Bang for buck big block, opinions please

[USSkoval]

The TBI 350 in my Burb is getting fairly tired these days, so it's time to start thinking about replacing it. I've pretty much decided not to put a small block back in for three reasons:
1. More power
2. I've never owned a vehicle with a big block yet
3. It's a big truck, so it should have a big block

I have no plans to ever get rid of this Burb, so I have no problem throwing money at it (when I can). I like the Idea of a new GM crate motor, specifically the 454HO. It makes nearly as much power as the 502 that costs about a grand more. I'm not opposed to reman engine, if someone can suggest a reputable company.

Also, I'm limited in how much power, as I want to keep the TBI and the built 700r4. The tranny builder said to keep it under 450 hp and similar torque. Will a 454 TB and a tune be adequate to safely run a motor with over 400 HP?

Any thoughts, concerns, or better engine choices?

 

[sweetk30]

go read some good info with brian at www.tbichips.com

and 700r4 in heavy 4x4 and big block = ? on life span.

 

[USSkoval]

4.56 gears are also going to make their way into the Burb, I would think that would lighten the load on the 700r4. And it's only on 33's which have a lot of life left in them, so nothing bigger for quite a while. It's not a stock 700r4 either.

I had thought about going with a 454/4l80e combo from a newer truck, but I want quick and easy

 

[01maroonz71]

i also would love to throw a big block in my mud truck...BUT,in my other truck(83 k10) i ended up replacing the old/very tired 350 with a gm crate motor. it cost me 1500bucks from GM, and had a ton more power than my old tired motor...i was VERY VERY happy with the outcome...and the cost was perfect. not to mention it had a warantee so it was one less thing to worry about.


now, that being said, i really really want a 454 in my new toy for the exact same reasons as you...but its gonna cost me about the same to drop a 454 with 110k mile on it as it would for the new crate motor.


just something to think about IMO

 

[sweetk30]

well think this over if you want cheep install.

required parts list basic but most comon stuff.

exaust mods or new
front drive brackets for bbc as sbc stuff wont fit.
few diffrent sensors for 454 as 350 ones are diffrent
custom chip or find a 454 chip and possible comp swap to one that will run with the 454
bore out the 350 tbi to flow the correct air flow or find a GOOD used 454tbi unit
if boreing out tbi then bigger injectors or pump and regulator spring to flow more fuel.
i am sure there will be a few other things.

if you want cheep and basic bolt in go 350hp creat or 383 stroker motor with min amount of mods for both and it all will bolt right in.

 

[USSkoval]

Lol, yeah I know, "cheap" and "big block" don't exactly go together

I know I need to figure for exhaust and brackets and other stuff that will nickel and dime me. The goal was to be able to install the motor and associated parts, but leave the wiring (other that a tune), tranny, shafts, etc alone. After looking at the TBI chips site, it doesn't look like a stock 454 TB/injectors are really capable of feeding the GM crate 454. And there doesn't seem to be many crate 454's that aren't geared more towards drag racing. Doing a mild build on a stock 454 would be fine, but would probably end up costing just as much as a brand spankin new crate motor. Is there really anything else out there comparable to what GM offers (nothing fancy, great low end)?

 

[80' 427]

My buddy just put together a 90 crew swb 4x4 and he is happier than heck with the tbi 454 stock.

 

[BUDDY]

This is what I'm doing when my TBI 350 gets too boring.

The 454 HO is real comparable power-wise, & $1000.00 cheaper. Not to mention all of the "extras" that SweetK30 mentioned.

Big blocks are sweet and all, but not really needed. Usually just wanted.

Later,
Buddy

 

[jamber2541]

need and want go hand in hand, I need a 454 because I want more power, I am also currently looking for a TBI 454 to put on my K5, happy hunting

 

[RootBreaker]

guess it depends on what you want to do with it..

i had a 1ton dump pickup with 454 tbi in my grasps for $600... should have bought it and sold it as parts as it also had a d60 front dually...

but I passed.... i figured 454bb in mud will work... yes power and torque (I am most likely wrong with this but...) A smallblock can run at higher rpm's for max tire speed and big blocks run lower rpm...now I know I will be corrected.. but I talked to a few guys running 454's... and they are running 53 and up tires... they just idle through most stuff... power on hand..... I looked at building the 454 or just working my 350 a bit... and I was told a 350 is cheaper to work and can be had more reliable with a screamer......

just food for thought.. but im tired so heading to bed...