455 buick

[andyh1956]

hey guys anybody ever use a buick in a 63-66? how do you like it? i just came across a 455 / turbo 400 for cheap. iv'e never owned a buick in my life so if one fell outta the sky & landed on the hood i wouldn't know what it was. if this engine fits ok i could go long stroke/tall gear route in the grand sons truck. thanks!
andy

[Shaky]

455 Buicks ain't so easy to come by anymore. They make GOBS of low-end torque. It should be readily adaptable, especially if you stick with the automatic.

If you're thinking of going wild with the engine, I believe the oiling system is the weak point. There's plenty of info on the web about that.

[vin63]

A Buick would be very cool. I built a 455 Pontiac for my C-10. I fabricated my own tubular block-to-frame mounts, but you can use readily available mounts. Other than that, everything else would be relatively straight forward. Post some photos when you can.

[jonzcustomshop]

I had a friend with one in a 72 gmc shorty, great power, tough to steer with manual steering and all that weight.

[Captainfab]

My old boss loved Buick engines....he put a 455 in his '73 C20. It was really simple to make adapter plates for the motor mounts. It had good power and got good MPG. Of course that was due in part to the 3.08 rear gear. But with all the torque they make the tall gear was no problem. The main thing I don't like about them is they use a rope rear main seal. At least the couple I had apart did.....

[markeb01]

My son has one in a 69 Riviera. As everyone notes they make gobs of torque. His only complaint was the cost to rebuild it about 7 or 8 years ago. Some of the internal parts were hard to find, and the bill came to something over $4,000. I'm hoping he'll stuff the 455 into a 56 F100 he recently obtained.

[andyh1956]

ok thanks guys. i bought it- 1970[?] or so 455 / turbo 400 for $400. engine complete cept for a/c bracket. was in a street rod & boy said it ran fine they just wanted to re-do car in another direction. i have an 83 diesel 1/2 ton so if i use engine in 66 it would be 83 front end w/ diesel springs, 455 / turbo 400 / 2.73 axle. beleive it or not that 83 has a 700r4 & 2.73 axle! that truck leaked more fuel than it used. but the trans quit pulling in o/d & i just set it up. just looked like too good a deal to pass up, it would make the old 66 just idle down the highway. that 2.73 axle outta keep rpms down. thanks! keep ya posted!
andy

[jason65]

I hope you do it. I think it would be cool.

[vin63]

Originally Posted by andyh1956

ok thanks guys. i bought it- 1970[?] or so 455 / turbo 400 for $400. engine complete cept for a/c bracket. was in a street rod & boy said it ran fine they just wanted to re-do car in another direction. i have an 83 diesel 1/2 ton so if i use engine in 66 it would be 83 front end w/ diesel springs, 455 / turbo 400 / 2.73 axle. beleive it or not that 83 has a 700r4 & 2.73 axle! that truck leaked more fuel than it used. but the trans quit pulling in o/d & i just set it up. just looked like too good a deal to pass up, it would make the old 66 just idle down the highway. that 2.73 axle outta keep rpms down. thanks! keep ya posted!
andy

Good deal...that's a good year for the block. Photos are always welcome.