[benshelton383]

I posted a thread on a 406 not long ago and was informed that 500 hp and 550 tq wouldnt be a good idea in a 406 DD. So after talking with different shops, I decided to go with the middle between a 400 and 502, 454. Im trying to get some more info. on the performance side of the 454 like limitations, reliability, etc and what recommended parts to put in a 454 bare block. My goals are 500 hp, 550 ft. tq with the hp peak at around 5500-6000 and tq to peak at 5000. All of this pump gas. i would like all forged internals. I did a search for the 454 but i couldnt pull up any combos or crank specs or rods. Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance

[bigdog7373]

I think the 454 is a good choice. If you are starting with a bare block and want forged internals then you might as well make it a 496. This way it will only need 1hp per cubic inch, which would be quite easy.

[airboat]

Problem with a 489/496 is torque will peak at 2500 RPM and all the way through to 5500 RPM, if that's a problem! Reliability for a mild 500 HP BBC engine second to none IMO. Lot's of places for parts. Enjoy the research and shopping!

http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/default.asp
http://www.ohiocrank.com/home.html
http://www.summitracing.com/

[matts37chev]

Problem with a 489/496 is torque will peak at 2500 RPM and all the way through to 5500 RPM, if that's a problem! Reliability for a mild 500 HP BBC engine second to none IMO.

im building a 496, and i felt like this was a problem i would just have to deal with.
there are just some sacrifices you have to make sometimes

[benshelton383]

I think I can live with that , so what would it take for a 496? And how is the gas mileage on these beasts? ( Not a question to make a decision, just wondering) I wouldnt be caught dead in a 60 mpg tuner . So torque comes in pretty early eh? I couldnt pick a better motor with rpm characteristics like this. Finally I found a motor to suite my needs...phewww. Thanks for the info, one more question, does gm have 2 different blocks for the 454? And if so what would be the best to get? Thanks guys

[bigdog7373]

With this low of a price you might as well buy the short block. http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint+Engi...P4960/10002/-1
The cast steel crank is fine as long as you aren't going to put a blower on it.

[matts37chev]

if you do a search on 454,496,or maybee bbc you will find a ton of reading
you will want an older mark IV block

[benshelton383]

is the older mark IV block better? Sorry for the questions I just want it to be right!!

[airboat]

If you find a newer one it's factory roller cam and that's good. 4 Bolt main, Vortec 7400, L29 not a bad place to start. Even the heads are good IMO. No problem for 500 HP anyways.. With a stroker Mk IV, 4 bolt main would be preferred especially if you want to spin it a bit higher however I have a couple hundred hours on my 2 bolt main 489 in my airboat with a cast crank and I love it, it's maxed out at 5400 RPM by load right now. 454 with the Vortec heads on my ski boat, killer... if you want max reliability with better power levels get an aftermarket block. You have to realize if you buy a used engine for $500 to $700 all you are going to use is the block, maby some tin. $2300 buys you an aftermarket block in a 4.5" bore to get you to 572 cid... And it will handle it!

[benshelton383]

Originally Posted by airboat

If you find a newer one it's factory roller cam and that's good. 4 Bolt main, Vortec 7400, L29 not a bad place to start. Even the heads are good IMO. No problem for 500 HP anyways.. With a stroker Mk IV, 4 bolt main would be preferred especially if you want to spin it a bit higher however I have a couple hundred hours on my 2 bolt main 489 in my airboat with a cast crank and I love it, it's maxed out at 5400 RPM by load right now. 454 with the Vortec heads on my ski boat, killer... if you want max reliability with better power levels get an aftermarket block. You have to realize if you buy a used engine for $500 to $700 all you are going to use is the block, maby some tin. $2300 buys you an aftermarket block in a 4.5" bore to get you to 572 cid... And it will handle it!

At crateenginedepot.com they have a gen vi bare block 454 for $1445. I wanted to build it from oil pan up. Any suggestions on heads for monster torque? Preferably AFR, and cam for a DD with A/C and booster brakes. Thanks

[airboat]

Forgot about the factory block, I think Merlin blocks are about $2000.. Here's a link to a builders site and what he uses.
http://felberhp.com/sport.html

[bigdog7373]

Ahemmmm... 496 cui, cast crank, forged rods and flat top pistons, 4 bolt mains, bored and honed cylinders, all new bearings, pre assembled short block, scat steel rotating assembly. It seems like a pretty good deal to me. http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint+Engi...P4960/10002/-1

[benshelton383]

Who makes their pistons? Is that a seasoned block? Im scared of pre assembled short blocks from companys because I dont know whats inside 100%. Is Blueprint a good company because the woman I talked to on the phone sounds like she knows just about enough to read the description and thats it, it would be a awesome deal though. What gen block is that?