What combo would you suggest for my .030 455 from my pile of parts? - High Performance Pontiac Forums at High Performance Pontiac Magazine High Performance Pontiac

What combo would you suggest for my .030 455 from my pile of parts?

  
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What combo would you suggest for my .030 455 from my pile of parts?

 
18of17 18of17
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 09/09
Posted: 09/07/09
09:23 PM

I have a .030 455 that currently has 4X heads, stock cam, performer intake, performer carb, stock exhaust manifolds, and was rebuilt (and balanced) about 5000 miles ago with TRW forged pistons, aluminum roller rockers, pretty much stock style innerds (currently low compression).  Performance wise it currently is pretty much a slug.  I have a bunch of old heads around and a couple intakes and cams and would like others input on which to use (if any)... Heads available: 1967 #670s (400 HO), 1968 #16 (RAII), 1971 #96 (400) and technically I do have a set of  1968 #18 (350 HO) but would make compression around 11.5:1 so I can't see using them.  New cam available: Comp Cams 470H (51-222-4 462/470 Int/Ex lift, 262/270 duration).  intakes available: Torker II, Performer, Performer RPM, 1970 455HO.  So, my question to all of you would be:  Is there a combo here that you would try and if so why do you like that combo (or should I sell them all and go with an aluminum head combo)?  Not looking for a race car (it's a 71 Lemans Sport Convertible) but I'd like it to move as good as it looks   ... all advice is appreciated - thank you in advance!  

 
Pontiacman8 Pontiacman8
Guru | Posts: 1417 | Joined: 02/08
Posted: 09/09/09
06:07 AM

All the heads you listed except the #96's will give you too much compression for pump gas.
The #96 heads will give you around a 9.1:1CR.
I would stick with the performer intake.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

 
barneyformula barneyformula
Guru | Posts: 979 | Joined: 01/07
Posted: 09/09/09
12:35 PM

I would think a swap to either the 96's you have or maybe a set of 5C or 6X heads off a 400 along with the cam swap would really wake it up. What trans/converter/gear ratio are you running? Depnding on the cam, you could move up to the Performer RPM, but the Performer should be great for all but the most enthusiastic driving. Maybe a set of headers or Ram Air manifolds if your budget allows.
Steve  
Trying to help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

 
dab_70.goat dab_70.goat
New User | Posts: 11 | Joined: 09/09
Posted: 09/25/09
08:34 PM

Well, I have a70 455 bored.030 with a comp cam xe272, rpm air gap(dual plane intake)
supposedly #16 heads, with a holley 780 vac. sec.You have the combination to make torque at low RPM. Stuff starts breaking when a big block has to wrap up to make power. You better have one hell of a built bottom end.If it were me, knowing what i have learned from my old rod that had a single plane intake, Long duration cam, I would build for torque. It was a4 bolt main 70 lt-1 in a 70 camaro w/ 202 heads and an m-21 trans. It didn't get crazy until around 3500 rpm, then all hell broke loose and it would wrap up quick! I always shifted at 7000 rpm. I wouldn't recommend a daily driver that you had to wrap up to have fun. Man, get a lopey cam that is good with the performer rpm. I had that intake on my 69 396 ss and that car ran very well. This is just my opinion , but you are wise to set out to put the right combo together. Good luck and also listen to these other guys on here because these guys know their stuff. Dave  

 

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