My 78’ Pontiac GP/SJ 454 build

[Turbo Zach]

Yeah I thought you might and hoped you would try and talk me out of it.
My thought is buying a motor already done would expedite the build of my car a bit to move on to other things. Like a 4L80E swap. I can come up with four grand for a motor right now and sell the 454 for a decent transmission. Then I’ll just have to put my nose too the grind stone. Basically living at work for a couple three weeks for the couple grand + needed for a Ford 9 inch. I could have the car damn near ready for the car shows at the Minnesota state fair grounds in July and August.
One thing I cannot deny, nothing sounds sweeter than a built big block!

I would have to disagree. A cammed small block sounds better than a built big block. I would keep the big block for a couple reason. You all ready have the parts, and it looks more impressive to look at. But a small block is a lot cheaper to build.

 

[78BB-Pontiac]

I say put the 383 in it. A crate engine today is so much cheaper and easier to do. Your 454 will become a money pit after you disassemble and find out how little of it is usable and then the high machine shop costs to do it all.

That’s what I was thinking, a turn key 383 for $4000-$4500 or a can of worms waiting to be opened with the 454. It runs good, doesn’t smoke and has some parts on it. I’m sure someone will give me over a grand for it.

 

[78BB-Pontiac]

I would have to disagree. A cammed small block sounds better than a built big block. I would keep the big block for a couple reason. You all ready have the parts, and it looks more impressive to look at. But a small block is a lot cheaper to build.

I wasn’t thinking of building a small block, buying one that’s done so I just have to throw it in the car.
One thing about that 454 if I build that I won’t be using that Holley strip dominator high rise. The only other parts on the motor is a new billet distributor. A new polished high output alternator. A polished aluminum water pump, that’s it. The motor is just a good running stock 1979 truck motor. The new four core aluminum radiator and dual electric fans will stay with car. Also has a new trans cooler along with a Summit electric fuel pump that will stay with car. I really have no attachments to that motor, actually it’s pretty limp dick in that car. My impala SS with a LS4 5.3 liter V-8 would smoke my Pontiac instantly.

 

[GuysMonteSS]

I would have to disagree. A cammed small block sounds better than a built big block. I would keep the big block for a couple reason. You all ready have the parts, and it looks more impressive to look at. But a small block is a lot cheaper to build.

I guess that maybe you've never heard a built Big Block at 6500 + RPM
They sound pretty sweet to me !!!
I get lots of compliments on how good mine sounds.
Guy

 

[TURNA]

A grand or more for a peanut port truck head big block???

 

[fleming442]

Isn't there someone in Iowa that needs one? 🤔

 

[GuysMonteSS]

A grand or more for a peanut port truck head big block???

It all depends on where you live Turna.
Some parts of the country it's almost impossible to find old school big or small block Chevy's,a lot of that stuff has gone to the crushers.
My buddy sold a 454 out of his Mother's old Suburban and got $ 1200.00 for it,although it had the 781 oval port heads.
Guy

 

[TURNA]

The only reason it sold for that was because of the heads

781 and 049 are the best "street" heads out there

The flow numbers prove it.

 

[Turbo Zach]

I guess that maybe you've never heard a built Big Block at 6500 + RPM
They sound pretty sweet to me !!!
I get lots of compliments on how good mine sounds.
Guy

I have. I have a roller 427 drag engine in a 72 Nova. Was my father's. I like choppy cams and nothing sounds like a small block, but my Nova is a little choppy and sounds awesome at 10000 rpm with open headers! Buying a small block would probably be the cheaper better route?

 

[GuysMonteSS]

I have. I have a roller 427 drag engine in a 72 Nova. Was my father's. I like choppy cams and nothing sounds like a small block, but my Nova is a little choppy and sounds awesome at 10000 rpm with open headers! Buying a small block would probably be the cheaper better route?

I bet that 427 does sound awesome at 10000 RPM.
Got a video of it at the track ??
Guy