Just about ready to drop the 455 in my GS 350. Still have to replace the resistor wire to the distibutor. Anyway, I'm wondering which set of bolt holes in the block to use for the motor mounts, and where on the crossmember the big block frame pads go. A pic of the location of the frame pads would be a huge help!
Unfortunately our digital camera is on the fritz or I could get a pic for you. My 455 is out and at Jim W's place for repair so the engine bay is open. The motor mounts bolt to the set of holes on the block that put the mount farthest to the rear. The frame pads I believe will only line up one way. The pad on the drivers side overhangs the crossmember to the front a little. It looks weird but it is right. They are not in the same place as the 350 mounts. If you still are unsure maybe someone will come up with a photo. Brian
There's a pic of the frame pads on the buick performance club website. As for the engine mounts, I think I used the forward most set of holes. But don't hold me to it, I'm a little fuzzy on that. http://www.buickperformance.com/
Awe, come on Brian... Just fire up that propane heater, and start scraping, and cleaning. Yes, that front clip in the pic is part of a $$$ frame off GSX, but every car can benefit from some good cleanup and a little paint.. it does wonders.. And your going to need some place nice and clean to set your pretty new motor in! I would guess it would take you about 20 hours to clean up your engine compartment to make it look very respectable, and a few cans of paint. Not much $$ (unless you go with all the plating and rebuilding) just a lot of elbow grease. JW
I am going to try and get it more respectable just in case you won't let me have the motor back until the engine bay looks good enough! I was going to use Eastwood products and was wondering should I use semi-gloss or satin? I have used some satin on the radiator top and other items in the past and I like the finish. Not too shiny, (which seems to show imperfections) and not too flat. I know that I am not looking totally original anyway with the motor, but I like the original but somewhat modified look. The huge honkin' PST sway bar kinda gives the suspension away. What color is the power brake booster supposed to be anyway? Brian :grin:
Oh also I am going to replace all the brake lines and the porportioning valve while it is out. I had to replace the front to rear line last summer ( knocked a hole in it putting in a replacement crossmember!) and the connections were so rusty at the valve I figure that now is the time to replace the rest. I will never get that valve apart with the motor and headers in place! The headers are hitting the corner of the valve as it is. I did replace the front brake hoses when I did the front suspension. Brian
Jim, Thanks for that picture. It will help immensely. You are my new hero.............:grin: :grin: :grin:
He is my hero also! I was lucky enough to have him at my house last weekend to pick up my 455. It was really a great experience. I can't wait to see him again! Brian
