Can you guys tell me the history of this engine. Would it make a good starting point for a mild marine engine?

Mike

Very weak bottom end. They can mke good power but you have to put some money into the block and rotating assembly to make any reliable power. They are not a bad engine and can realy make some good power with good heads and intake.

olysan,
These are the folks ( TA Performance/link below) to talk to on Buick hi performance. They did a 455 build up for a magazine article a couple of years back that made hp 563@ 5,500 Tq 576@ 4,700 and over 500 lb-ft for the entire range of the pull on the Westech dyno. They also addressed the lubrication issue in detail. I have the build sheet, parts and price list, cam profile and dyno sheet somewhere if you are interested I can probably get a copy to you.
Hope this helps,
Bob
http://www.taperformance.com/

Better yet here is a link directly to the article! Very good information here.
Bob
http://www.taperformance.com/page_1.htm

Buick stage 1/stage 2 is the best motor from the muscle car era. Only prob is the weak oiling system and the block has to be girdled to hold up over 600hp reliably. TA performance (ask for Mike) is the man. Automotive Machine and Performance are also guru's. Parts are spendy, but they have an unreal flat torque curve. You wouldn't be dissapointed.........

they run those engines allot in the jet boats out west check out www.hotboat.net

Thanks guys. Great link, and man what a sweet buildup they did.

Back in the 70s a lot of jet boats came with 455 Olds engines. I don`t recall ever seeing one with a 455 Buick though.

Ditto.........

The "455" that everyone has in their jetboats, is an OLDSMOBILE.

Buicks do have a WEAK bottom end. It can be strengthened, but $$$ are involved.

If you do want to build a Buick engine, TA is the leader. Mike (owner) will advise you on do`s and dont`s. He is very friendly and knowledgable.

Another good link for parts and info. Mike
http://www.mondellotwister.com/