455 build info. ideas, direction for my 65 cat.

[oilcapitalclassics]

My 400 smog engine has a blown head gasket so i used that as an excuse to start on the engine i really want, found a 73 455 long block from a guy at work, it's at the machine shop now for inspection to see if it's a good core. I have limited mech. ability and space but i know what i want and i'm trying to do my research and learn all i can about these engines. A crate engine from Butler or others would surely be easier but i want to have the expierience of putting it all together myself at my pace. The plan is for a big cube torque engine built for drivability and real good power on pump gas but with classic pontiac looks and style to fit my car, it'll have a 66 stock tri power and the edelbrock heads for sure, it's what goes in the middle that i don't know much about, cam specs, rocker ratio that kind of thing, ideally it'll turn about 450 hp and 520 torque. The block is already .30 over with new pistons to match but the honing looks amateurish, currently reading Jim Hands engine book for starters. Anyone know a good combination to get where i want to go? Ideas, Comments, Anything?? Jim

[Stu Norman]

Hi Jim!

This is just my opinion (and admittedly I tend to be conservative when it comes to engine combinations) but this is the route I would follow.

You want to build an engine that makes good low end power and runs good on pump gasoline. For these purposes I think the E-heads are a waste of money. I would instead get a set of late model open chamber heads (6X4 or equal), get them cleaned up and milled for a compression ratio of 9:1. This will allow you to burn premium pump fuel regardless of what section of the country you're in. Plus, I don't think fuel is going to get better anytime soon. If you want the E-heads, shot for 10-10.5:1 C/R, but keep in mind the ports are optimized for higher RPM applications and this may hurt your low end torque.

As for a cam selection. I recommend a stock Pontiac HO cam (068) or equal. 288/302 duration, .408/.407 lift with a 113 LSA. Do not go with a high RPM cam like a RAIV cam. Again, that will kill your low end torque.

Remember, you're building a street engine for a heavy car. Select your parts with that in mind, add to the low end torque when possible. You're not building a high RPM racing engine, you will hardly get over 5000 RPM and will never see 6000 RPM.

If you don't have it yet, add a good dual exhaust system. Have the tripower rejetted for the 455 (it'll probably be a little lean out of the box) and have a blast!

[oilcapitalclassics]

Thanks for the reply, as far as the E heads go, in the past i've had old cadillac heads totally done after one was cracked under a seat and by the time the machine work was done with seats and all they came close to the price of the E heads, so i figure they perform well, they look smoking hot, the price is reasonable and they are NEW. I'm getting a great deal on the tri power and the 455 was darn near free, so i'm okay with the added cost and i was going with the 82cc chamber then have dished pistons to get where i need on the compression. That cam sounds good as long as its not too lumpy, it needs to sound healthy but it is a convert. and the top will never be up so all the noise needs to be out back. I'll put on brand new duals with an X pipe for sure when it's all said and done. Any thoughts on rockers or lifters? Does someone make old style chrome 421 valve covers with a little extra height to clear different style rockers?? Jim

[Stu Norman]

I run an HO cam in my 421 with duals and glasspacks. It isn't real lumpy, but it isn't a totally smooth idle either. It'll sound a little smoother in a 455, more cubic inches tend to smooth out cams.

I'd stay with the standard 1.5:1 rocker arms and stay away from the stresses involved in 1.65:1 arms. Keep your valve springs close to stock, valve seat pressures reasonable and go for a long engine life. remember, this isn't a small block Chevrolet. You will probably never exceed 5500 RPM. You don't need to waste your money on parts that will allow your engine to wind up to 6000 RPM and beyond. The extra lift of the 1.65:1 rocker arms don't do anything for your low end torque anyway.

Jim Hand's book has some excellent engine combinations. I doubt you can find a better book on how to build a Pontiac V-8.

[oilcapitalclassics]

Okay so the h.o. cam sounds like what i need, what lifters are you running in your 421? I looked for a 421 for a very long time but apparently they're made out of solid gold, so here i am with the 455, still haven't heard back from the machine shop to see if it checks out, guess they're busy. On a side note, how do you post pictures on this website? I try to put pictures into the attachment part of the post but it never turns up. Thanks for all the help so far. Jim

[super]

How about a set of Rhoads Lifters? A good set of lifters for the money and help build low end torque.

You probably will build "Plenty" of torque with the 455 alone. Good luck on your build-up. Your 455 will have a lot of mass to move, but you will have a really cool car.

What type of converter a rear gears to you plan to use? These should be important factors for your engine build-up too.

[Larry]

Sure would love to see some pics of your ride. Posting is a simple process.

Look below where it says "browse". Click on that and a window opens for you to locate your picture. Double click the photo file after you locate it or click "open". The file name will show in the "filename" window slot.

Then look a bit further down and click on "Add Attachment". It will chew on it a bit and then the photo toitle will show up in blue under the blue band that says "Posted Attachments".

You can then check your photo with the "Preview" or post with the "Submit".

Note that you photos must be JPGs, which all digital camera shots and scans will be (unles you change them). Size-wise, they will resize themselves to fit if youtry putting in one that is real big. I posted one of our Wallpaper shots that is quite large, and it worked fine.

Give it a whirl, and yell if you need any other help.

[oilcapitalclassics]

Lets try this, if they show up, you will be looking at the car as delivered, it now has 8 lugs and firestone redlines which i will post later. Jim

[Larry]

Try sending me the photo you are trying to post so I can look at it and try posting it.

Send to: info@pontiacregistry.com as an attachment.

We'll get to the bottom of this yet!

Thanks,
Larry

[Stu Norman]

I am running stock 1.5:1 lifters on the 421.

[Larry]

Below are some sharp photos of this unique '65.

[Stu Norman]

That is a sweet ride.

[oilcapitalclassics]

Ok, to Super, i'll probably beef up the t-400 that's in it and maybe find an old safe-t-track for the rear, not hot rod style but more than enough for a very nice power tour kinda vehicle. Stu- thanks for all the help and i'll keep everyone posted on the progress. Larry thanks for posting the pics, don't know why it wouldn't work. The first few pics in the garage are how the car looks now, the pics outside are just before delivery at po's house, new top just put on other than that, the whole thing sat for 2 years under a carport after he quit working on it. The underside is detailed and painted, frame and all but it still needs rust repair in the trunk and rear pans. He did a real good job on the body but used cheap paint, plans are to strip the car down as the engine comes together and tow it back to Okie for mile deep black paint in October do the chrome, stainless and weatherstrip, slap it all back on and drive while saving for the new interior.

[super]

I believe the '65 Pontiac full-size cars are amongst the top Pontiacs ever built.

Great looking car by the way. Painting the car black will make the big machine look sinister.

It is great you have the Turbo 400 transmission. '65 was the first year for that trans. I know a gentlemen about 6 miles from my home that is restoring a '65 Catalina on a budget. White exterior like your car, but it is a hardtop.

He added a B&M shift kit to firm up the shift response. He is now looking at adding headers to the 389.

Good luck on your project.

[super]

Bet it is hard to find a safe-t-track for the full-size cars. It would be great if a company like Powertrax offered an aftermarket unit. I would imagine there would be a very limited demand though. Very limited!

A few years ago I found a safe-t-track in a '65 station wagon. The car is about 7 miles from my home. Can't remember the gear ratio.

What other differentials will bolt under the '65 Pontiacs from other makes?