I've got the opportunity to get a 455 and a TH400 from a 1976 Buick. I'm just curious what info you all can give me about whether this will be worth it for me or not. I don't have the casting numbers for you yet. When I get them, I'll post them, but can anyone give me the specs hp/torque, and any other info about this year of the 455? My intended purpose is to build it for a weekend warrior with an occasional trip to the drag strip. TIA, Dave
Dave, The short block is a good starting point. The heads are pretty much useless. The open chamber design kills compression. I've got the same thing, it's a 76 that was the temporary motor while a guy locally had his original motor built. I'll be removing the heads and put on some 1973's that I got from Scott Miller (until I can afford to really build it) along with a decent cam. I've also got some 1970 GS455 takeout pistons from Jim W that I may put into it to bring the compression up even higher (probably end up in the 9.5+ range). Do some searching around the older posts from the board to get a taste for what you can do with this motor.
Thanks for the info. The block casting number is 1241735. All the info I've found so far is that it's from 72-75, and it's a 455. I can't seem to find any hp or tq numbers. Does anyone have a resource for this?
Thanks I went ahead and payed for the motor and tranny, all I have to do is find a way to get it to my house! lol This motor will be rebuilt in the future before I use it, so I'm sure I'll be searching and posting quite a bit more. Thanks again V8 Buick guys!
Steve is right. 75-76 455 heads are JUNK!!! Any big block head from 67-74 is just fine, but the preferred castings are 67-71. Just swapping the heads is worth about 50+ HP. Headers are another great investment. They are probably worth 20-40 HP depending on the head. Good luck with the build!! -Kevin
swap heads just swaping heads worth 50 hp? maybe ta alum stage 1 heads.i think your numbers are alittle off.the 76 heads have large chambers(78cc) vs 71-74(71cc).it will increase compression. andy:spank:
Swapping the early heads (67-70) with small chambers and large ports has gotta be worth AT LEAST 40 HP. Considering HP is rated at 205 net. Have you ever seen 75-76 heads? They literally choke the engine for all its worth.
Well? It figures, I tossed a set out last year, now of course I need a set... ou: Well, seeing as how everybody hates those 75-76 heads, can I have someone's set? I need to lower my compression and they might work just fine.
None Sorry Dave, but I'm wanting to put together a motor for a street rod and I already have the shortblock with forged 9.8 pistons. I need heads too, so I figured to kill two birds with one stone.
