Pulling the 455 Friday

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by RTOM, Aug 2, 2022.

  1. RTOM

    RTOM Well-Known Member

    After a LONG delay finally ready to pull the 455. Had it running and working on tuning when I noticed the timing chain cover leak. Decided to pull it and go through it and drop it back in. Couple questions:

    should we have 4 flex plate bolts ? Only had 3 on it to start…

    going to pull the heads and check cylinders but hoping to not remove the rockers from the heads when I do - is that a bad idea ?

    it had headers on it when we got it (originally an a/c car but the PO had pulled all the a/c stuff off it) - how do we tell if the headers will clear the a/c box on the fire wall ?

    once we have it pulled I’m sure we will have more questions going through it… TIA!
     
  2. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    Flex plate has 6 bolts.

    Removing the rockers is easy. Just a few bolts. I can't see a reason not to remove them. Putting them back on with the rockers in place would be very interesting.
     
  3. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    The rocker shafts block a row of head bolts, so thats not possible. I can't think of any reason to leave the rockers on anyway.

    Only three bolts holding the converter on.

    Have to try an ID the headers and go.from there.
     
  4. Schurkey

    Schurkey Silver Level contributor

    Where?

    6 bolts hold it to the flywheel. 3 bolts hold it to the torque converter. (There's a larger 3-bolt circle, and a smaller 3-bolt circle, six converter bolt holes--but only one set of three is actually used with a given torque converter.)
    Buick Flexplate 01.jpg
     
    FLGS400, Mark Demko and Max Damage like this.
  5. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Flex plate to crank, 6 bolts
    Torque converter to flexplate, 3 bolts
     
  6. Stevem

    Stevem Well-Known Member

    X 2 with post two!
    If you want to add some new curse words to your vocabulary then try putting the heads back on with the rockers still on them!
     
  7. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Do you need to mark the flex plate or does it only go on one way on the crank?
     
  8. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    Crank hub bolt pattern is asymmetrical, even though it might seem otherwise at first glance. Only one way to install the flexplate/flywheel, so no need to mark it.

    Devon
     
    12lives likes this.
  9. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    And it will always only line up after turning to every other position first
     
  10. TrunkMonkey

    TrunkMonkey Well-Known Member

    ^^^
    Fact!
     
  11. RTOM

    RTOM Well-Known Member

    Thanks guys! I'll try to look closer at the headers tomorrow to see if we can determine brand/if they work w/a/c or not.
     
  12. RTOM

    RTOM Well-Known Member

    I could not find any markings in the headers to determine make/fit with a/c.

    Before we drop the engine back in we will mount the heater/ a/c firewall box and that will give us a better idea. (Thinking maybe we go back to stock exhaust manifolds)


    The timing chain seems to have play in it so figure we might as well replace it too while we are in there.
     

    Attached Files:

  13. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I'm not sure why your A/C is even a concern. I doubt those headers come anywhere near the A/C box. They are probably Poston or TA headers.
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2022
    TheEternalDance likes this.
  14. RTOM

    RTOM Well-Known Member

    Sounds good - I thought I had read somewhere there were specific ones for cars with a/c due to interference but if not that’s great !
     
  15. RTOM

    RTOM Well-Known Member

    Heads pulled. Cylinder walls look in good shape - little bit of a ridge at the top but not major.
     

    Attached Files:

  16. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Are those nylon teeth on the cam gear? Running with the devil! Replace the set!
     
    TrunkMonkey and john.schaefer77 like this.
  17. RTOM

    RTOM Well-Known Member

    Yep! Getting ready to order replacements
     
  18. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Nope, Have a look at the TA header description, not even a mention of A/C.
     
    RTOM likes this.
  19. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Yea those are the standard AC design
     
    RTOM likes this.
  20. RTOM

    RTOM Well-Known Member

    Dropped the oil pan and found the black/gray sludge at the bottom. Never seen that before. Should I be concerned ?
     

    Attached Files:

Share This Page