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GONZO
11-13-2002, 04:24 PM
Could a 455 be squeezed into a 350 engine compartment on a 71 Buick GSX??? With A/C, disc brakes.


see picture of 350 in engine bay here:

http://www.raceway.com/motion/350engine.jpg

Could a 455 get in there????/
flynbuick
11-13-2002, 04:51 PM
Yes, I know another person who made the same switch in a 71 Gsx.

Jim Lore
71GS455
11-13-2002, 05:22 PM
Of course it can... it was an option.
It shouldn't fit any different than my 71 GS455 other than the AC stuff on the firewall, which I don't have.
Is that the correct air cleaner in the photo? That looks like the snorkles from a 72 GS car.
alan
11-13-2002, 05:35 PM
If it will fit in here (http://www.thedinosaurgang.com/vega1.htm), it will fit in almost anything! :laugh:
GONZO
11-13-2002, 06:41 PM
I was just wondering, with all that AC stuff on the firewall, whether or not it would fit. Not sure about air cleaner assembly.
Not my car.
71GS455
11-13-2002, 09:00 PM
Many years ago my dad and I put a 400 into a 72 GS350 that had AC (also not hooked up). I don't remember any problems with clearance.
It does require different frame pads (what the motor mounts mount to), among a few other things.

I think there's a list of information at www.buickperformance.com regarding the 350/TH350 -> 455/TH400 swap.
462CID
11-14-2002, 05:18 PM
As an FYI, I swapped a 455 out of a '73 Riv into my '70 Skylark, not a single problem, as mentioned by others. There is room to spare under my hood for two A/C compressors, but I got that convertible thing that keeps me cool....so long as I'm moving:TU:
Marco
11-14-2002, 08:52 PM
GONZO said:Could a 455 be squeezed into a 350 engine compartment on a 71 Buick GSX??? With A/C, disc brakes.


see picture of 350 in engine bay here:

http://www.raceway.com/motion/350engine.jpg

Could a 455 get in there????/

That's the engine compartment of the 1971 red GSX clone (Skylark VIN) that was on Ebay. Were you the high bidder GONZO?

Here you go -
GONZO
11-15-2002, 07:35 AM
No, I was not, I did not even bid.
Chris Lott
11-15-2002, 08:09 AM
Gonzo, is yours an original '71 GSX with a 350?
GONZO
11-15-2002, 08:24 AM
Actually, I do not have a GS yet, I was just asking the question, since I have seen quite a few 350 GS cars. And those usually can't sell for much.
Marco
11-15-2002, 08:44 AM
GONZO said:Actually, I do not have a GS yet, I was just asking the question, since I have seen quite a few 350 GS cars. And those usually can't sell for much.

The 350 cars were more common than the 455 cars. You can check out GS production figures on the website in my signature.

Good luck in your search.

PS - It's OK to use at least your first name here so we know who we're 'chatting' with. This is a close community.

Thanks!
Chris Lott
11-15-2002, 11:44 AM
Marco, did that GSX clone on ebay ever sell? I sent him an email about the car but he never emailed me back. I was curious if he ever pulled the auction like he should have.
Marco
11-15-2002, 02:17 PM
Chris Lott said:Marco, did that GSX clone on ebay ever sell? I sent him an email about the car but he never emailed me back. I was curious if he ever pulled the auction like he should have.
The auction continued, and I don't believe the reserve was met. The guy stated he may hold the highest bidder liable to complete the transaction anyway.

I wouldn't be surprised if we see it again.
Chris Lott
11-15-2002, 02:24 PM
Along the same lines, check out this auction and read towards the bottom where he talks about "fake bid buddies." Ebay GTO Judge (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1872707442) Don't really know how to feel about that, I can see where he might be coming from through. It just seems to me that if someone goes to that much trouble, they might be hiding somethin. :puzzled:
GONZO
11-15-2002, 04:55 PM
A Judge clone and not a very good one, as ALL 400ci Judges 69-70 came with a RAM AIR motor, at least a RAIII. That means it has the wrong aircleaner assy right off the bat. RAIII and RAIV's are considerable faster than standard GTO's.

RAIII...different camshaft, Ram Air, different exhaust manifolds, slightly different carb


RAIV..different intake, different heads (much bigger intake ports and round exhaust ports), wild 308/320 duration .527 lift cam,lighter swirl tip valves, forged rods and pistons,4 bolt mains,different exhaust manifolds, Ram Air, different carb, 3.90 / 4.33 gears, 1.65 ratio rockers

among the main differences

The only exception to this was that there were 17 455 non-RA Judges made in 1970
skitzofrenic66
12-05-2002, 01:51 PM
I yanked my tired 350 out and slapped in a fresh 455 with little problems. Changing motor mounts and coil springs were the only hang ups I had. The switch is VERY much worth any work you have to do.