Hey socalboaters. I recently purchased the boat my uncle has owned since I was in diapers. 22 foot 73 Kona daycruiser. It is a project. I do believe the 455 has been rebuilt 3 times in the past. If I am right that's about the limit. Anyhow I want to drop a 454 in it's place I hear it can be a pain the arse considering this is my first boat. I have 455 stripped down to the block Pryor to purchasing the 454 what parts am I gonna need to set this 454 in place and have hook up with little or no problems.

http://www.socaljetboats.com/projects/455-swap-to-454/?PHPSESSID=i4a7lp2jpbbeab35qsm2vhuij1

http://www.socaljetboats.com/engine-mechanical-electrical/glencoe-motor-swap/

http://www.socaljetboats.com/engine-mechanical-electrical/455-olds-vs-454-chevy/

Here are a few links from past threads. If you go to the home page and do a search for 455 swap, you’ll get a lot more info.
Basically to do the swap, you’ll need everything but the carb for a Chevy. Mounts, water pump block off, PTO (the piece that mounts the drive shaft to the flywheel), exhaust. The Chevy mounts and exhaust might not line up. Assuming you have through-transom exhaust, it’s a possibility you’ll have to figure out how to make the exhaust line up.
There was a great article in HotBoat magazine that is mentioned in one of the links above. But the link didn’t work. I’m pretty sure I still have the magazine. I’ll see if I can find it and scan it.
On the Olds, it might still be rebuildable. Just because it was rebuilt, doesn’t mean they removed a lot of material. Unless you have the paperwork detailing what the machinist did, the only way to tell would be to take it apart and mic everything. An Olds can be a great engine, with the right machine work and modifications. It’s always been a big debate when people mention swaps.
Do your research. It’s definitely a project. But not impossible.

olds engines are highly under estimated. the reason they were used is the torque level. it does not take that much to build one . plus you have everything. i would look to see what you have before you start looking to replace with a different brand.


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