So finally getting serious about wanting to pull my rock stock 350 and replace with something with more oomph. Looking online has really been challenging. Seems like there are 2 companies out there wanting to offer a rebuilt 455 for the 18k range that would produce 500+ hp. That appears to be without carbs, pullys and other basics. Needless to say looking at an absolute wall of complete turnkey 383, 454 502s on eBay with 500hp for around 7500-10k. Then there is good ol' craigslist with "Buick 455 was running when I pulled it for 500" buyer beware motors. Man I don't want to go to the dark side but how do I get 500+ hp (complete motor -headers and maybe a few hoses/wires) for a decent price and yet stay loyal to Buick? Can any parts on my 350 be utilized on a 455?
Hows everything in Austin? You can use accessory brackets from the 350 and that's about it for the 455. I built the last 455 for my convertible for much less than the chevy engines you mentioned. You just need a good machine shop you can trust to do the work correctly for you. I use a guy in Lubbock and he does the work to my specs. 500HP recipe 455 without breaking the bank. My suggestion is get you a 73-76 block from CR or somewhere. Bore .030 or .038 Wiseco Forged pistons Custom ground hydraulic camshaft/lifters TA or Edelbrock aluminum heads TA SP1 intake 800 cfm+ Quadrajet or 950 Holley type Stock Rods, crankshaft, turned and balanced Headers Forgot to mention, the machine shop will usually assemble if you don't want to do that part.
Hey Stranger! How are you? No longer in Austin, family was transferred to FL. Just north of Orlando. Learning to adjust to some serious rain... a bit more than Texas for sure. Ha! Things are good, ordered a 3.89 Ford 9 Inch with rear disk, being built for us as I type. Also have a 600hp rated 700r4 on order from Monster that will arrive in a couple weeks too. Between the new rear and trans it should make the car come to life. The radiator core rusted out and the car dropped an inch/half on the passenger side, so it’s in the shop as I type getting that fixed. Also a new inner fender and battery tray. Oh, the 350 we picked up our visit with you, sadly died. Threw a rod through the bottom on the freeway one day. Left a heck of an oil trail and made for excitement for the fire department to come out and de-slick the road. J Went and got ourselves a rebuilt 350 through a shop in Austin before we moved. Nice stocker but ready for a little get up and go now. Yeah was really hoping to buy a complete, arrive on a pallet, drop in –bolt up, connect wires and drive motor. Sadly just don’t have the time to work on it like I once did. Need a bit less garage time and more driving time J
A 3.89 rear gear with a 700R4 is a bit much with the 700's first gear,that gear would be better suited for a 200R4. 1st gear with a 700R4 and a built up BBB 455 with a 3.89 rear gear would be great for shreading tires,but would otherwise be useless on the street. Unless your plans are big slicks with some tubbing and aftermarket suspension for quarter mile racing. If that isn't the plan a low 3 gear would be much better with a 700R4 like a 3.08 or at the most a 3.23 for the street.:TU: If you have your heart set on the 3.89 rear gear and a heavy right foot,the 700R4 will start out in 2nd gear if you don't want to buy tires all the time.:Brow: What is your time frame for getting the new 455? I might be able to build what you want if you're not in to big of a hurry,I have 1 .020" over block ready to build,and another 1 close to ready,but I have 4 other engines I need to get done first. Probably wouldn't be able to get one done until October if you're interested shoot me a PM. Derek
http://www.racingjunk.com/Drag-Racing/182187231/464-Buick.html Not mine, But looks decent. What are your goals ET-wise? Are you planning to race a lot?
TSP prices are less than 18K, http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?221428-Level-1A-R-and-2A-R-Specs-and-Pricing
If you put a valve cover that says BUICK on a big chevy is it still considered "going to the dark side" :Brow:
The objective of this car, with this gearing is exactly to shred the tires and watch as the guys with deeper pockets blast past me. I want something that I can rev the motor, spins the tires and let it roar above the Asian market cars. Heavens nowadays, racing on the strip would seem to be a minimum of 800hp and up. More and more cars out there with 1000hp. Nah, ours will be just a weekend car to take around town.
IMO that can be done for very little money....A well tuned 455 with a cam and good exhaust will run 12's and fry the tires until you let off. No need to cross-breed in this application.
if thats all your after a $3500 mild build will perform just fine, for $18k it better have Kate Upton strapped on the pallet also
Hi, Steve. I've currently got my 455 up at Wildcat in Adel Georgia for a build much like what you are after. Cost is way less than $10K. I live in Orlando and my Son is in Debary. We have a few GS guys here in in the Orlando area. We should get together sometime.
