454 block help
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 11
454 block help
hi there, im new to the forums here and was hoping for some insight.
i've rebuilt a few motors but I'm looking to build a built 454 for my 74. i dont want to have to buy a brand new block if i dont have to. im looking at trying to make about 600 hp N/A. ive been told by some people who used to work in garages that i can find good blocks from junk yards as long as im searching for the right casting numbers. my question is "where can i find these casting numbers?" that is assuming they exist. i'd rather pay a few hundred for a used block that will work than a brand new block thats going to run me upwards of $2200. any help would be appreciated. thank you and im looking forward to learning a lot from you guys and this forum.
i've rebuilt a few motors but I'm looking to build a built 454 for my 74. i dont want to have to buy a brand new block if i dont have to. im looking at trying to make about 600 hp N/A. ive been told by some people who used to work in garages that i can find good blocks from junk yards as long as im searching for the right casting numbers. my question is "where can i find these casting numbers?" that is assuming they exist. i'd rather pay a few hundred for a used block that will work than a brand new block thats going to run me upwards of $2200. any help would be appreciated. thank you and im looking forward to learning a lot from you guys and this forum.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,768
From: Friendswood, TX, USA
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24
From: Central Wisconsin
Re: 454 block help
All of the info you could possibly want can be found in this book.
Chevrolet Big Block Parts Interchange Manual
Good luck finding a junkyard BBC! Competition Products has shortblocks on sale quite often
Sportsman Series Short Block Kits
and you can get decent deals on Dart heads
Aluminum Heads Intake Cam Rockers Package BBC Race | eBay
-Jim
Chevrolet Big Block Parts Interchange Manual
Good luck finding a junkyard BBC! Competition Products has shortblocks on sale quite often
Sportsman Series Short Block Kits
and you can get decent deals on Dart heads
Aluminum Heads Intake Cam Rockers Package BBC Race | eBay
-Jim
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,001
From: Bay Area, CA
Re: 454 block help
There's not much variation in BBC blocks other than the specific cubic inch they're designed for, and then the gen V and VI blocks which take one piece cranks and have different deck cooling arrangements and no priority main oiling.
Even a plain 2 bolt 454 block will take 600hp as long as you stud it. Additionally, the 2 bolt blocks can pretty easily be converted to 4 bolt.
Just find a good virgin core and a machine shop that knows what to do with it.
I like using the late model blocks which take factory style roller lifters and thrust plates, makes it easier to build a roller motor.
Most machine shops keep cores around to build for cases like yours, I probably have at least a half dozen BBC blocks laying around... no need to go digging through junk yards.
Even a plain 2 bolt 454 block will take 600hp as long as you stud it. Additionally, the 2 bolt blocks can pretty easily be converted to 4 bolt.
Just find a good virgin core and a machine shop that knows what to do with it.
I like using the late model blocks which take factory style roller lifters and thrust plates, makes it easier to build a roller motor.
Most machine shops keep cores around to build for cases like yours, I probably have at least a half dozen BBC blocks laying around... no need to go digging through junk yards.
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