A friend has a 454 long block that he will sell to me for 300 bucks. It was running when It was pulled, but I will rebuild it anyway. So the big question is, will it fit without major modification? I've seen multiple threads where people have said that you need a cage and subframe connectors, plus stiffer springs. This won't be much of an issue anyway if I'm getting the engine for cheap anyway. So what do you think? Is it worth it or not? Thanks

 

Also consider you're probably going to have to remove some frame for headers/exhaust to run back depending on your transmission housing.

 

I'm going with a t56 for the transmission. Do you think I can keep the a/c or will that have to go? I wasn't considering this swap before, but for the price of the motor I can't resist. Do you think it's worth it considering the price of the motor, and everything that needs to be done to make it work?

 

If its a turn key motor and doesn't need a lot of work, its a good deal. I don't know much about the t56 tranny because I have never had one. I know you will need shorty style headers or custom headers. I say go for it, But i'm no professional.

 

I did more research and it seems I will need special headers, a bigger aluminum radiator and a larger e fan, as well as subframe connectors and stiffer springs.

 

An some modification to the hood of course.

 

Definately get a aluminum radiator, and get a high cfm electric fan, maybe 2 fans.

 

If the casting numbers match up and the engine is what he says it is, I think I'm gonna go for it. It's gonna take some work, but it will awesome for power, plus it won't be like putting in a 350 like everyone else seems to do. It will be something different.

 

Ehhh.. I would say 305, 350, 400, 427, and 454 are the most popular blocks. But a 454 definately leads in torque and power. The problem with big blocks is that they take that green stuff out of you're wallet alot more efficiently. Bigger block = bigger parts.

 

The good thing is the car is already torn down and I'm in the process of putting it back together. Going with 4.11s in the rear, with the t56 as I said earlier. Also going with a tubular k member and a-arms, as well as koni shocks. I was going to use eibach pro springs, but I will need to find a much former pair for the front instead.

 

Koni is a good company, 4.11 will be good if you have a manual.. I have a 4.10 and I'm hearing its not good with a semi auto (t400), Good luck with the build.

 

Go for it... I am currently using a 350 turbo but want the t56.

At min you will need sub frame connectors. Headers are available but not cheap. I used the hooker swap headers and did not have much problem. The collector did hit the sub frame connectors that I used (SSM). I modified the headers by shorting about 2 inches at the collector. I have true 3" dual exhaust search for my post for pics and parts list.

 

I found the headers on summit for 500.00. Not bad considering custom ones would be much more. I also found an aluminum 31x19 radiator for about. 250.00.
Do you think I will need to change the front springs or can I get away with the stock ones? I believe a cast iron 350 weighs about 550 and a 454 is like 700. So if I do the a/c delete, tubular a-arms and k member, and get a fiberglass hood, shouldn't it be fine with stock springs?

 

I have the stiffer springs and SFC on mine and the tower strut and wonder bar are next.

 

What springs are you using? Also, I talked to him today a he said the engine has been sitting outside for six months, but it has been wrapped up. Regardless, even if it needs machine work, 300.00 seems good even for a 454 core.

I'm going tonight to take a look at it and possibly buy it. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

Oh my I think there as stiff as you can get maybe 1500lb's anyway it lifted the car three inches with the BB installed I am not worried about cornering so it depends on how you are going to drive.

 

Well the intake number is 22503087.

I couldn't see the casting number. All that comes back online is an olds 442 under that number.

 

So here are some pics. Can anyone tell me what engine this is by looking at it? I couldn't get the casting number off of it due to how its sitting. Here are some pics:

 

 

A picture is worth a thousand words.

 

I just lol'd hard at work, the chainsaw got me.

 

I think you are looking at an Oldsmobile engine. It's probably a 307, maybe a 350, not a 455 (for sure not a 454).

I'd say this is a pass. Putting a small Olds into a 3rd gen is about as much pain for as little gain as you can get.

 

I found a guy selling a...... Drum roll please........ 305. Its still in the car running with under 100,000 miles, and he only wants 300.00. I know 305s are terrible, yaddy yadda yada... But I just want a cheap motor that will get this car on the road. Its in an 88 monte so it is high output at least. Comes with a 650cfm edlebrock carb and aluminum intake. I am going build a big block on the side, then when it's done I can swap it in. It's gonna be paired up with a t56 and 4.11s, so it should be TOO terrible.