how can i get more power from my 454?

[the_blaze]

You know, I misspoke earlier, I did not use KB pistons. I used those same Sealed Power h693p pistons in my motor (see post #491 in my build thread). Some things you don't think you'll forget but...

Haha no worries. I haven't done much exploring on here , I will go check it out

 

[the_blaze]

The best part of a project is when the parts arrive

 

[72gmck5]

Sweet, are you assembling it or is the machine shop?

 

[the_blaze]

Sweet, are you assembling it or is the machine shop?

I am putting it together. I actually just finished putting in the valve springs and cleaning the heads.

 

[the_blaze]

It's been a few days so I thought I would post an update. So far I have stripped almost all parts to bare metal and repainted them. Tomorrow I plan to assemble the motor.

 

[72gmck5]

cleaned and painted, looks like a fun weekend. need any help?

 

[the_blaze]

cleaned and painted, looks like a fun weekend. need any help?

Possibly the plan is for the wife and I to assemble the motor tomorrow. (She wants to learn I figure this is a good project) however extra hands are never a bad idea.

 

[72gmck5]

thats cool she wants to learn, take advantage of that time.
I'll hit you up when I'm free tomorrow

 

[the_blaze]

Couple more pictures of the progress

 

[the_blaze]

Anyone ever break connecting rod bolts? My wife was assisting me and somehow broke 2 of them with my torque wrench. Leading me to question the strength of the rest of them and also how accurate my torque wrench is...

 

[the_blaze]

Well turns out I was using the wrong specs. I torqued them all to 67ft lb and they should have been torqued to 50 ft lb. Does anyone know if I can still use the other bolts that didn't break? Or do I need to replace them all?

 

[wasted wages]

Yikes!!!!

No, I've never broken a rod bolt assembling an engine...... I would be real leery about using the rods that she broke the bolts on.... they are probably distorted, out of round or have some stress risers from overtorquing...

Even a stock rod bolt is good for about 110-120,000 psi before it breaks......
ARP rod bolts are good for about 190 - 220,000.

“PRO” SERIES WAVE-LOC BOLTS
For the most severe applications, in conjunction with aftermarket I-beam rods, ARP has developed the “Pro” Series Wave-Loc bolts. These ultra heavy-duty rod bolts are made from a special material designated ARP2000. It has approximately 200% the fatigue life of 8740 chrome moly steel and has a tensile strength of about 220,000 psi, and is capable of more than 12,000 lbs. clamping force.

 

[wasted wages]

Or do I need to replace them all?

YES. replace them ...... don't even think twice about it.

torque them properly with a stretch gauge.....best way to do it.

Go to ARP's web site and read all about rod bolt installation and rod bolt stretch.

It's well worth the time to read it.....

 

[the_blaze]

Yikes!!!!

No, I've never broken a rod bolt assembling an engine...... I would be real leery about using the rods that she broke the bolts on.... they are probably distorted, out of round or have some stress risers from overtorquing...

Even a stock rod bolt is good for about 110-120,000 psi before it breaks......
ARP rod bolts are good for about 190 - 220,000.

Yeah it's crazy the two that broke snapped right as it clicked at 67 ft lb. Sucks I just want to get my truck back on the road

 

[the_blaze]

YES. replace them ...... don't even think twice about it.

torque them properly with a stretch gauge.....best way to do it.

Go to ARP's web site and read all about rod bolt installation and rod bolt stretch.

It's well worth the time to read it.....

Thanks I will check it out. Seems like I'm replacing them all. Better to be safe rather than grenade a new engine

 

[the_blaze]

I need some more help/advice. I am not ready to set my timing yet but I should be there within the next week or so. I have the msd hei distributer, I'm wondering if anyone has a tried and true setup that works on this 454.

 

[the_blaze]

Thought I would share a few more pictures of the progress.

 

[kgblazerfive]

Looking good although you painted it the wrong color

I third the recommendation to replace all the rod bolts

As far as the distributor I just set them in at top dead and go from there.


(Looks like I need to get into the garage more with all you SLC guys in here)

 

[the_blaze]

Looking good although you painted it the wrong color

I third the recommendation to replace all the rod bolts

As far as the distributor I just set them in at top dead and go from there.


(Looks like I need to get into the garage more with all you SLC guys in here)

I think the color matches the truck well and it's the color it was originally but to each their own right? my new connecting rod bolts will be in tomorrow, hopefully I will put it together this weekend. I can't wait to see what these upgrades do for performance .

 

[the_blaze]

Do any of you know what this bracket is for? It's at the top of my firewall dead center