hello I'm still kind of new around here, I have a 72 skylark 350 350 turbo. I recently aquirred a 455 and turbo 400 both are going to be completely gone through and rebuilt to my spec. my questions are as follows 1. what all is need to complete this swap? 2. with solid heads and cam package(suggestions needed) what kind of number will i be putting down? 3. what would be a good direction to go with this motor as far as rebuild and everything? 4. what kind of cash am I looking at to run 11-12's? I really want to drive this car on the street but haul major:moonu: at the track sorry for so many questionsou: I think this forum rocks thanks in advance!
Carl Check this out for complete instructions. http://www.buickperformance.com/conversi.htm As far as engine build ups, it all depends what you're looking to spend. It doesn't really cost a fortune to go 11's, but with a Buick you must buy quality the first time or you will the second time. The first order of business is to ID the year of the 455 that you have. Get the codes from the deck surface between #5 & #7 to the rear of the dipstick hole. Two letters in caps will give the year and application of the motor. The preferred year being '70 ONLY because it's an okay block but good heads. If it's later than '70, it's a better block but worse heads(less compression). The '68 430 heads flowed slightly better than the '70 head, but the '70 head is easier to find, cheaper and is rare to find a cracked one. Look here for the engine code.
it's the original motor out of a 72 225 :ball: low compression I know but I think after a little massage we can make a stout little motor....
I forgot one thing. You'll need a short shaft TH400 for this car. There are three versions, short, medium and long shaft. The short shaft tail housing is about 6". The medium is about 9" and the long is about 13". They'll all work but you'll have to cut a driveshaft to fit. The short shaft is a drop in fit. You can get a factory driveshaft easily. For an 11's motor, 9.5:1-10.0:1 compression, mildly ported heads, decent intake, AT LEAST 850 cfm carb, headers, good ignition and a hydraulic cam around 230-238* at .050 and your in the ball park. Gears? Your car came with an 8.5" rear from the factory. Check it for posi and what gear you already have. With the engine package that'll get you in the 11's, you'll probably need 3.42-3.73's with a 3000-3500 stall. Let us know more info on your motor and drive train and you'll get lots of advice.:TU:
Nothing wrong with a '72 at all. You'll definately need 10.0:1 FORGED pistons and a set of '70 heads. Easily found. The '72 block is beefier and has the larger oil passages. That's good. Pistons and heads can be bought ready to go.
Geez! I almost forgot. If you still have that 225 available, check the throttle cable. If its an accelerator cable, TAKE IT WITH YOU!!! If it's a steel rod don't worry about it. The Electra cable is 1" longer than the Skylark cable and you'll need it if you buy a TA intake manifold. In this photo you'll see the steel accelerator rod that goes to the carb linkage on '70 Electra's. I think '72's have a cable that YOU WILL NEED!
