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- Buick 455 Drag Strip Tests from Kenne-Bell
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Thread: 455 Buick build

  1. #1
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    455 Buick build

    After a lot of considering, I've decided direction on my 455 build. Was going to go turbo, but the only way to reliably make turbo power includes a 6k block; I've decided the entry price is just too high...

    So, the question. If you were going to build a NA 455, STREET motor (meaning, no E85 or octane higher than 92) how would you build it? My initial thought is copy the 455 Stage 1 motor, but hopefully, I can do better.

    I'm buying pistons this week, so weigh in....
    thx

    details - in a 1970 Skylark, hood clearance isn't a problem. 3.73 gears but I'll be changing that to either 3.42s or (more likely) 3.23 so that I'm not at 3k rpms on the highway.

  2. #2
    There are several books available on building the 455. They are all good. Your idea of following the Stage I build is good. With your choice of drivable gears, don't over cam.


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  3. #3
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    I should have mentioned that (and you make a great point).... I have the "book", but I was curious what experiences other had.

    About the cam, I'm torn - part of me wants the rumble (ala "Thumper" cam), however, the other part of me equally wants the most I can get.

  4. #4
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    What is your goal? Most power for pump gas? What do you want it to do?

    I am building a 462 for my convertible, expecting 400+ HP and start and drive anywhere with nice sound.
    The 72 gsx has a 464 with 600hp, still running pump gas (90 octane is best available) with hydraulic cam. Just ran 10.71 @ 126 MPH on radial tires this weekend. This car is driven all the time on highway.

    So, what are you trying to achieve?
    86 GN, all factory options, engine build in progress
    72 Skylark Convertible, 462, TH 400
    72 GSX Clone 464, TH400, 3:42. 10.71 @126mph best

    We build GM carburetors and specialize in custom built Quadrajets

    www.quadrajetpower.com
    mark@quadrajetpower.com

  5. #5
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    either of your results would be just fine . The motor that's in my car now is a 1971 that, upon fixing the low, oil pressure problem sprung a substantial leak out of the rear main. That motor I chassis dyno'd at 325 to the rear wheels, and that is a lot of fun in the car. I could pull the motor and fix the rear main, however, I suspect the low oil pressure problem is worn bearings.... As I'm never satisfied - I'm building a long block that will be about what your 400 hp car is, but someday hope to be where your 464 is (I'm using reconditioned heads with Stage 1 valves).

    the only real difference is my car is a 4 speed... thus I don't need to be too careful on cam selection.

    What is the CR on your motors? what are the cam specs? what heads?

  6. #6
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    462 should be about 9.5 compression, iron heads with larger valves. Stock rods, crank. Custom ground hydraulic cam. Sp1 intake and quadrajet.


    464 is 10.25 compression, edelbrock heads, custom ground hydraulic cam, stock rods, stock crank, spx intake with 950 Carb. 600 HP is motor only, add a 100 shot of spray to get it in the 10's. Shifting at 6200.

    Both are balanced, stock timing cover. Oil mods done, machine work to our specs.

    462 isn't finished yet, 464 has been running 5 years. It blew a head gasket and was freshened up last year. Next is a 455 with turbos, hoping to be about 1000hp. Factory block.
    86 GN, all factory options, engine build in progress
    72 Skylark Convertible, 462, TH 400
    72 GSX Clone 464, TH400, 3:42. 10.71 @126mph best

    We build GM carburetors and specialize in custom built Quadrajets

    www.quadrajetpower.com
    mark@quadrajetpower.com

  7. #7
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    forged pistons?

    it looks like your 70 is a black version of my orange car.... any chance in your stack of parts you have a 70 Custom grill?
    Last edited by stoneshrink; 10-17-2011 at 11:58 AM.

  8. #8
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    Yes, weisco forged on 464. Forgot brand on 462.

    No spare 70 grills sitting around, buts lots of other stuff.
    86 GN, all factory options, engine build in progress
    72 Skylark Convertible, 462, TH 400
    72 GSX Clone 464, TH400, 3:42. 10.71 @126mph best

    We build GM carburetors and specialize in custom built Quadrajets

    www.quadrajetpower.com
    mark@quadrajetpower.com

  9. #9
    The wiseco pistons how are they holding up for you.

    Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by blue beast View Post
    The wiseco pistons how are they holding up for you.

    Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
    They have been abused and still going strong. This is an old thread, but this car has made many passes down the drag strip and many street miles as well. We pulled it apart one time in the past 7 years and just changed out main/rod bearings, rings and head gaskets.
    86 GN, all factory options, engine build in progress
    72 Skylark Convertible, 462, TH 400
    72 GSX Clone 464, TH400, 3:42. 10.71 @126mph best

    We build GM carburetors and specialize in custom built Quadrajets

    www.quadrajetpower.com
    mark@quadrajetpower.com

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