Looking for a good combo for 78 Gutlass w/455 or 430. I have a set of large runner 430 heads. Currently running mid 13's with sbc 350/350 combo and 4.56 gears. Had fun with some 430ci &455ci about 15 years ago but had oiling problems. Still have a few 455's laying around and there might be a couple of 430's. Any help with build up would be appreciated. Is 450HP &500 ft. lbs. unreasonable? I have my choice of Turbo 400 or switch the pitch trans. Rear end gear suggestions also welcome. I have been told that 4.30 gears were popular in the late 60's/early 70's.
It's pretty easy to get that kind of power out of a 455. SOme mild ported heads, and decent cam(our 226/238 ) comes to mind, 9.5 to 1 or so compression. You should have 450 horse pretty easy. You really don't need 4.30 gears with a 455. My preference is the s-p but with 90%strip, a conventional converter should fit the bill just right. Jim Burek
450HP combo Thanks for the info. I don't think there is a machine shop around here that does much work on Buick's. This is mainly Chevy/Ford territory, although there is one shop that does some Olds work. I noticed in your reply you said your cam, what company are you with? I've heard of Kenne-Bell,Poston and TA Performance. Do you have any tips to fix the oiling system? One last question. What gear would be best for 1/4 mile and what gear for 1/8 mile?
Re: 450HP combo I own P.A.E. Enterprises. www.paeenterprises.com I sell products from several different vendors. We are an engine and tranny building facility. For drag racing 1/4 mile, a 3.73 to 4.10 is usually ideal. For 1/8 mile only, I'd probably go with a 4.56. The oiling system is pretty easy to take care of, use back grooved cam bearings with re-clocked oil holes, ( I like 4 o'clock and 8 o' clock for the bearings with 2 oil holes), good used or preferably new timing cover with stock pump and booster plate should suffice for the oil supply. Depending on the rpm of the engine , some oil supply and feed passages can be opened up. I would suggest letting someone who does Buick's do your work. Jim Burek
fatdaddy ,I dont know where Quincy,Il is but speed freak motorsports in Woodstock Il. is Buick savvy.Tim
I can fix you up with a 600hp engine :Brow: Strip or street ready to install That is if your up to the challenge!! :eek2:
455 combo Tim Thanks for the line on a good machine shop. I've heard of others but none close to me. Kurt
600 Hp Michael Thanks for the offer,but I would imagine all I could do with that is tear up parts or twist my car like a pretzel. Kurt
