Last November, Mike Mavrigian, HRR’s tech editor, asked Hotrod & Restoration readers, in addition to his Precision Engine readers, to offer suggestions as to what type of engine he should build next. The response he received was overwhelming, with readers and Facebook fans suggesting everything from Ford Y-blocks to Buick Nailheads to 347 Ford strokers.
“It was actually somewhat surprising (and good news as well) that interest in older, classic engine platforms remains strong,” Mavrigian wrote in a recent blog post on http://www.precisionenginetech.com/.
Due to the many requests for a nostalgia engine build project, Mavrigian has decided to build a “vintage” Pontiac 455, which he said is one of the current nostalgia-favorites for both street rodders and drag racers.
“Naturally, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing to a bit of excess, so I plan to overbore and increase stroke, and to take full advantage of current technology to enhance performance, while maintaining enough of a vintage flavor to make the build appealing to both the restoration and rodder crowd,” Mavrigian wrote.
The stock bore and stroke for the 455 engine will be 4.151 inches/4.210 inches.
“Depending on the block that I locate, I’ll plan to overbore by +0.060 inch or more (I’ll know better after performing a sonic wall-thickness check). I’ll likely stroke to either 4.250 or 4.500 inches,” he wrote.
As with all of his project engine builds, Mavrigian will photograph and document each part of the prep and build on his Precision Engine website. He promises to include all of the engine’s specifications, final clearances, OEM casting numbers, aftermarket component part numbers, torque specs and more.
“I’ll provide a complete road map for the buildup of the ‘ol Indian Big Block, incorporating today’s technology to enhance durability and performance,” he wrote. “I’m in the process of locating a core long or short block as we speak.”
For more updates on this engine build, keep checking www.precisionenginetech.com.
Tags: Custom Engines, Engine Builders, Engines, Mike Mavrigian, Nostalgia Engines, Precision Engine, Project Builds
