Looks like I will be going big block (454)

[t76turbo]

My truck is currently a small block truck with the newer vortec heads (center bolt covers) and a 700r4.

I have read a number of threads on going to big block so I am not necessarily asking how to do it. But just asking opinions on a couple things.

I have a chance to buy a newer 454 that was rebuilt about 10k miles ago for around a grand. Complete motor from oil pan to air filter. I will do a compression check on it and look it over well to double check it is what they say it is.


1) Anything different with going to 454 versus other big blocks? most of the threads I have seen are about 402.

2) Anyone got recommendations on a new cam and intake/carb combo I could go to? I want a little lope to the idle. And want to get rid of the cast iron intake and holley carb thats on it.

[Blue Rat]

Lets start simply. What do you want to do with it, as for as performance wise? There is not alot of difference between the 454 an 402. Just different CID an stroke plus a few more things. For the most part on the outside they are the same.

[t76turbo]

It will be a driver. No racing and no heavy towing. No race gas etc. Pump gas only.

I want a little extra go above and beyond the 350.

[Blue Rat]

Originally Posted by t76turbo

It will be a driver. No racing and no heavy towing. No race gas etc. Pump gas only.

I want a little extra go above and beyond the 350.

How many $$$$ are we talking? It makes a big difference.

[t76turbo]

I dont want to spend a fortune. The engine is supposedly already freshened up and painted. So I was hoping for a cam, intake, and carb swap to give it just a little extra and have a nice lope. At one point I thought about one of the EZ EFI setups. But I think carb would be better.

[cpetersen]

Need to find out what kind of heads it has too. For the street ovals are the best. el brock has a real nice air gap for that motor. Im running a 268 xe comp, it is noticeable idle but keeps the vacuum under control. I dont know if that 700 can handle it. P.S> make sure they are not peanut heads.

[stich626]

iron intake on a "newer" 454
the heads are "most likely" gonna be peanut ports..
low end torque they're GREAt
performance, sorry..

[t76turbo]

Any way to tell which ports without pulling it apart?

It is currently running in the guys truck (friend of a friend).

I said newer. But I will ask to confirm.
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[COBRO]

pop a valve cover and get the ID number off the head - somebody here will be able to tell you what it is - with a newer bbc more than likely they will be peanut port as they went to them in the mid 70s and thats all they made after that. CB

[t76turbo]

Well, I didnt get to pull a valve cover but after driving the truck it is in now and looking it over, I may end up passing.

Without doing a compression check and checking the bearings, the motor is not what the friend of a friend was told about it. It is a big block. But I wouldnt trust just cleaning it up, popping in a new cam along with new intake and carb, and putting it in.

So for what the guy wants for it ($1100 now without trans), I may pass and wait for another big block or an LS swap.

For that kind of price, do you guys think it would be worth pulling essentially to use it as a core? Again, not 100% sure on which style heads. If it is close, I can have my friend pull a valve cover for me and get the casting number. If its not worth it either way then I wont even bother him.

[cableguy0]

No way. A bbc does usually pull a premium but 1100 bucks for a possible boat anchor is ridiculous. For that money you can get an ls engine.

[t76turbo]

Thats kind of what I was thinking. At least I know it runs. I actually drove the truck. It ran ok. Lots of torque. And that was in a short bed, single cab dually. But I dont think it is the low mile engine he initially told me he thought it was.

[stich626]

ls is great and all but wil never pull like a bbc

[stsalvage]

if your looking for a big block Look in the craigs list in car's and trucks for sale.But the suburban truck for 800.00 its all there you get motor and trans and even tho some people like the one peace seal 454 they have 1 prob the cranks are weak the 1973--86 454 are the better blocks better webbing in the block and the casting is way better Harder metal.Plus most people that had a 1979--86 suburban did not abuse it they drove it but And say away from the 4X4 modals those where abused and the trans is way difference then the 2 wheel drive and get the one that is a 1/2 ton if possible but 3/4 ton will work

[prostreetC-10]

Not only that but if you got a great stump pullin' combo out of it you'd be replacing that R4 too!

[t76turbo]

Originally Posted by stsalvage

if your looking for a big block Look in the craigs list in car's and trucks for sale.But the suburban truck for 800.00 its all there you get motor and trans and even tho some people like the one peace seal 454 they have 1 prob the cranks are weak the 1973--86 454 are the better blocks better webbing in the block and the casting is way better Harder metal.Plus most people that had a 1979--86 suburban did not abuse it they drove it but And say away from the 4X4 modals those where abused and the trans is way difference then the 2 wheel drive and get the one that is a 1/2 ton if possible but 3/4 ton will work

Thanks for all the details. I will start calling around. I appreciate it. Thats a lot of help.

[t76turbo]

While I'm looking, are there any places that sell short or long blocks using the better heads?

I googled on this site and am finding lots of newer stuff mentioned on the internet. But anyone you guys might recommend specifially?