should i keep my 430 engine

My buick has a 430 that i have recently pulled out. Im wondering if i should change to a 455 or if i make enogh changes, can get around up to 500 hp. also what kind of tranny would you recomend for my 69 buick rivera. any imput will be greatly appreciated.

If you're not concerned with Originallity, I'd switch to the 455... Of course, you can bolt on the 430 valve covers and only you would know...hehe. although the 430 shares the 455's block so all the bolt on performance parts are the same, you might as well start off with the larter bore, and go from there. Run the part#s on you heads for the 430, some were nicer flowing heads and would work better on the 455. Providing they're OK and not cracked.


Keep the TH400... Pleanty strong. If you want something cool, have it sent out and converted to a "Switch Pitch". This type of Torque converter allows you to manually switch to a higher stall for those "More Aggressive" take offs. Then it'll switch to the lower stall for better milage & highway performance.