To Live or Die??

[taylorde]

As most would know I have a buick 455, getting it mocked in my frame. But the problem arouse when I started trying to find the performance parts for the motor. They where pretty easy to find at Summit, but extremly $$$$.$$.
I didn't know that a pontiac, olds, buick 455's were completely different!!
Know the problem is the cost, around 4000.00 dollars to re-do the motor. I think I would be better off trying to find a BBC instead! I can re-do a BBC for half the price, than the running 455. What do ya'll think?I guess I'm back to square 1 , which is

[Longhorn Man]

Stock for stock, the BOP engines would probably be cheaper to get your hands on, and to do a basic rebuilt. Once you start adding performance parts, it adds up real quick.
However, a bone stock properly tuned healthey 455, will keep you grinning for quite a while. A $250 intake, and the carb of your choice, HEI (if not already equipped) and a free flowing exhaust, and you'll be that much better off.

[Rokcrln]

I am building a 71 2wd blazer for a board and he is having a 455 built by a guy in TX. for his ride. Should roll out over 500HP and it is being backed up by some Buick 400 with a 2spd converter. I have never been a Buick guy but this set up should be sweet. I say go for a stock good rebuild and runn it. They should put out well over 400hp stock

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[Longhorn Man]

2 speed converter... switch pitch converter. Real neat item, but it's a bummer the parts are non existant now.
I wish I could find a switch pitch set up for the caddy mill.

[OLDROCK&ROLLER]

I say sell it and go for the BBC.

[Longhorn Man]

not to mention the cool factor.
Yet another small block... snoooor
A big block.... been there, done that
the "what the hell is that" factor is priceless.
Besides, sit down, and add up the numbers for your chevy big block. NOTHING is cheap for them. Everything from buying the engine, to the motor mounts and pullies needed to install it in your truck.
I'll bet your 455 is actually cheaper once you figure in every nut and bolt.

[panhandler62]

Nothing will plant you in the seat like a 455 Buckeye. The low end torque from those things is remarkable.

Besides, as Andy said, it's a unique trick rather that the same ol, same ol.

[roughedup72]

Yeah that buick engine is tuff, My brother had a 66 skylark with the same engine in it and mannn oh man, That thing would peel your eyelids back. he did a break stand one day and left four black marks, It was pushing the front tires while spinning the rear.. Once you get the parts you wont want anything else.

[taylorde]

Well good input fellas! The buick is still the way to go for me. Port and polish the factory heads, cam, intake and a carb. Well, I must say it will be worthwhile, and only about 1500.00 alot better than 4000.00.
The bottom side is still good, the motor was still running when I pulled it. That was good news to me, best of all it was free.

[Longhorn Man]

free verses 600 bucks at a MINIMUM for a BBC....and that's for one in pieces and boxes.
See, you are WAY ahead.