Questions about 454 swap

[ZooMad75]

I'd say you are doing ok with the engine as is over a smoking small block. Now I'd still think about using a better than stock intake and tubular headers to maximize the combo for sure. I think if you start altering much beyond that with the stock TBI system you'll run into tuning issues. If you do go to a FiTech system over the TBI that wouldn't be as much of a problem.

You are figuring it out now which is good. A cam now if you go with the FiTech setup would be good timing. But if you aren't I'd leave the cam in place with the stock TBI setup.

On the header front, Larry's choice he went with on the 8.1 in the Suburban were really nice, thick flanges and fit well. Might pop over to the Polar Bear thread and see what he used.

 

[ktmoutfront]

How many miles are on said big block? Are you doing a full rebuild? Or did I miss what it was?

 

[mrk5]

How many miles are on said big block? Are you doing a full rebuild? Or did I miss what it was?

According to the guy we bought it from, it has 20K on a rebuild. There are obvious signs it has been worked on, the block is bare and clean. But we have no paperwork details, just observations and a test drive. And a compression test, 120 on 7 cylinders, 110 on 1. Once we pull it out I can look it over better.

So not planning a full rebuild. Started the thread to check on some basics like cooling and exhaust.

 

[ktmoutfront]

4 row radiator and shorty headers. Cold air intake. Good to go.

 

[6872xtc]

^^^^
You can avoid the slippery slope with that!

 

[mrk5]

Yeah that's where I'm heading.

 

[ktmoutfront]

Links. Don't forget the links.

 

[skunked]

4 row radiator and shorty headers. Cold air intake. Good to go.

I went through this a few months ago and made the same decision.

 

[Truckman4life]

I used to have a bone stock 454 in a two wheel drive reg cab and it towed my 8000 lb toy hauler no problem. Always got 10 mpg loaded or not. Granted it was lighter than yours but I think you'll be fine starting out pretty stock.

 

[mrk5]

If I get too carried away I'll be worried about my wee transmission. Likely I'll try to get a 4l80e in the next few years and then we'll know where we stand with the 454 and possible do a big rebuild with heads and what not.

 

[63chevyll]

Tri-Y? Any fitment issues with shock mounts? Fit right in?

Ive used the try-y's on a few GM products and all fit great. And they do gain power.

Except my Suburban. I built a shock hoop prior to installing the headers and had to modify one tube on the drivers side. Now. Had i put the headers in 1st it wouldn't have been an issue at all.

 

[kgblazerfive]

I have stock exhaust manifolds and two 2.5 into a 3 do not have any issues. Three inch is fine for a BBC that isn't going to see much RPM's.