This thread is 13 years old. The only Jim I know still here building engines is Jim Weise http://www.trishieldperformance.com/
The 455 is an amazing engine, designed for Electras and wagons. TONS of potential, it has some draw backs, but ANY engine you start "hot rodding" will start showing its weaknesses, but thanks to Hot rodders and machinists, we have better parts and fixes for the weak areas. Same with the 350 Buick.