Hi I just purchased a 1969 Electra 225 (430 big block) and it's my first classic. I'm not sure where to start but I know I just want it to be a car that I could drive on a daily if I wanted to. So I mainly need advice on good engine serums and whatevr other information you may have I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.. Oh also if I wanted to swap the 430 for a 455 how difficult would that be ?
Need help with my first classic Car..
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Dear Kyng,
I'm new around here too and you'll find that there is so much activity that you may not get noticed without asking some more specific questions. A great thing to do is take advantage of the search feature and find out what other folks have done.
I haven't look at your case, but I think it is highly likely that you could swap a 455 for the 430. I'm told that I could at least mount a 455 in my 1965 Buick Special on the same engine mounts even! However, that sure looks like an "extreme fit" to me. For your car it shouldn't be pushing anything.
Welcome aboard and keep asking, eventually you'll find a question that the tickles the fancy of the gurus on the site!
Cheers, Edouard
Dear Kyng,
I'm new around here too and you'll find that there is so much activity that you may not get noticed without asking some more specific questions. A great thing to do is take advantage of the search feature and find out what other folks have done.
I haven't look at your case, but I think it is highly likely that you could swap a 455 for the 430. I'm told that I could at least mount a 455 in my 1965 Buick Special on the same engine mounts even! However, that sure looks like an "extreme fit" to me. For your car it shouldn't be pushing anything.
Welcome aboard and keep asking, eventually you'll find a question that the tickles the fancy of the gurus on the site!
Cheers, Edouard
Welcome to Team Buick !!
The Electra 225 is certainly a top-of-the-line luxury cruiser.
If the 430 in your '69 225 is a good, healthy. running engine, why would you even consider swapping for a 455 ?
The 430 is a very reliable engine and is original to the car. A 430/455 swap is relatively easy, but it's a 'make work' project that will not improve the performance of the car, (imho) !! :thumbsup:
The Electra 225 is certainly a top-of-the-line luxury cruiser.
If the 430 in your '69 225 is a good, healthy. running engine, why would you even consider swapping for a 455 ?
The 430 is a very reliable engine and is original to the car. A 430/455 swap is relatively easy, but it's a 'make work' project that will not improve the performance of the car, (imho) !! :thumbsup:
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Thanks for the info !!
thanks for the welcome, and yes it running the only reason i asked because the guy I'm buying the car from offered to sell me the engine for a very good price but know that i've done a little more research on both engines i don't think i need it. i just need some idea on where would be a good place to start. http://www.teambuick.com/forums/images/smilies/finishflag.gif
other then that the car runs, I need to do some cosmetics maybe a rebuild but thats it for now.
Oh also if I wanted to swap the 430 for a 455 how difficult would that be ?
it's cake. externally, they're the same engine.
you're unlikely to gain anything with the swap though. most of the 455s are low compression engines ( factory rated at 8.5:1 or worse ) while all of the 430s are high compression ( 10:1 ) so what you gain in cubes you give up in compression.
if you ever do a rebuild make sure to look at the FAQ about oil passage upgrades and have a reputable Buick guy build it. if a Chevy guy puts it together it will probably grenade on you.
it's cake. externally, they're the same engine.
you're unlikely to gain anything with the swap though. most of the 455s are low compression engines ( factory rated at 8.5:1 or worse ) while all of the 430s are high compression ( 10:1 ) so what you gain in cubes you give up in compression.
if you ever do a rebuild make sure to look at the FAQ about oil passage upgrades and have a reputable Buick guy build it. if a Chevy guy puts it together it will probably grenade on you.
Thanks for the info... And I guess will need to start the search for a Buick specialist in Cali Asap...