455 upgrades ?

[MANIC MECHANIC]

A friend of mine has a 455 powered jet, he needs to build or buy a new motor.
I have come to the conclusion that with all the extra parts he would have to come up with to change to a 454, it would be less expensive to build another Olds motor, and modify it to be reliable.
I hear this can be done, but don't know the particulars.
But of course like all of us, he would like as much power as possible, on a family man's tight budget.
My questions are:
What would be the best block and crank to start with?
Heads?
What modifications need to be done to make the eng. last?
Performance upgrades?
Or does anyone have all the parts he would need to go 454 they wanna sell cheap?
Any input would be appreciated
Tim

[BrendellaJet]

Hey there,
Try a search. This topic is covered once a week it seems. Also try the mondello website-good tech info.

[MANIC MECHANIC]

I see what you mean.
Tim

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

Screw mondello! they are car guys we are boat guys!!!!!!!
455 olds is a great motor. There are a few downfalls but it can be a great motor. There are a few things you might wanna do to give it a longer lifespan.
#1- keep the R's under 5k
#2- keep it in the water- no over reving!
#3- large oilpan-(8-10qts)
#4- oil restricted pushrods(a must)
#5- shotpeen and resize rods with arp bolts(a must)
#6- alignhone and use arp bolts in the main caps(a must)
#7- make sure oiling clearances are loose(.025-.035 mains,.020-.030 rods(MOST IMPORTANTLY)
#8- oh I forgot-most importantly balance that baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thats what i did to mine this year and you can hammer that baby all day long and she still holds together
396

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

Huge horsepower- Edelbrock heads and roller rockers!
"C" heads are really good too!
Edelbrock o4b is the best intake(its an old one-ebay has them!
Just do a search for 455 olds
holley 850double pumper carb
open headers
hei dist.
Good cam
Higher compression
Av gas so that baby dont detonate
Forged,Forged,Forged pistons(the speed pro's are only $32.99 each-thats dirt cheap!)
396

[MANIC MECHANIC]

Thanks 396.
More input anyone?
Tim

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

Oh yeah, you can bump up the timing with av gas for a few more ponies.
I run mine @ 30 degrees so it will live
396

[v-drive]

MM, follow 396's directions, I listened to him and a few others including Mondello and in the end realized I had taken most of the information from him . You will have to buy most of the parts from Mondello simply because he has it there and ships faster than anyone with the exception of Rex. If your friend is on a tight budget and has access to a machine shop he can save alot of money. I resized my own pushrods and they work awsome and it is a necessity. I have my olds in a old v-drive and am more than happy. Have fun, make it fun and ask questions if you need to. These guys are always ready to help...V-drive

[Sleek-Jet]

I use Mondello's catalog as a referance guide. Use the internet to search out the manufactures part #'s, then buy the stuff somewhere else. Mondello's prices are out of sight on alot of stuff.
I've found that most speed shops and mail order places can get most of the stuff in the Mondello's catalog.
But spend the money on his little book, it's worth it and has a ton of usefull information in it.

[Aqua Boogie1]

396, Im re-building my 403 which is stock. What can I do to build that up alittle with the same type of budget. I just want to put a little fire up under its ass. Should I just apply what you said about the 455 and use accordingly?