Hi. I was wondering if anyone knew which engine frame mounts I would need to install a 455 into my 1968 Lesabre convertable? I had a friend fabricate some a few years back and they do not work well. the engine sits high and the oil pan had to be modified to clear steering linkage. The 455 that we put in unfortunately threw a rod so with the engine out I want to get the "new" 455 in the right way. Any help is appreciated. I do know that the 1970 Lesabre had the 455 option and I beleive is the same as the 1968. Thanks in advance for any help
Yes. I had both, but neither fit. My friend who fabricated the mounts made both frame and motor side mounts. I still have the stock frame mounts from the 350 that we cut off, but they sont seem to fit with the engine side mounts that I believe to be correct.
No. It was not moved back the first time. I know this has to be done. I really just need to know what frame pads to use? I seem to only be able to find ones for the skylark/GS. I know I will either have to weld the ones I use in place or drill mounting holes. the small block pads are close but not quite right. The bolt hole does not line up quite right and it is narrow
One data point from my garage- the 68 350 oil pan for the LeSabre is a one year deal. I’m not sure any 455 pan will be a direct fit. I’d try GS 455 engine mounts and frame mounts.
Thats what I am leaming towards. I'm trying to avoid a $100 mistake hopeing someone has first hand knowledge of what works. There is a youtube video of a 68 Lesaber with a 455, but the guy never responded to me when I asked him about it. The 350's pan looks very similar to the center style 455 pan only smaller
Thanks you. I can tell you right now the only way to get the 455 oil pan to clear the steering and sit decent is to move the transmission back about 2" and shorten the drive shaft. Even with the motor mounts my friend made he also had to modify the oil pan. Which probably didn't help the oiling any. It for sure is a big job to put a 455 into one of these. This upcoming weekend I am going to loosen the trans and slide it back as far as it will go to see if its even worth messing with my friends fabbed up motor mounts. I may have to just have him try to fix the pan or modify the one on the new 455, stick it in and get this thing out of my hair.
That is probably when the exhaust manifolds start interfering too. Makes putting one in a skylark look easy.
I know the difference in length (body and wheelbase) between a leSabre and Wildcat in ‘67-‘68 is all in front of the firewall but I didn’t realize it was essentially necessary for the big block. Patrick
68lesabre455: By any chance, were you at a show in Herkimer last Saturday? Saw a 68 Lesabre there with the engine painted Chevy orange. UticaGeoff
No not me. This engine is Buick red and been down for about a month. I live in Wisconsin and the rod let go on the way to the Iola car show
I thought the Wildcat had a longer nose? If this is true that would be great!! From what I can see unless I move the transmission back I will never get the oil pan to clear. I am using the center style pan now. Spent money on the other style and that wont work at all. Does the wild cat have its own oil pan?
i was thinking that it was the same in 67. a 455 is no longer than the 350 and the th400 was option in both. so it should work. i see that a wildcat may be longer by 3 inches i thought that stopped earlier than 67.
63 wildcat + LeSabre 123" wheebase 64 same 123" 65 , 66, 67, 68 Lesabre 123, Wildcat 126" 69, 70 same 123"
I don't have he 455 in the garage right now or I wou;ld measure the difference. But the 455 is for sure longer by a few inches. There is alot less room up by the radiator with the 455
That 3" is all I would need up front. If I could push everything back 2 or 3 inches the oil pan would clear the steering.
