Would this be a good engine block...

[84gmcjimmy]

Hey, In the next few years, after I learn more, and make final descions, I'm going to be building a BB engine. I just have some Q's about some parts, and expect lots more questions in the near-distant future:

Is this a good block for lots of HP?:
clicky

haha, so far thats all I've caught my eye on for the engine. I dont no much about building engines so Im learning before I actually do mine. What would a good Cam be to go along with that block? By the sounds of this one clickster ) It would be good for off-road, but would it be good with that block? Thanks, and please dont be to hard on me for I am not very smart in this area /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

-Steve

 

[SUBFAN]

More info is needed....

If you are building a mild offroad BBC with low end grunt, I would say that block is overkill.

A high winding mud runner with lots of HP would make that a more reasonable decision....

 

[mudjunkie 82]

Like Subfan said it all depends on what you plan on building. A standard block would be ok for a mild build. if you are building a radical motor this would be a great starting point. I run a merlin block except mine has the splayed caps. If you are building a 400-600 H.P motor find a good block and a good set of heads, I would go to a good crankshaft and a good set of rods. Take your time and do it right.........................Good luck p.s Check out Racing junk.com

 

[84gmcjimmy]

[ QUOTE ]
If you are building a 400-600 H.P motor find a good block and a good set of heads, I would go to a good crankshaft and a good set of rods. Take your time and do it right.........................Good luck p.s Check out Racing junk.com

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats what im aiming for 400-600 HP. But I dont no what a good block, and a good head, and all that would be, that is why I was asking about that one. What block would you recommend then? Thanks

-Steve

 

[big pappa b]

You can easily get 400+ HP out of a stock block. Search the want ads. You can find a complete 454 for less than $1000. Disassemble, clean, add a few goodies and you're there

 

[84gmcjimmy]

How much HP does a stock 454 have? And what goodies would I/should I to get the power up? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[fortcollinsram]

I think the once you venture into the 700hp range, you might want to investigate the Merlin or Dart block. But below that, just get a stock block (preferably a 4-bolt main). that has a std. bore still. The stock cranks are generally said to be good to about 500hp. So if you are going above that, get a foreged crank, some H-beam rods and all the goodies to go along with it. You sould keep your eye out for a Gen VI 454 block as they have 4-bolt mains, priority-main oiling systems, are setup for factory roller cam (so going to a roller cam is a lot cheaper than on older blocks) and they have a 1-piece rear-main seal. Also, GenVi block can accept ALL BBC heads, whereas Gen V and Mk. IV blocks are more generation specific in terms of what heads you can bolt on them. I have a Gen V blcok that I built up and I am VERY limited in terms of Stock BBC heads. MOST aftermarket heads will work on ALL BBC's though...

my plans for my BBC are as follows:

-Edelbrock 6049 heads
-Comp 276HR roller cam
-Eagle 4.25" stroke forged crank
-Eagle ESP 6.385" h-beam rods
-SRP 10:1 pistons
-TotalSeal rings

That long block combo is good for MEGA Horsepower numbers. If you port and polish the heads further you can get up there even more...

Chris

 

[tarussell]

I agree with what the others have posted up above . It sounds like the Merlin BBC block will be serious over kill for your intended usage. It is a FINE piece but totally not needed in the relatively low HP range you are looking at . Spend the money that you would have spent on the block and buy some Merlin/World Products Heads and have them worked if it is in your budget.
Find a production block and spend some money with a QUALITY/KNOWLEDGEABLE machine shop and you should have no problems with your short block living at those HP numbers.
As far as your cam shaft question - spend some time calling your favorite cam company/grinder and ask about a aftermarket "Roller" set up , you'll be glad you did once you feel the power when you are done.
Good luck , Tom

 

[bablazer73]

I agree with most of whats been said already. The Merlin blocks are NICE, but overkill for most applications. If you can find a complete 454 to start with, thats better. Make sure you get pully's, brackets, and all other trim stuff. These can be a real PAIN to track down later. Even if you can only find a blown engine for 200.00 or so, It's worth it just for all the little stuff. You can still buy new blocks from GM. I don't know current pricing, But i was looking at building a 502. My local GM dealer could sell me a NEW gen VI 502 bare block for just under 700.00. Not a bad deal if you consider all the machine work to a used block to "freshin up"

I LOVE comp cams. I have delt with them for several years. Their 4x4 extreme cams are a great addition to their choices.
BUT, In order to build a engine that going to do what you need it to. YOU HAVE TO BE HONEST with yourself as to what you really need. and set a good game plan to the build. Don't just buy parts that look cool. (or sound cool as in gear drives) These are often a waste of money and can be spent on parts that WILL make the engine last longer. A little pet peeve of mine is spending all the money on the flashy stuff and NOT getting an engine balanced!!!! Your just pissing your money away if you don't!!

I have used several 2 bolt 454 blocks for 400-500 hp engines. I have never lost one due to bottom end failure. Although a 4 bolt is stronger, They are also getting harder to find. I.M.O. a 2 bolt block, thats PROPERLY prepped, stressed relieved, balanced, and had billet main cap straps installed with good ARP studs, is as strong(if not stronger) than a STOCK 4 bolt main block. I have used this combo on several street engines running 600+ hp. (nitrous,blown, and just high compression) and NEVER had a failure due to main cap flex. But If you plan on going bigger HP, then go 4 bolt or 2 bolt block with splayed 4 bolt caps.

 

[unclematty]

If I may, for the money you will get more horse power and torque, building a 500+ cid cadillac engine. Plus, this engine will run forever at these power levels. where as a BBC is unreliable at higher hp levels(above 600 hp) check out www.500cid.com the stuff just kicks butt. /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/hack.gif /forums/images/graemlins/weld.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grind.gif not to mention the BB caddy weighs less than a sbc engine /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif