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.

Re: 454 block help
 

Go here.

Mortec - Chevy Small-Block Casting Numbers, Engine Codes and more

Re: 454 block help
 

thanks, that's helpful in determining year and type of motor. but do you know where i could go to get the hp rating for the block? that's what i'm really after.

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

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.