Im building my 454 big block. And well im having some trouble choosing a cam. Anybody no where i can find some specs or blue prints on some actual dyno built engines so i can decide? As of now this engine is stock, I just purchased some Hooker super comp headers. Its a 72` and it has stock 780 heads I know that those were some of the best heads for those days. any help would be great thanks

 

What's you output goal? The more info the better.

-Mindgame

 

o yeah i guess i kinda left that out =) I want to get a round 500 hp. Also I have no exaust yet, And i need the best prices for the best stuff. So pretty much i am deal shopping I found a 3 core radiator out of a 69 camaro for $75. I got my hookers for $200. I need rings $30, Ill get the block dipped $35. Now i think my stock crank is fine, I still need cam w/ rockers. Not certain that my pistons are still good, I guess ill find out after i dip it. then that leaves pipes and mufflers and gasket kit.

 

I'd spend my $ on a 3 angle valve job, pocket porting and a new set of valves. With a set of worked over stock heads you can make 500hp with the Comp 292 or Isky 292 hydraulic flat tappet cams. They're proven performers at this level. I'd want the static comp around 10.0:1 and I'd just buy some inexpensive KB hypereutectic pistons. Then you need a good intake... I'd go with a single plane Weiand or Victor. Carb... an 850 d-pumper for a light car and a vac sec for a heavy one (3500+lbs).

That should get you moving in the right direction.

-Mindgame

 

Assuming you want hydraulic flat tappet cam, and not solid or roller, I would recommend the Lunati 0026 cam. I have had VERY good results on the desktop dyno with it. Broad flat torque curve making in excess of 525lbs tq and 550 hp with pocket ported 049 heads and a pump gas friendly 9.5 cr. This is also using hooker 2" headers, edelbrock performer rpm air gap, and a 850 double pump holley. Power hits hard at around 2000-2500 (425lbs tq)rpm and stays strong through 6500.

 

I'm sorry, but there is no way that the Lunati 0026 (232/239 .549/.558 110ºLSA) is going to make 550 hp on a stock head 454 with 9.5:1 compression... not in the real world.

The Desktop Dyno program, while fun to play with, is notorious for being too generous. I'd say, based on my experience with many 454's, that the 0026 would make closer to 475 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm. It takes a bit more cam than that to make 500 hp in a 454 with mildly worked stock castings. The Comp 292 will make it as will the Isky 292 I mentioned. These are some older grinds, but I know they'll make the power because I've used them, and have seen many a 454 make 500+ with those cams. You need to spin it to about 6200 to make the power, which calls for a little more cam.

-Mindgame

 

ok , any tips on exuast pipes and mufflers? What should i choose for performance and hp?

 

Well, in Car Craft. they built up a stock 454 with a .060 over bore, stock stroke, rods, pistons, crank, etc. They used a XE274 cam which actually specs out milder than the oo26 lunati. they used an Edelbrock 454-0 intake with a speed demon 750. Also in their package was performer heads. Perhaps this is where the big difference is, but they made 540+ hp...

From what I have seen the Performers don't really outflow a set of decently ported 049 heads with some good valves.

Oh, they also had roller rockers, stock ratio

And for what its worth, I didn't actually use "Desktop Dyno" I used that term generically. I use Engine Analyzer Pro 2.1

 

I'd suspect that a set of Performer RPM's are probably worth a good 20hp over a set of bowl-ported stockers. It'd take quite a bit of work to get them up to an equal playing level. Not to mention the advancements in combustion chamber design. Little more to it than flow numbers.
I also have a hard time believing the numbers from the magazines. They are in business to sell parts and make their sponsors look good. These are the same guys who told you a rev-kit would give you another 20 hp on an otherwise stock engine.

Here is a 500 hp 454 engine built by All Chevy Engines:
454 4 bolt main block
GM 454 cast iron crankshaft
Eagle forged rods
TRW forged pistons (10:1 comp)
Crane 292 cam and lifter kit
Heavy duty Cloyes double roller timing set
Michigan 77 bearings
High volume oil pump
Fel-Pro gaskets
World Products "Merlin" rectangle port heads
New stainless 2.19" intake valves
New stainless 1.88" exhaust valves
Hard seats and guides for unleaded or reg fuel
Screw in studs and guide plates
New Crane springs
New Comp Cams "3/8" heavy duty pushrods
Crane Cams "Hi Intensity" roller rockers
Oil pan, timing cover and chrome valve covers
New GM harmonic balancer damper
New heavy duty flexplate (std trans flywheel extra)
Balanced, blueprinted and assembled
only $3999 (no exchange required)

The WP Merlin heads are no slouches... I wouldn't use a rect. port head for an engine like this but you get the idea. The cam is a Crane 292.. which specs very similiar to the ones I mentioned.

Here is another 454 built by Speedomotive:
http://www.speedomotive.com/500_h.htm

The cam is a bit milder but they are making up for that with an excellent cylinder head. Either way, this should give you some idea of the direction to take with your project. Best of luck.

-Mindgame

 

thank you for your time! It really helps when other peaple help.

 

the Comp 292 is a badass cam, my buddy has it in his 410 powered chevelle and its has the sweetest lopey idle ever.