72-76 455 Engine Build

Hey guys, i understand the emission crisis and insurance prices rising and horsepower decreased in 72.

I want to buy this 72-76 455 engine but I want to know what is different about the 70 vs say a 76, can i still make a lot of power with aftermarket parts?is the block the same? are the heads worth keeping? I'm looking for a street/maybe strip setup with about 400-500 hp. This is a budget build.

All you guys that have taken a later 455 and made some power I want to hear from you!

 

72 up block is preferred
75/76 heads are boat anchors
71+ means lower compression that's pretty much it

 

Okay so with after market parts I can get some good power with this! Im getting a good deal on this motor so im excited.

 

I have a '73 motor in mine that develops 470 HP with iron exhaust manifolds. Uses stock block, rods, crank, rockers and shafts. I've added forged pistons, TA aluminum heads, stage one valves, adjustable pushrods an an Edlebrock Performer manifold. Just make sure whatever block you use that it has all the right oiling mods. Then, pick your parts for whatever level of performance you want.

 

What oil mods?

 

It's the third sticky down in this very section:

http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/400-430-455-block-id-prep-and-oiling-mods.214613/

I highly suggest you read and understand those stickies. They'll answer 99% of your questions. Other critical things with these engines are core shift and bearing clearances, all outlined in said stickies.

 

Thank you, i read it and i was not aware of these mods. Good looking out!

 

You might enjoy this thread too,,,

http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/what-year-big-block-buick-to-build.120037/

 

Thanks Nick, any other threads that you think can be useful to a new engine builder I would love to have.

 

Tomorrow I'm going to continue tear down this engine, can someone give me the general instruction of how to remove the distributor? I never really had to remove one before.

 

Remove or loosen the clamp and pull it out

 

Thanks! Thats very easy.

 

Can anyone explain to me if an engine needs certain components to run on pump gas. I was always told to run premium gas.

 

Unless you are running static compression of 8.5 or less (in a stock '70s motor) you should always run premium pump gas of 92 octane or more in a Buick motor that has any upgrades to compression or horsepower at all. See Larry's post and link on Dynamic Compression.

 

Thanks Larry, I got a lot to learn! haha

 

Im in an automotive program right now but we have not got to engines yet, but i do understand the concept of how an engine works. I just needs to learn about the different compression's and start doing calculations.

 

Yeah i did. Im gonna tinker with it.