Hi All,
There has been talk about the use of neoprene seals on the 455 engine to
replace the original rope seal. As far as I know the major advantage of the
neoprene over the rope is less drag ( read that as less power draw only in a
search for max HP), they are also easier and perhaps less intimidating than
the procedure for installing the rope. As I recall if the seal is to be
replaced in an assembled engine a tool resembling a chinese finger puzzle is
used to snake the seal around the upper half, additionally bearing caps must
be loosened, and ends must be carefully adjusted and cut.
Years ago I was building up a strong Pontiac 455, which used a rear rope
seal At that time a firm by the name of H&O Pontiac were the Gurus of great
running Ponchos, they sold a myriad of parts to improve the engines, they
also had a great Tech manual. One item they sold was a rear neoprene seal
designed like the Chevy . I installed that seal, mainly because it was state
of the art, modern as compared to the rope. Boy was I wrong, from the first
start (unfortunately after I installed the engine in my Trans Am ) it went
drip,drip, from the rear main. After work I pulled the engine, and removed
the neoprene seal, and replaced it with the rope type.A lot of work. I dont
know if the problem was crank surface, or the seal. Something to think
about!
Mark '77 Palm Beach LINY
There has been talk about the use of neoprene seals on the 455 engine to
replace the original rope seal. As far as I know the major advantage of the
neoprene over the rope is less drag ( read that as less power draw only in a
search for max HP), they are also easier and perhaps less intimidating than
the procedure for installing the rope. As I recall if the seal is to be
replaced in an assembled engine a tool resembling a chinese finger puzzle is
used to snake the seal around the upper half, additionally bearing caps must
be loosened, and ends must be carefully adjusted and cut.
Years ago I was building up a strong Pontiac 455, which used a rear rope
seal At that time a firm by the name of H&O Pontiac were the Gurus of great
running Ponchos, they sold a myriad of parts to improve the engines, they
also had a great Tech manual. One item they sold was a rear neoprene seal
designed like the Chevy . I installed that seal, mainly because it was state
of the art, modern as compared to the rope. Boy was I wrong, from the first
start (unfortunately after I installed the engine in my Trans Am ) it went
drip,drip, from the rear main. After work I pulled the engine, and removed
the neoprene seal, and replaced it with the rope type.A lot of work. I dont
know if the problem was crank surface, or the seal. Something to think
about!
Mark '77 Palm Beach LINY
