454 Engine Upgrade, Build or Buy?

[MudFrog]

For a while there I was going to do a caddy 500 but I decided against it due to several issues (fitment, cost, parts limitations, etc..). So I'm going to build a 454. Now the question is should I buy a used one and build it up or should I buy a block and slowly add components as I see fit. It will be next year before I do the swap. One big factor is if I set the money aside I'm kinda worried it would get spent on something else so thats a big reason as to why I'm leaning towards buying the engine in pieces, a little here a little there and by next year I should have most of whats needed.

The other reason is because I can decide what goes in it. The only problem that worries me is will it cost a lot more to do it this way? I was looking around on ebay and they had used blocks that look to be in rough shape for around $400, they would need to be checked over etc and I'm not sure what that would cost.

Ideally I would like it to have around 400 HP and 500 ft lbs of torque. Plus I would like to hit it with around a 100 HP shot of NOS. The NOS would rarely be used but I want it available if I need to use it in a mud pit.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

 

[ratzila]

I bought my 454 for $1100 complete from a friend of mine. I actually put few $ more as in adding cam,lifters, intake,carb,distributer,& timing gear. Money well spent for what I wanted.I'm very happy with the performance /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[big pappa b]

I agree, just keep an eye out and check the local papers and websites. You can find some good deals rather than building. For a 454 you can reach the numbers you want very easy. How much you looking to spend? I can check in Delaware for ya. Seems like there is always some deals in the paper

 

[MudFrog]

I've seen some on ebay for under 2k, I want to spend as little as possible /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif, but I do not want to sacrifice quality so I will spend what needs to be spent for a good strong engine.

I still need to do the research on how much it will cost to make it work in my truck as well. Anyone have a how to for 87-91 blazers?

 

[Emmettology 101]

A friend of mine has a Vortec 454 out of a 2K 3/4 for sale. Still has the manifolds and injection on it. You'd need to find a computer and harness.

 

[MudFrog]

I'd jump on it if I didn't have Christmas presents to buy for the kids /forums/images/graemlins/doah.gif

I plan on doing something the first of next year, just planning ahead.

 

[Z3PR]

I've bought beater 2wd trucks with running 454 engines for under $500.00 before. If you can find one, pull the 454, and part out the rest of the truck too recover some money. I'd go the rought of a used running engine and rebuild/build it up.

 

[Emmettology 101]

[ QUOTE ]
I'd jump on it if I didn't have Christmas presents to buy for the kids /forums/images/graemlins/doah.gif

I plan on doing something the first of next year, just planning ahead.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well he probably will still have it. He has advertised or anything. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[MudFrog]

Any idea what he wants for it?

 

[Emmettology 101]

I think he'd like ot get around $3k for it. If memory serves me, I think it has around 6k miles on it.

 

[Burt4x4]

You are at were I was 1 year ago. I ended up getting a complete, running when pulled, 454 for $175. The deals are out there. My plan was to spend only what I needed to make it a very reliable and strong BBC. I'm like you, saving money or putting it aside is always hard cuz ,life happens, and the truck fund gets raided to pay bills or whatever /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif
Keep in mind not to buy any parts for the engine until you know what ALL the parts are. They need to all match. I started from the intake on down. So build a blueprint, get part Numbers, find out what works best for your neededs...find a complete 454, you will need all thoes brackets, tick tock tick tock is all that is left hehehe
Good luck
Burt

 

[MudFrog]

Sounds good Burt.. I'm with you Bills suck and having 3 kids under 5 my money tends to drift away from the truck /forums/images/graemlins/doah.gif, something always comes up.

I guess buying a running 454 and adding the components I need is the best way to go.

Any years to stay away from? Any better then others or is a 454 pretty much a 454?

 

[6.2Blazer]

I would have to also recommend trying to find a complete engine to start with. The trouble with starting with a bare block is that all of the little odds and ends can really add up in the end.

 

[mudjunkie 82]

I would find a nice 454 with heads and build it the way you want it. A 2 bolt main block would be fine for your Appication.

 

[Burt4x4]

I don't know much about 454s but they did come with two different heads(probly more than two but..) one is called peanut port and the other is oval port. The oval port is the most desirable, massive air flow. I didn't know this when I bought my 454, it ended up haveing the big oval port heads, cast# 336781.There is another oval cast mnumber but I don't remember it..041 or 046 I think are the last three digits..I can't remember...
The engine I got was a '74.

 

[k20]

049 and 781 are the most desireable big oval ports, they have the highest flow potential, esp when you put in 2.19/1.88 valves. There are otehr large oval ports, but none near the 049/781's. Peanut ports are great if you dont want to get above 3500-4000rpm, cause the ports are so small it keeps the velocity way up, and will help build torque. However, IMHO 049/781 are the only way to go.

 

[steve_kibbe]

/forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif

I'm biulding my BBC and just looked to see that my heads are the 781's /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

 

[Burt4x4]

Did you say big valves? hahahha
Here is a shot of my 781 head with 'big' valves put in /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

I can't wait to drive it /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif

 

[madmike]

Like was posted, try to buy a complete vehicle with a 454. It will be intact with all accessories, whether it runs or not, who cares as long as the price is right. I have less than 4K in mine, and its bored and stroked to a 489. It makes gobs of power just off idle, a rough estimate is probably at least 450 ft lbs torque around 1000-2000 rpm range, according to some magazine buildups I generally followed. Mine is still Q-jet carbureted, but I am pleased with the way it runs. Good Luck!

 

[k20]

are those 2.19's or are those 2.25's?