I posted pretty much the same post on the MTS message board for 500 caddy fans.
Basically I am getting a 72 cutlass with a 455 in need of rebuild. Actually the whole car needs to be put back together almost, but that is another several posts. But I find myself debating the powerplant. Like I said the cutlass has the 455 olds motor in need of a rebuild. But I also have a line on a 500 caddy out of a 72 eldorado. One thing that would make the swap easier is that the front sheet metal is off. SO now is the time to decide this stuff.
The price I can find on rebuild kits for the 455 is roughly 4-500 dollars. This includes cast pistons, which with the driving I do would be enough for my needs. Any better prices or is that about what I can expect?
The 500 probably could run as is for 325$ (roughly). But then I would have the expenses of oil pan and exhaust work. BTW the 455 does have headers so it is good to go from an exhaust stand point. But the 455 would need machine work.
From a price stand point they are probably about equal when everything is added up, with maybe the 500 being a little cheaper. I am leaning toward using the 455 if the block is good. But I have always wanted a 500 caddy powered ride. And I have heard that the 500 gets a little better gas mileage. Neither is an economy motor though.
Main use would be basic driving, not hard racing. Except maybe from stop light to stop light. I basically want a good solid motor with low end power. Either would do that. I just want opinions on what you would do. Helps me figure out what I want to do.
Basically I am getting a 72 cutlass with a 455 in need of rebuild. Actually the whole car needs to be put back together almost, but that is another several posts. But I find myself debating the powerplant. Like I said the cutlass has the 455 olds motor in need of a rebuild. But I also have a line on a 500 caddy out of a 72 eldorado. One thing that would make the swap easier is that the front sheet metal is off. SO now is the time to decide this stuff.
The price I can find on rebuild kits for the 455 is roughly 4-500 dollars. This includes cast pistons, which with the driving I do would be enough for my needs. Any better prices or is that about what I can expect?
The 500 probably could run as is for 325$ (roughly). But then I would have the expenses of oil pan and exhaust work. BTW the 455 does have headers so it is good to go from an exhaust stand point. But the 455 would need machine work.
From a price stand point they are probably about equal when everything is added up, with maybe the 500 being a little cheaper. I am leaning toward using the 455 if the block is good. But I have always wanted a 500 caddy powered ride. And I have heard that the 500 gets a little better gas mileage. Neither is an economy motor though.
Main use would be basic driving, not hard racing. Except maybe from stop light to stop light. I basically want a good solid motor with low end power. Either would do that. I just want opinions on what you would do. Helps me figure out what I want to do.