Here is my question. My 305 needs bearings and an oil pump. Now should i go ahead and do that and save the extra money for the rear end or should I try and get A Poncho 455, Buick 455 or a 350 with a one year warranty for $575. The two 455 would cost me about $400-500. Which is the better engine to put in an 86 Camaro Z-28. Also if I should get one of the 455 which one and how much work will be involved. Thanx in advance for your help

 

The Pontiac engine is very wide at the heads, and may present some clearance issues. There are not nearly as many performance parts available for Pontiac engines as either the SBC or BBC.

Personally, I wouldn't even consider the Buick V-8s for performance. Although they could be built for a lot of torque, parts availability is even worse than for the Pontiacs.

Either a 350 truck engine reman or put a few bucks more into it and get a crate 350 with a warranty. You can get a new GM crate longblock for $1,600 in a lot of places. Add your fuel system and drive on your 36,000 mile warranty.

 

350 SBC or 383 SBC.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Vader
[B]The Pontiac engine is very wide at the heads, and may present some clearance issues. There are not nearly as many performance parts available for Pontiac engines as either the SBC or BBC.

Personally, I wouldn't even consider the Buick V-8s for performance. Although they could be built for a lot of torque, parts availability is even worse than for the Pontiacs.


The only 455 thats really wide is the olds 455, not the pontiac, the pontiac is inbetween the size on the SBC and BBC its the smallest dimention wise BB and the easyest to swap into tight places and would make a great choice,..........the buick 455 is the absolutle mother of all performance, they didnt call it the "hemi killer" for no reason back in the day the 70' stage-1 455 buick was the fastest muscle car to come out of detroit and whacked the LS-6 chevelle 454 by 2-3 tenths right out of the factory, just bolt on stuff and the buick engine is a absolutle powerhouse, dont just go look at everything as "sbc this and that" the BOP engines are really GM's secret weapons

 

EXACTLY. I would have had access to a Buick 455, but the uncle wrecked it and then sent it away before anyone could pull the motor... But back to the point, Hooker makes headers for BBC in 3rd gen. Why not take advantage of that. I have them, and they are the sweetest thing ever. Its impressive to see how them pipes get down through the tightest spaces ever. Anyway, grab yourself a 454, ala Suburbans and the like. Everyone has a SBC, try something new!

Oh, and if you decide to do it...

http://68.83.73.14/Keith/Pictures/Engine/DCP_0292.JPG

 

i love buick 455s, very high nickel engine block. But....i wouldnt expect to get one in a f-body, there would just be way too much fitting work to do. the 350 really is your best bet, it will fit right in, plenty of parts available for them, and its going to make tons more power than you need in a f-body.