This is like mine. $50 in MO! https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:16cc7dc1-421c-4790-98d8-982d883080c5
I bought a cradle for my 455 from Stumpy's. Very well made and I highly recommend. Good price too. Jim
I personally made my own similar to this. Although I made the top piece much longer than 17 1/2". That was to insure the engine can't tip over (engine has a pretty high center of gravity). Not a lot of work and it's the cheapest option. Though I would recommend to double check those dimensions if you have access to a 455. The oil pan lip should rest on 3 of the four boards.
I have one of the original Buick cradles I bought from the boards long ago worked great, transported my engine from Ohio to PA no problems. I could sell it for $50.00 plus the shipping to Ohio. I could just wrap it up in plastic wrap and cardboard pieces should be fine… just an option.
That's the type (prob. one of) Mike Phillips made. I have a few of 'em for 350's & they've worked great for transporting. If you're going to be @ the Nationals (& if so hopefully w/your car!) & the OP doesn't take it I will.
I would be hesitant to transport a 455 with it just bolted in at the motor mounts. Sitting on the shop floor, no big deal, but bouncing up and down with just the side mounts would put more strain on our wonderfully thin casting than I would be comfortable with. I could see some cylinder wall distortion from doing that, you could even crack the block. The mount holes were not designed to hold the entire weight of the engine. IF you use those, at least put a chunk of wood under the oil pan to support the back of the engine. JW
I was never crazy either about the designs that rely only on being bolted the block. Need something tying the legs together to prevent stress.
