I am just starting to plan a budget pump gas rebuild of a 73 455 and would like some ideas on this. Everything in the motor looks good but it will need a bore job. I would really like to be able to use this on pump gas so I though I should stay with the lower compression pistons but I would still like to make some nice power. Because NOTHING has been started here yet, I would really appreciate some ideas on what can be done to get some performance with an 8 1/2 to 1 motor or am I just dreaming here? I haven't purchased any parts yet so I could do just about anything at this point such as using different heads, manifold, etc. I do plan on mostly factory parts to keep costs down with the exception of the obvious such as camshaft and any mild porting work. I do plan to run the Q-Jet carb and will update the points distributor. I am not against the idea of know good used parts. My long range goal is to run this motor in a very light car such as a Skyhawk so I shouldn't need really giant HP figures to obtain a fun street-bracket car that is affordable to drive and reliable. Tranny will most likely be a TH350 with mild converter. Again, because of the light car weight, I think this should prove reliable and economical while taking up a little less HP than a TH400. I'm just looking to build something fun and still be able to feed my kids! Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated! Ken
Ken, I think the general concensus with Buicks is to go for the head work to get bang for the $$$. An HEI rebuild and external coil conversion will run you $50, and a good 800 CFM Q-jet tuned to Buick specs is about $250 from one of the reputable builders ($75 DIY). Those items alone will net you a reliable 450+HP 500+TQ Buick. Make sure you get the work done by a reputable Buick engine guy though!!
Thanks but the car doesn't exist yet and the motor is apart now so will at least need a stock rebuild. I'm not on a budget to do it twice so I figured I would do it right the first time. You can rest assured that the car will be safe LONG before it is pretty! I have all the fabrication tools and skills to back half it and cage it without going broke and wouldn't do it any other way! Thanks, Ken
Glad to here that. You could post some of your work when you get started on the car, for it is really cool to see work in progress . Itwould be a help to see and learn what it takes to do back-half or to cage a car. As for the motor Levithan has a good answer, Good heads, a .500 lift ,235 250 cam ,800 cfm q-jet, Hei Dist, and a 2700 stahl converter would be a great starting point. Leave the stock intake and exhaust manifolds on. :3gears:
