Using my dads old 455 power plant for something NEWB help!!

[lawhead]

Well I was into the EFI stuff with my Trans Am for a while it got old and tedious so im selling them parts off. I see pictures of my dads 442 all over the place on the walls from when he used to drag race his car never set any records but he was a bracket racer his car weighed 3500 pounds with out him in it (68 Cutlass btw) and the motor and transmission ran a 12.4 last time out he sold the car almost 10 years ago and the 455/TH400/12 Bolt still sit in the garage. He said only thing he had done was

Intake
Cam
Carb
Roller rockers. Had stock heads and was a stock bottom end
TH400 Johnny Winter 3800 stall

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/2527809089.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/2542500399.html

these cars are what im considering switching the power plant too my questions is in these light cars with some nitrous what do you think the car will run want it to be a fun bracket racing car. And what are some easy cheap things to build apon batch of parts he has now??? What kinda abuse can these bottom ends take in stock form? How much can you safely spray them with? Sorry for all the newbie questions.

 

[CHRIS.O]

Re: Using my dads old 455 power plant for something NEWB hel

The first one would need a gear change. That is way to steep for a 455. The stock bottom end does not liked to be revved high in my opinion. Roughly 6k rpm redline. Without knowing what heads they are I do not know if they are anygood. Hopefully he has C heads. If not I would look into buying heads instead of working on them. I would say you could safely spray up to a 200 shot if everything was tuned right. If it is an early 455 they are tough, usually come with nodular cranks. Rods are also pretty tough. These are all opinions of course based on experiences I have had. I am sure some have turned them quicker and sprayed more but I am sure you want it to last more than one season. I kinda like that orange one. Looks like it is set up pretty well other than the gear ratio. Goodluck

 

[lawhead]

Re: Using my dads old 455 power plant for something NEWB hel

Was told he has the C Heads whats the difference he says he has 3 sets and "collected" them. But thanks for the info

cracked the valve cover has Comp 1.6 full roller rockers and looks to be new springs.