[Mr.Sec]

So I've decided to build the 496 out of my virgin 454 block, now my question is what do I need to build a nice 496 keeping in mind I'm not looking to build a hot rod just a good strong motor for towing and driving every day. I'm not sure how much bore I need or what crank or what the best cam would be, this will be my first big block so I'm kind of in the dark here. I'm not too worried about mpg while I'd love for it to be 11 or better right now I'm getting 8 with my stock 350 so I'm hoping it will only go up with a properly built engine. Any advice is appreciated.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

496 is actually .060" oversize. Probe makes a very good economical forged piston for this setup. Tough, economical rings, press or float pins, and just under 10.-1 compression.. with an 049 or 781 type head. Use a short duration high lift cam and sensible accessories. A good powerful engine. Gas mileage will depend on your right foot.. Remember you are flying a barn door into the wind..

[67-4-fun]

you will also need a 4.25 stroke crankshaft. Cast material is all you need for a crankshaft, you can purchase one for under $200 i do believe. Look at Scatcrankshafts or Ohio cranshafts or even eagle.. PBM also sells them and competition products. You also need to do some minor clearencing on the block to clear crankshaft and rods.. since its not a performance build i would use a stock bbc 6.135 rod, you can pick them up fairly cheap, just have them reconditoned.. As for pistons Probe makes a nice small dome piston 18cc with a 119cc combustion chamber makes about 10.2 static compression ratio.. or you can go with a KB hypertetic piston which is a bit cheaper but better than a cast piston..

[67-4-fun]

here is a cast crank from eagle for $263 from summit
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ESP-104544250/

here is a piston set from KB hypertetics that will go with a stock 6.135 rod with a 17cc dome that will give you just about 10:1 compression.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UEM-KB397-060/

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

Be advised that most of the economical cast cranks require a 6.385" rod. Stock rods allow the counterweights to contact piston.

[speedbump]

Also, single sourcing your kit can save you money and headaches. Scat, among others, will put together a rotating assemby to your specs for a very competitive price. I used one on my last 496 build.

[cdminter59]

I saw an Eagle rotating assembly part# Besp-B18021 for $1179.95. BBC 454/496 EXTERNAL BALANCED that included cast crank, Sir I-Beam rods, KB -3cc flat-top pistons, plasma moly ring set, Clevite H-series main & rod bearings. Dampener & flexplate included also. 9.1:1 compression With 112 cc chambered heads. I saw this at http://www.cnc-motorsports.com and no I don't work at CNC-Motorsports, just saw a good deal.

[matts37chev]

Originally Posted by speedbump

Also, single sourcing your kit can save you money and headaches. Scat, among others, will put together a rotating assemby to your specs for a very competitive price. I used one on my last 496 build.

x2^^^^ this is the way to go
take your block to the machine shop to decide what size pistons, you may not need .060 pistons (496) you may only need .030 (489)

scat cast crank, 6.385 rods with floating pins (not pressed pins)
dont forget the block will need to be clearanced for the extra stroke

what heads are you going to use?

[Mr.Sec]

For heads I don't have the budget for anything fancy, my plan is to have the current heads gone through but I have no idea what the specs are I haven't seen them yet. I'm assuming they are completely stock 454 heads.