hot rodder.

 

[rccktmn2]

In my opinion the 455 would have more of a cool factor to it than the 383, true both have their pros and cons, the 455 will get you more low end torque at a lower rpm than the 383 and you will have an easier and cheaper build with the 383 but when your out cruisin and you pop your hood and they see that huge 455 sittin in there it would be more impressive than the typical 383. I have an 84 with a 455 and the biggest problem is probably the exhaust which isn't that bad, you either spend a fortune on a set of hooker headers or get a set of W Z exhaust manifolds or go with a set from Dick Miller, either way all are available so it's not that bad, mine sits in there pretty nice with a stock hood and a 2" drop oil pan with no problems. You can also do a decent 455 build for 5000, dick miller, mondello performance, and rocket racing performance all have upper end, cam and lifter kits, pistons etc, so parts are pretty easy to get depending on what you want. Good luck either way it should be a pretty easy build.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Don't forget BTR performance and M+J Proformance. Mondello Performance should be avoided. His son Benard Mondello is doing the new Procomp heads with quality parts and machine work. He is not involved with the other company. Don't waste money on the factory iron heads, the Pro Comp or Edelbrock heads will out perform them. The Rocket Racing head flows even better but requires their intake and spacers. The Eagle bottom end kit checked over by a competent machine shop would be a big improvement, over the stock parts. There has been past issues with machine work on them, so get the clearances checked. A stock crank with H beam rods and modern light weight forged with the thin ring pack pistons would also work. A high volume oil pump and 7 quart pan should be a minimum. Some are for oil restrictors, others are against them.