[JLuger]

Looking for opinions . I have a 66 project Goat that nds a motor, came across 2 and can't decide what one to go with this is a back burner kinda driver project, both are Pontiac's one is a 68 350 bored 30 cam a little head work with a edelbrock intake probably 10k on it. Other is a 73 455 with a stock rebuild 15-20k on it. The 350 comes with all the accessory pulleys, alt etc. that I nd 455 is just motor.
Both run good $1200 apiece. My car is a m22 with 3.55's I'm leaning towards the 350 thoughts?

[70gtojosh]

You can't install a smaller engine than what the car came with originally.

[David Jones]

At some point, it’ll be a front burner project, either for you or someone else. 455.

[JLuger]

Am I correct in thinking hp would be close on both. Seeing as the 350 is built a little compared to the stock 455?

[ANDYA]

A 350 can be made to run pretty strong, BUT I would never put one in a real GTO. For me it would have to be a 389 or larger. I think most GTO enthusiasts would feel the same way.

[t money]

455. There getting harder to find making them more valuable so it likely add value to the car if resold.

[67gtospud]

455. When it comes down to it they cost about the same to build. You can probably knock the guy down a little on the 455 since it’s missing parts. You’ll thank yourself later for the 100 extra cubic inches later. Power wise the 455 has more potential per $$$ and will be more fun on the street with the torque it makes effortlessly.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by JLuger

Am I correct in thinking hp would be close on both. Seeing as the 350 is built a little compared to the stock 455?

Yes, horsepower may be about the same. However, horsepower is just a calculated figure: torqueXRPM/5252. Torque is real and that's what moves the car. You will be down 40% with that wimpy 350 vs a 455. Torque is what made Pontiac special and not just a much prettier Chevy. Also, as mentioned, a 350 engine in a real GTO would move it into the "not interested" zone at sale time for many Pontiac people.

[JLuger]

Well I'm listening glad I posted the question I was talking myself into the 350 but really thought the 455 was the way to go.. I was told it was a 71 455 but when I checked it out it was a 73 YC with 4 X heads and stock intake. Not sure of internals and that kinda turned me off. I had a better idea what was in the 350. What's the chances the crank is drilled in the 455 for pilot shaft bushing.
Thanks for all the replies.

[4dblnkldude]

455 fo sho!!!

[1965gp]

Even if it is a stock motor I would go with the 455.

Interestingly enough- I was in the same boat. I have a 66 GTO I am building and the motor was pretty worn and was mixing oil and water. I didn’t want to build a new motor, but after seeing how worn the motor was it was going to need to be replaced. I picked up a strong 350 that dynod 275 at the wheels in a 73 Firebird. The motor in the car had already been bored .60 over.

After asking for lots of advice, it was pretty obvious that I was better off building a spare 400 I had over using the built 350. The 400is at the machine shop now getting a pretty much stock rebuild with a Tri-Power cam.

[tom s]

If your going to sue the M22 you will forsure want the 455.Tom

[F ROCK]

Originally Posted by JLuger

What's the chances the crank is drilled in the 455 for pilot shaft bushing.
.

It's not; but there is a hole there, and you can turn a bushing down to fit in there.
My 350P ran great. Buy them both lol. 350's are great for backup while you're building something.

[1965gp]

Good call. I have two running 350’s on stand by. I think I paid $300 for the last one.

[Hikin Mike]

There's no replacement for DISPLACEMENT.

455.

[JLuger]

Bummer on the crank not being drilled. Okay I'm going to go with the 455!!!!

[67gtospud]

Originally Posted by JLuger

Bummer on the crank not being drilled. Okay I'm going to go with the 455!!!!

It might be but you won’t know for sure until you measure it or try to drop a bearing or bushing into it. As meantioned; if it’s not already turned to size you can just turn a bushing down to fit.

[77 TRASHCAN]

350’s generally can not be given away...
455 is only choice, hope it works out for you!!!
Might offer the seller, maybe $100.00 for the pulleys and brackets off the 350.

[b-man]

After all the 455 and 400 engines are gone we’ll all be running 350s.

Fortunately that day hasn’t arrived yet.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by b-man

After all the 455 and 400 engines are gone we’ll all be running 350s.

Fortunately that day hasn’t arrived yet.

Assuming any are left, Bart. 350Ps get scrapped at an alarming rate.