455 shot after only 100 miles
 

I had my 455 "rebuilt" and only got about 100 miles on it before I broke a rocker stud, bent a pushrod, and lost oil pressure at an idle. Here's a few picks. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c06f6f4d85.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4f0226392e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...026ac2e1f4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...16f41efb76.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ff118d9bc3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c92a5fd09f.jpg


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Sorry to hear about this

Hang in there.

Tom V.

Thanks. The guy offered to do it over for free. But he made so many mistakes, he lost my trust. Just brought it to a new shop this morning. Hoping to have it done in time for Norwalk.


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Wow, quite a mess, sorry for your loss. Hope you are able to salvage somethings.

Good luck Dave, hope you can get it done in short order.

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Geez, what a mess! Hopefully, the new shop can salvage as much as possible and build you a RELIABLE engine.

I think I've seen all those issues before, but never on the same engine. Wow...

Oh my...what a mess...
Not much a guy can do except move on...keep us updated..

I would say that's a wise move

Looks like oil passages not cleaned before assembly, probably installed valve springs that require 1.700" installed height (without actually measuring your installed height). and probably undertorqued rod bolts (maybe ARP's torqued to OEM specs?).

I agree, too many mistakes!

Why are the head gaskets so dirty and oily with only 100 mi on it? Looks like he reused the old gaskets on top of everything else. It doesn't look like any time was spent cleaning the motor after machining (if there was any machining done). You should still see cross-hatching in the bores at 100 mi.

That was a full 7/16" rocker stud that got taken out , or a stocker?
Are those rocker arms made for a full 7/16" stud and you where using stock bottle neck studs?

It's also highly likely that if you where running a non stick Cam that the needs longer push Rods then those stockers!

That's exactly what he did with the spring height. I have since changed to a spring that works with 1.6" spring height, along with 1.65 rockers. Funny thing is that he started out with stock springs and was floating the valves big time. Then he put the stiffer springs on and I broke the stud and bent a push rod. The guy said it's my fault for over revving it. My son removed the valve cover and noticed all the problems. Paul Spotts told us about the spring height issue. So I bought a set of springs from him. After that, it ran better. But we noticed it had no oil pressure at an idle. So we pulled the motor and the very first rod bearing we saw is the on in the pictures.


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Nothing that can't be fixed with time & money.

You've got two other cars you can bring to race at Norwalk - I expect to see you there! ;)

Ouch, sorry to see this. Fours years ago, I had a full tear apart performance rebuild of my 455 at a "reputable" shop in town. Ran like crap at the get-go, got frustrated with the band aid fixes and excuses, and went out of town about 60 miles to another long-time shop. It was totally torn apart again, and there were too many issues. Started from scratch, they did an excellent job, told me to drive it like it was stolen, and I have had a smile on my face since. Good decision on your part.

Jacobs car is going if mines not ready. I don't like the clutch in my 2000 Trans Am.


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Thanks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I've had nothing but bad luck lately. So I really need that to change.


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I know it was a spring issue, not sure about the oil problem, but good custom push rods are cheap insurance. Call Manton and get a set once you know what length you need. Make sure with the 1.65 rockers toy have the clearance for them.

Call Pete - Valley Auto Machine in Seymour