76 Transmode, new motor (455) coming up. looking for options/suggestions.

[heinz wittenbecher]

Hi folks.

I actually have 2 questions that are looking for opionions/suggestions.

The motor swallowed (destroyed) an exhaust valve completely. Some damage to
top of piston, but no holes. I'd like to get a few more miles on it so I'm
considering doing heads/valves on both sides and leave the bottom end alone.

Question one: good idea or bad?

Question two: The coach is on it's second motor, total coach milage 220k+.
What alternatives are there to just rebuilding the 455 again? I've heard
folks have used the 500cu Caddy, a new General Motors V8 (V-Series?) and/or?

I like the Fuel Injection. I added TBFI some years (and miles) back and it
did away with all the smell associated with the canister etc. plus improved
starting so I'm quite happy with it.

Is it still possible to by a brand new 455?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Heinz

***********************************************************************
* Heinz Wittenbecher, Byte Designs Ltd. Voice: (604) 534-0722 *
* heinz Langley, BC CANADA Fax: (604) 534-2601 *
* http://www.bytedesigns.com *

 

[mike finnicum]

Heinz

I don't think you can get a NEW 455 anymore. But maybe someone else out
there knows of a source.

I think where you live and how far you are willing to take the motorhome
will
determine who you can use, and if you could install a motor yourself.

I would definitely use a shop who has done a few GMC rebuilds and
understands
how it's done. I'm sure there are capable shops out there, trouble is you
won't know
until they are done with yours.

Complete Vs Top End
You should rely a little on the advice of the engine shop you choose and how
many
miles already on engine. If a fairly young engine, a top may be just fine.

Some have done the Cady 500, but I have heard more horror stories than good
stories.
The horror stories are mostly regarding difficulty, time and unexpected
costs Vs the
reliability after complete. I would want to talk to some 500 owners who have
gone through the
process.

In Florida you have Sirum and Golby, I have experience with Sirum and he has
a
great reputation. Up north is Cinnabar, out west there is a shop in Colorado
and
also in Calif.

Short of it - picking the right shop and one that is fairly close to you
should you
require follow up work. I would also stay original - 455.

Mike Finnicum
78 GMC Eleganza
Naples, FL

Heinz Wittenbecher Wrote:

>The motor swallowed (destroyed) an exhaust valve completely. Some damage to
>top of piston, but no holes. I'd like to get a few more miles on it so I'm
>considering doing heads/valves on both sides and leave the bottom end
alone.
>
>Question one: good idea or bad?
>
>Question two: The coach is on it's second motor, total coach milage 220k+.
>What alternatives are there to just rebuilding the 455 again? I've heard
>folks have used the 500cu Caddy, a new General Motors V8 (V-Series?)
and/or?
>
>I like the Fuel Injection. I added TBFI some years (and miles) back and it
>did away with all the smell associated with the canister etc. plus improved
>starting so I'm quite happy with it.
>
>Is it still possible to by a brand new 455?
>
>Thanks in advance for your feedback.
>
>Heinz
>
>***********************************************************************
>* Heinz Wittenbecher, Byte Designs Ltd. Voice: (604) 534-0722 *
>* heinz Langley, BC CANADA Fax: (604) 534-2601 *
>* http://www.bytedesigns.com *
>
Mike Finnicum
78 GMC Eleganza
Naples, FL