454 Build

[80elky]

So I bought a cheap 454 from an 86 pickup that I wanted to put in my 80 el camino. I thought it would be nice to have the power and that it would be a little cheaper than an LS, but my friend said that 454s can't compete with an LS. So I was wondering what the hp of an average LS is, and what is the best hp I could get for my 454? Would it be cheaper to do the LS or the 454? And how could I soup up my 454 to make it more powerful? I've always liked 454s and it seems like LS swaps are so common. I'm not looking for drag race material so if the 454 can get at least close to the LS then i'm going to try it. I'd just like to know the comparison to see if the 454 is even worth the trouble. Thanks.

 

[39F]

So I bought a cheap 454 from an 86 pickup that I wanted to put in my 80 el camino. I thought it would be nice to have the power and that it would be a little cheaper than an LS, but my friend said that 454s can't compete with an LS. So I was wondering what the hp of an average LS is, and what is the best hp I could get for my 454? Would it be cheaper to do the LS or the 454? And how could I soup up my 454 to make it more powerful? I've always liked 454s and it seems like LS swaps are so common. I'm not looking for drag race material so if the 454 can get at least close to the LS then i'm going to try it. I'd just like to know the comparison to see if the 454 is even worth the trouble. Thanks.

Get some 781 or 049 large oval port heads, rpm intake or knock off one, 520-540ish lift cam 230-240ish duration at 050, some cheap roller rockers. Cheap torque monster mid 12 sec car if it hooks. Did tear the motor Down yet see what it needs?

 

[80elky]

Get some 781 or 049 large oval port heads, rpm intake or knock off one, 520-540ish lift cam 230-240ish duration at 050, some cheap roller rockers. Cheap torque monster mid 12 sec car if it hooks. Did tear the motor Down yet see what it needs?

Yea I took it apart and it's going to need just about new everything. I can keep the block and the crank is still good along with a lot of the smaller stuff, but most of the bigger stuff like the heads and intakes will have to be replaced. Also, how much do you think I should get it bored? And do you think I should get efi?

 

[39F]

Get it bored little as it needs unless you get some great deal on Pistons ,like my motor had decent standard bores and I got forged Pistons and Crower rods for 250$ so I kept the standard bores ,if your doing a complete rebuild you should probably price everything out for both and what trans you plan on running? What's your power goals?

 

[80elky]

Get it bored little as it needs unless you get some great deal on Pistons ,like my motor had decent standard bores and I got forged Pistons and Crower rods for 250$ so I kept the standard bores ,if your doing a complete rebuild you should probably price everything out for both and what trans you plan on running? What's your power goals?

I have a turbo 350 right now. I don't really have any power goals since I'm not really planning on racing it. I would just like to know how to increase the hp and the torque enough to wear it's impressive but I can still drive it to and from car shows. I'm not looking for a drag car by any means.

 

[86mcarlo]

You said that the engine was in pretty rough shape, right? Is there rust in the cylinders? Just wondering because I had rust in my block and that was a mess to fix.

 

[80elky]

You said that the engine was in pretty rough shape, right? Is there rust in the cylinders? Just wondering because I had rust in my block and that was a mess to fix.

Yes there is rust in the number 1 and the number 3 cylinders, what is the best way to fix it? I assumed boring it was the only way.

 

[39F]

I have a turbo 350 right now. I don't really have any power goals since I'm not really planning on racing it. I would just like to know how to increase the hp and the torque enough to wear it's impressive but I can still drive it to and from car shows. I'm not looking for a drag car by any means.

Well cam and intake ,decent on a stock low compression 454 runs pretty well with 350 gears and turbo 350 pretty cheap setup, I used Headman Chevelle headers dropped in easy , easier then a small block with headers (my opinion) ,if you go LS got alot more parts you got to buy new, wiring for fuel injection or carb conversion, if you want to rebuild the LS it cost more then a big block ,the LS motor will get more MPG probably, be lighter, take more RPM then a 454 . The 454 will be easier to put it, be cheaper to rebuild. Either motor will work great both are easy to get 400 HP out of.

 

[scoti]

What's your budget? How it's done (building a big-block) directly impacts the comparison to an LS based swap.

That being said, an '86 vintage truck 454 was considered a "smog dog". Low compression dished pistons, low rpm based Peanut Port heads, tiny cam (lift & valve timing events), engine spark timing, limited induction, & weak exhaust all contributed to minimal horse-power w/some torque. Change a few things up & they can be tire/driveline killers.

An LS will definitely be lighter & more efficient in stock form.

 

[80elky]

Well cam and intake ,decent on a stock low compression 454 runs pretty well with 350 gears and turbo 350 pretty cheap setup, I used Headman Chevelle headers dropped in easy , easier then a small block with headers (my opinion) ,if you go LS got alot more parts you got to buy new, wiring for fuel injection or carb conversion, if you want to rebuild the LS it cost more then a big block ,the LS motor will get more MPG probably, be lighter, take more RPM then a 454 . The 454 will be easier to put it, be cheaper to rebuild. Either motor will work great both are easy to get 400 HP out of.

Thank you