454 swap questions

[79' Gmc Jimmy]

I am new too this stuff and i just blew up my 400 Small Block and i am trying to figure out if i should just rebuild the 400 or should i go the the 454BBC how hard is it to do the swap should i find a truck with a 454bbc init so when i do the swap i will have everything and and tips or tricks what year 454 should i be looking for ??
thanks for any and all help

 

[4x4shortbed]

Motor mounts are the same & so is the bell housing, so it's mostly a direct swap. You need the exaust hooked up(headers make it easy). You don't really need a whole truck, just the engine(complete) and be sure you have a good radiator. If your truck came stock with a 400 sbc it may have the 4 core radiator like the 454 trucks. It's so simple of a swap it's not even funny!

IMHO bigger is better, I'd go 454. If you have to build it, I'd look into an inexpensive cast 496ci stroker crank. Cheap torque/horsepower. I've had good luck with using GOOD used engines with just headers & intake/carb.

If you want to be really cool, drop in a Cadillac 500ci! Thats not hard either!

Later- John

 

[79' Gmc Jimmy]

oh oka that does seem easy thanks man so my 4spd will bolt right to it i dont need a bigger bell housing

 

[mnstrburbon]

just did the swap and no problems i did upgrade the cooling as stated but everyhtign else is a direct bolt on minus accecories on motor well acc arfe but mounts are different got all of mine from classic for 140 new power steering and alt pricy but they work and adjust good.Mine was a 4 speed also bellhousing worked no probs

 

[79' Gmc Jimmy]

that good i think i will just go for the 454 it shold be a blast