454 build(slow)

[-83MONTESS-]

I have a line on a complete 454 BBC for $400. The owner is in prison and the guy selling only knows that it has a spun bearing. The casting numbers indicate its a 75-87 4 bolt main truck engine. My questions are; in terms of performance can I work with these heads or are they typical 70s smog junk? They are the rectangle ports not oval. Im looking for 500-550 lbs-ft of torque so thats not too radical for a big block I assume. Also the seller says hes willing to negotiate on price so what would a fair offer be? I have no idea when it comes to the BBC, I planned on rebuilding my 400sb but came across this. Any help/info is greatfully appreciated.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Re: 454 questions

No one knows anything about big blocks??? I talked the guy down to $300 and hes (hopefully) dropping it off this friday. Il be doing the machine work so I will be saving some money rather than if I built my 400 small block. Im at around $2k with this build as opposed to the $2200 I had with the small block because of the heads. If anyone can shed some light on what I have to do to the stock heads that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gbodyman1970]

Re: 454 questions

pm sent to you

 

[565bbchevy]

Re: 454 questions

I would say $300 is a good deal for everything. The heads really depend on what casting numbers they are but really a good 049 or 781 oval port will do the job if you go with larger valves and mild clean up.
Also the truck block should be a tall deck so it will be .400 taller than a standard deck which might cause some clearance issues for some off the shelf headers and alot of truck blocks come with a steel crank and stronger 7/16 rods.
Post some casting numbers once you get it.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Re: 454 questions

Casting number on block was 1401544 or 46. Both numbers show 75-87 3500 truck. Would these be the "peanut" heads that everyone hates? Aftermarket heads are out of the question. As for headers I plan on using the Hooker 2455s for Abodys but can be used for Gbodys.

 

[Blazenlotus]

Re: 454 questions

You really need the casting numbers from the heads before you know what you got. My 454 came from a one ton work truck and it had 781 heads. But at 300 you can buy used heads off cl i seen some 781 head for 250the the other day. So i wouldn't stress to much on them.

 

[565bbchevy]

Re: 454 questions

Casting number on block was 1401544 or 46. Both numbers show 75-87 3500 truck. Would these be the "peanut" heads that everyone hates? Aftermarket heads are out of the question. As for headers I plan on using the Hooker 2455s for Abodys but can be used for Gbodys.

You will know if it is a peanut port head instantly with the intake off, the ports are ridiculously small compared to a standard oval port.
Though I have seen them flow well it takes a signficant amount of porting and flow testing=cost if thats what you have sell them cheap and buy some decent 049 or 781 oval ports and put a few bucks into them with larger valves and you'll be miles ahead.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Re: 454 questions

Ok thanks for the info guys. I will post casting numbers as soon as its in my possession.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Re: 454 questions(PICS)

I got the heads off of the 454 and then I lost daylight. The heads are the large oval intake port fortunatley not the peanut ports. Also they are the closed "heart" chambers so il just get some flatheads and be done. The bores look good with only cylinder #2 having slight damage. Nothing a .030 overbore cant fix. I might go .060 over who knows il be doing the machining myself :wink: I didnt find any metal shavings and actually the valve cover gaskets and intake gaskets look new! Heres some pics:

I found a weird scuff in cylinder #5. These pistons were flat with one valve relief but theres a deep scratch across this one.

 

[565bbchevy]

Re: 454 questions

Did you try and turn the engine over before you tore into it?
Those heads appear to be just a standard open chamber smog era oval ports which probably
don't flow well. I would personally still look for a set of 049 or 781.
It also looks like #5 piston smacked the head to get that mark, if that is the case it is very
possible that head is cracked. So I would inspect thoroughly to find out what caused that(especially #5 rod)
It also appears that it blew a head gasket or somehow got coolant in your end cylinders.
If you can post some more pics of both heads,block,cylinders etc.