I am kind of scared of how much of a fight uninstalling and reinstalling the frame pads is gonna be. Any advice/tips? Appreciate it. -Nick
Yes, be patient. I probably had the engine out/in about 6-7 times due to trying to get the headers, etc to fit. Yours may be a better fit as your using exhaust manifolds. Also, don't get carried away trying to center/level the engine like I did. In the end I got it to where it looked decent and went with it and it worked out alright.
im in the same boat, no heater box and 2" headers. had to do a lot of grinding and banging but the headers went in there.and yes be prepared to take it in and out a couple times like monkey says.:3gears:
I don't get why you're even bothering with a 455 its not like its going to beat a 4.3 Vortec.......:laugh:
I took out the turbo V6 to put the 455 in , and I thought the swap was pretty easy. I used the spray piant to mark the frame pads. ( used T/A's mount kit) Left the trans in place to help line things up. Took A/C out so no issues there. Used upper and lower radiator hoses from a 71 GS 455 perfect fit, like it was made for my Regal. Used T/A 2" headers, the only clearance problem was the upper control arm on passenger side. Since I didn't want to beat the header for clearance I got a set of tubular upper control arms and problem sloved. I took the power steering and the power brakes out and was able to use the stock 20 year old V6 front springs. The car weighted 3450 with the V6 with P/S, P/B and A/C. With the 455 less that stuff the car now weights 3460. Both weights are with me in car.
If you have the time dig through my thread, it isnt the same but it might help. Its in the hyperlink below. Like Monkey said "don't over think it" . If you don't have a bunch of help or resources I would put the 350 in it. My old roomate swaped his v-6 for a 350 and it was pretty easy. The 455 will take some work. Drive shaft length, pinion angle, cross member, motor mounts etc. The 350 will live longer as the 455 will put a bit more strain on your rear end and tranny. :3gears: