Ok, I bought a Buick 455 out of a '76 electra.  From recent information given to me, I've come to find that this monstorous beauty is pusing a whooping 205 HP and a rock spitting 340 ft/lbs(or there abouts.)  Wow, i'm guessing that dissappoined is an understatement for this big block. So my question is, what can I do to this beast to make it more, beast like? Now, in case you are wondering, it is going into a 1986 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, 2 door 4x4. It is also connected to a Turbo 400 that came with it. If you Have any information on what i should do to it, feel free to let me know. And by all means, feel free to talk my ear off, any info will be greatly appreciated. I'm currently deployed in Iraq so I'll have plenty of time to ponder the fate of this huge under powered powerplant.

thanks

andy  

First, determine if it needs a rebuild.  Putting power parts into a worn out engine is a waste of time and money.  Then, decide how you're going to use it - I would think with a 4x4, you'll want more torque than top end power for towing, offroading, etc.  That determines what parts you use.  The basic recipe is always the same - carb, intake, heads, cam, headers, and dual exhaust.  The specific parts depend on your horsepower vs torque decisions (and your budget).  Check with Summit and Jegs (summitracing.com and jegs.com).  They both have plenty of parts for your engine and they have tech departments that can help you choose the right ones.  Motors from the late 70s were choked with smog equipment and low compression to meet emission standards.  Ditch the smog stuff (if your local laws allow it), boost the compression with modern heads, pick a cam to match your rpm and power needs, and have a blast.  The 455 can be built to pull like a freight train.  Also make sure that the rest of the drivetrain can handle it.  Blazers aren't exactly performance cars.  Good luck with it.  Be safe.  

i bought my first BUICK hot rod parts in 1972 from KENNE-BELL in calif.they now make blowers but also still have 455 parts.also check POSTON ENTERPRISES i think they are in ala.the 455 buick make tons of torque and h.p.with the right parts.  

You gotta remember, the '76 engines were smog choked, so the power numebrs are that impressive. Essentially though, that motor is the same as the better performing 455 Buick engine in 1970.

The great thing is, when you yank off the smog equipment, the power levels come up quickly. Some other basic power improvements, and you'll have a screamer. Edelbrock makes new aluminum heads for the 455 Buick, that's one of the first mods I'd suggest. That with a healthy hydraulic cam, and you'll be happy.  

Compression and a weak cam is what is killing the engine most. I'd start with a cam upgrade, but you can't get to radical with the 7.5:1 compression.  Heads and pistons for more compression with the cam would do wonders.  If you get heads check for some minor water passage issues (search it on the internet) with the block.  Those are the two biggest issues, intake and headers next if you want to go that far.  

the later block(75-76)is a little better than older because it has bigger oil passages(9/16 vs.1/2)they make killer power.most people dont know the buick heads have 15 degree valve angle.lots of potential.also check T/A enterprises.lots of BUICK parts.