I purchased a 72 Riv GS motor, that has a bad piston. My plan was to replace one piston and just get it going, but its proving difficult to find 020 over pistons. However I found a local guy with 2 455 motors. One is together missing intake and the other one is all apart. Both are 1241735 so are 72-76 blocks. My questions are 1 - Can I use my 72 heads on any 72-76 block? 2 - I have an aluminum edelbrock intake, but will any 72 - 76 iron intake work with the 72 heads if I decide to go that route? Im basically looking for a nice block and rotating assembly that I can use with the 72 heads to put together a modestly cheap motor until such time when I can do a rebuilt.
Yea I'm pretty sure youn can make it happen, Those already have the smog holes EGR stuff, but your intake will cover it, make sure you get the right intake gasket though, as for the heads, not too sure but there really shouldnt be any reason for them not to bolt on
The 72 heads will work on any 455 block. Im almost positive any 72 to 76 intake will work on 72 heads. 71 and 70 455 uses a different intake gasket. Hope this helps, Tony
Thanks everyone! I have not confirmed the year of the second block this guy has... but I know its 72-76. Im thinking I'll be taking a little road trip to take a look at them.
If the heads are double scallop and the block is single scallop then it will not work unless you plug one of the holes in the head. I believe if you put earlier heads on later block it is no problem. Check out post number 113 on this thread to understand what I am talking about.
From Greg Gessler's website: 1967 thru early 1972 head castings can be installed on late 1972 thru 1976 blocks. Just be sure NOT to use the steel shim head gasket Late 1972 thru 1974 heads can be installed on 1970 thru early 1972 blocks, IF the center two, round coolant passages are plugged in the head. Devon
Ok... so if I read this correctly... "early 1972 head castings can be installed on late 1972 thru 1976 blocks. Just be sure NOT to use the steel shim head gasket" These heads were on a 72 861 block. Is it safe to assume the heads are "early" 72's? There are no passages where the scallop(s) are on the block. So it seems these heads could be used all 72 and up blocks - provided felpro (non steel shim) head gaskets are used. Seems right. I had to think it out and type it with pictures to confirm. :beer
To add further clarification and for anyone else thinking about the same there, here's a 72 vs 73 heads. On the 73's you can see the 2 water passages that will dump coolant into the valley
One question.. just out of curiosity. Whats so different about steel shimmed gaskets and why cant they be used? Its not that I want to or plan to use this type, but just curious... Turns out both the blocks the guy has are 73's so Im hopefully going to strike a deal with him tomorrow..Then try to get them home in the back of my explorer! o No:
The old steel shim gaskets will not seal the two side-by-side coolant holes shown in the 2nd pic at 6 o'clock. The aftermarket gaskets cover these holes. Devon
question for you. i have a set of 661 casting heads, which tell me its a 71 head, also 71 455 block, im using the thin steel head gaskets will there be a problem.
Well I did it... Got both 73' 455's for $180 One is all complete minus intake and carb The other is fully disassembled. The block has rust on the cylinders but should clean up with boring, but I wont use this block. (well maybe just as a mock up block for engine test stand) This block came with really nice valve covers, and oil pan which I will use. All the pistons are there, crank, cam, oil pick up etc. I plan to use the one that's all together as the base for use with my 72 heads and Edelbrock Intake. I have a carb off a sbb to use for testing on an engine stand (currently under construction). I'll plan on a 800fcm at a later time when Im closer to getting this in the car. Im being as frugal as I can on this build... and once tested, then I'll go for a final tear down, and new water pump, timing chain, a good cleaning and a fresh coat of Buick red :laugh: Oh yeah.. and a professional inspection and clean up of the Heads. Wish me luck!
