[bildo95]

I want to put a 454 in my 81 camaro, what is a good year model with good high stock compression? I'm guessing mid 70's, but I'm not sure. Thank you for your help. Bill

[mr_chickenhead]

I think you want to go pre - 73. That is when the auto makers got hit with all those emissions laws etc...

High compression however is no longer needed like it was in those days. Todays better cam and head designs allow for a much more efficient Big Blocks with more Horsepower.

Most BB engnes builders rarely go more than 10:1 today, except for real race motors. 9 to 1 makes killer torque.

keep your eyes open for a full size GMC truck/suburban, thats were your going to find a great core motor, slap on a good set of heads and you will be al set to go. You will pay big DOllars for a Ls6 Ls7 motor!!!

[deuce_454]

if i were to build another bigblock 454, i would find an old 512 or simmilar casting with the thick walls.. so any Hi-Perf passenger block 454 or 427 from before 72.

the heads would be 1970 454 heads, with oval ports and 112 cc chambers. i would put in hypereutectic pistons (remember to polish the tops) and then to the big question... cam

personally i would go with a roller cam that was up there in duration.. 250@0.050 but thats just personal preference

otherwise if you are not into the somewhat expensive game of building a modern highperformance motor from 30 year old stuff, find a used 502HO. and upgrade with a honking hyd roller cam, that way youll have a 600 hp motor for half of what you can build one for from old junk