71 350 Conv. Resto. Keep matching #'s 350 or Get 455?

'71 GS 350 with 91K original miles in great condition. Body need quarters & paint to be perfect, but looks great as is. The car is complete and all there.

Having said that, when doing the Resto, would you keep the matching #'s 350, or go with a newly rebuilt 455?

I don't do any racing, just cruising, so whatever engine goes in will be pretty close to stock.

What would be the advantages/disadvantages of each?

Thanks

 

if it was me doing it I'd keep the #matching engine and rebuild it with some porting to keep the look stock and produce a bit more power just to be able to pull hard when you want it to! but that's just me.
good luck in your project!

Nadim

 

I have an all original 72 GS 350 that had 100K on it when I bought it. The engine is still very strong and does not smoke or use oil. I plan to keep the 350 in it when/if it needs engine work. You may not be planning to sell it, but going from an original engine to a different transplant, may have a negative impact on price, especially if you have documentation on your car. Just my thoughts.

Larry

 

If your not going to race it,keep the 350,maybe make some simple mods to pick it up some,ie. headers,al intake,maybe a mild cam,and converter,gears if your running freeway flyers,3.08 to 3,23,is a good compromise.
gary

 

Here's my take on it.

If you're worried about #'s matching then it SHOULD be #'s matching Carb to Rear End. If you don't have the carb or distributor, then the car is not #s matching and won't be till you find the correct ones. Either go all out and get it all, or toss the idea of #'s matching and go for the performance that suits your needs/ wants.

As stated, a 455 is relatively easy swap that can be done in a day. There is more to it than just the engine (engine, engine mounts, fan shroud and possible upgrades to the driveline), but it's still easy.

If you aren't going for the full out #'s matching , then I'd do the 455 swap and keep the original engine in a safe place in case you ever decide to go #'s matching.

I LOVE #'s matching cars and if this car has the correct engine, trans, carb, dist., rear end (or you have the patience and $$ to get them) then I say keep it #'s matching. It'll be worth far more and has a coolness factor that a 455 swap can't touch (to me at least).

Regardless of what you decide, pictures are always appreciated!

Good Luck

 

Keep the 350. If all your doing is cruising the 350 will be easier on your wallet.
Put a nice exhaust on it put the top down and have fun cruising.:bglasses: You might consider spending your money on a 200-4R.

Bob H.

 

That's a low milage 350. keep the 350. Assuming it has no problems. maybe put a booster plate on the oil pump. My 350 went 160k. I had oiling problems for part of that time but it still ran without noise.

droping in an unknown used 455 may introduce more problems.

 

Well talking about changing out a 350 with a 455, Does anybody have a picture of the frame pad mount that are used. I dont think that the 350 fram par mounts are the same. I have some that are used to put 455 in a regal are those the same pads or are there other ones to use.

 

I disagree. IMO, Matching numbers Block is what commands more money. Everything else is not important, except for a concourse restoration.

I've gotten rid of my numbers transmission, 2 BBL, intake and exhaust manifolds, but my block is still original to my VIN. I guess that means my car is no good now.p

 

I’ve discovered the same pickle I have a TP Skylark bought to race. It's a 3327 car it should have a L6 engine but it doesn’t it has a 350 and it matches the Vin how is the possible. The rear end matches. The trans, carb and dist do not. I have a 455 for it but now I’m not sure because this car isn't listed as a possible car, but here it is. suggestions?

 

Its your car do what you feel like doing, I personally, dont get my underware all bunched up over #'s matching drivetrain. As long as the car left the factory as a GS, and your not adding "GS" badges, your good, in my opinion.
These cars are old and getting older, even way older Buick's, Chevy's, Pontiacs, Olds, Etc, Etc, that people claim as all original and numbers matching I have a hard time believing, especially if the car is from the 50's or 60's, as long as its a nice car, and your happy with it, thats all that matters:beer

 

Hi all

I been asking the same question over and over again for years!! 350 or 455?? As you see I am in the mist of a frame up restoration and it a low mileage 71 GS 350 with 4 speed with no options. I decided to go all original with the restore, with the exception I am installing a 455 for now till I rebuilt my 350 in the future so it will eventually be back with the matching number engine.

George

 

Thought about going to play in the deep end of the pool a few times with my '71. The original 350 is still in it, rebuilt after 150K miles. Runs like a top. Suits my own habits quite well as I simply enjoy the car for what it is. Cruising & groceries Sat AM.
You can still have a lot of fun with a stock 350.
I bought & rebuilt a '71 455 two years ago, believing I would make the swap. Hasn't happened yet, don't think it will unless the 350 decides it's had enough. Plenty of simple mods here to make it a real screamer, if you like.

 

Nothing like a BBB.
And if the car is being redone its a no brainer to me.

 

i think so too.

My 72 has the matching numbers block, but I have a 72 455 on a stand Im working on for the future swap. The 350 is a great motor and will go on a stand to be kept when the 455 goes in. as mentioned, its bolt in. If I ever sell the car the 350 will go with it.

Personally, I think everyone that has a 350 car, thinks about swapping a 455 at some point...even if its just dreams.
At at selling time, I dont think there are many that go looking for a 350 car, but the people that want the big'un... will want the 455

As for value, with the original on a stand to go with the car, I dont think the value will be affected, except maybe a bit more...

 

Old thread but curious what you decided to do??

 

Keep the original 350.

 

I bought it to race, so 455 till I sell it, then the 350 goes back in.:3gears:

 

Still driving the stock 350.

Bumping this thread for more opinions.

Thanks