455 engine value?

68vert

Member
I'm thinking about going with a built 455 instead of an LS. What should I expect to pay? I found a '71 TR code complete that the guy is asking $1200 for (link below)....however its been sitting for 20 years so it's a rebuilder in my mind. I thought I'd find a handful for sale but they're far from common! Thanks in advance.
 
I did some creative googling and found a few. $1200 seems pretty high in comparison to others I see. I'll be patient and keep looking. However the engine in question is close enough to drive down and pick up....unlike the others.
 
Yes, it sounds high. When you're looking hard the prices are always up. You should find a builder at a steal as low as a couple of hundred dollars up to a still reasonable maybe 6 hundred or so. If someone had bolted an aluminum intake on it, or rocker covers etc. that you found value in, maybe a little more.
 
Thanks for the input Bob! I'm not in a hurry but I'll keep my eyes open. I'm sure something will pop up locally eventually.
 
I wouldn't pay more than 300.00 for any BBB engine core, and that is what they are unless you can hear them run. The best cores to build are the 75-6 engines. It really depends on how much power you are looking to make as well. Core shift can disqualify an engine block if it is severe enough. If you want to make north of 500 HP, you are looking at well ported iron heads, or aluminum heads. The LS engines will be the cheaper way to go, make no mistake about that. Some good information in these threads,


 
If you are going to go with a 455 engine you should look for a 1970 engine which does not have the EGR system on it which came out in 1971 and this was the start of emissions and it took away the true muscle power from this engine. Parts are not compatible from the early years to the later years. They are a great engine and getting harder to find. A complete engine recondition with cost you over $3000 and that is you putting the engine back together and not including engine performance parts and additions.
 
HP dropped after 1970 more as a result of lower compression ratios as well as emissions equipment, but emissions equipment is easily removable, and parts are compatible from 67-76 engines, it is just a matter of using the correct gaskets. While 70 heads have the smallest chambers, Buick dropped CR mostly with pistons, and 71-74 heads have the same performance potential. 75-76 blocks are the frequently the ones with the most beef and lowest amount of core shift, the heads are open chamber, and useless for performance applications. These days, it is EASY albeit expensive to bui 550+ HP with 10.5 compression and aluminium heads, with 470 and 482 stroking options. We have customized pistons and drop in rods to make big power.
 
I wouldn't pay more than 300.00 for any BBB engine core, and that is what they are unless you can hear them run. The best cores to build are the 75-6 engines. It really depends on how much power you are looking to make as well. Core shift can disqualify an engine block if it is severe enough. If you want to make north of 500 HP, you are looking at well ported iron heads, or aluminum heads. The LS engines will be the cheaper way to go, make no mistake about that. Some good information in these threads,


Thanks Larry! Good info!
 
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