Swap 454 for a 383
#23
been looking on/off for a cheap 454 core also (block)
OP already has a 383...at least he would have a good cooling system?
It wouldnt be expensive for him to do this
Have you thought about trying a small carb on the 454 to see what difference it makes? 2bbl? Bet you pick up a little bit. Tune it well and air the tires up....skinnier tires help too
FWIW my 383 gets single digits mpg even with a 6 spd but man is it fun
OP already has a 383...at least he would have a good cooling system?
It wouldnt be expensive for him to do this
Have you thought about trying a small carb on the 454 to see what difference it makes? 2bbl? Bet you pick up a little bit. Tune it well and air the tires up....skinnier tires help too
FWIW my 383 gets single digits mpg even with a 6 spd but man is it fun
I had a 79' Camaro with a modified 350 4 speed manual and I was in double digits
#24
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
First off what kind of mpg are you hoping for before you part with your cash?
Maybe have fun with the challenge of seeing what you can squeeze out of a 454 and do NO swap
OD trans a 2bbl some headers (yes) and possibly even a custom cam albeit an expensive experiment. weight reduction could come close to sbc mpg as a 383.
Lots of "mpg" cams made in the last few decades
Still got your torque and the fat valve covers. Would be a fun goal to chase. Modern cyl heads a +. Aluminum parts, lighter wheels, narrower rubber higher psi etc
MoBandy in the C4 section converted his to electric no longer deals with smog, and it hauls azz to boot
Its nowhere near stock and more interested in power
When its empty you gotta fill it anyways why not enjoy it not everyones a power monger I get it.
I will say the old 327 with small cam, headers 3.08 gears etc mileage wasnt THAT much worse and it was gutless to boot.
Maybe have fun with the challenge of seeing what you can squeeze out of a 454 and do NO swap
OD trans a 2bbl some headers (yes) and possibly even a custom cam albeit an expensive experiment. weight reduction could come close to sbc mpg as a 383.
Lots of "mpg" cams made in the last few decades
Still got your torque and the fat valve covers. Would be a fun goal to chase. Modern cyl heads a +. Aluminum parts, lighter wheels, narrower rubber higher psi etc
MoBandy in the C4 section converted his to electric no longer deals with smog, and it hauls azz to boot
Quote:
It's hard to believe you're in single digits. My F250 4X4 is in double digits.
It's hard to believe you're in single digits. My F250 4X4 is in double digits.
When its empty you gotta fill it anyways why not enjoy it not everyones a power monger I get it.
I will say the old 327 with small cam, headers 3.08 gears etc mileage wasnt THAT much worse and it was gutless to boot.
Last edited by cv67; 05-03-2016 at 06:08 PM.
#25
Burning Brakes
I really suspect the authenticity of this request.
#26
First off what kind of mpg are you hoping for before you part with your cash?
Maybe have fun with the challenge of seeing what you can squeeze out of a 454 and do NO swap
OD trans a 2bbl some headers (yes) and possibly even a custom cam albeit an expensive experiment. weight reduction could come close to sbc mpg as a 383.
Lots of "mpg" cams made in the last few decades
Still got your torque and the fat valve covers. Would be a fun goal to chase. Modern cyl heads a +. Aluminum parts, lighter wheels, narrower rubber higher psi etc
MoBandy in the C4 section converted his to electric no longer deals with smog, and it hauls azz to boot
Its nowhere near stock and more interested in power
When its empty you gotta fill it anyways why not enjoy it not everyones a power monger I get it.
I will say the old 327 with small cam, headers 3.08 gears etc mileage wasnt THAT much worse and it was gutless to boot.
Maybe have fun with the challenge of seeing what you can squeeze out of a 454 and do NO swap
OD trans a 2bbl some headers (yes) and possibly even a custom cam albeit an expensive experiment. weight reduction could come close to sbc mpg as a 383.
Lots of "mpg" cams made in the last few decades
Still got your torque and the fat valve covers. Would be a fun goal to chase. Modern cyl heads a +. Aluminum parts, lighter wheels, narrower rubber higher psi etc
MoBandy in the C4 section converted his to electric no longer deals with smog, and it hauls azz to boot
Its nowhere near stock and more interested in power
When its empty you gotta fill it anyways why not enjoy it not everyones a power monger I get it.
I will say the old 327 with small cam, headers 3.08 gears etc mileage wasnt THAT much worse and it was gutless to boot.
The other thing about this 454 is it's only 270-5 HP.
I'm estimating that it would cost at least $3000 to get it up to 400 HP.
#28
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#30
Racer
Hello All,
I'm new to this forum. I had a love for Corvettes for more than half my life and decided it's time to buy one.
I've been eyeing a "73" with a 454 and manual transmission. However I would like to swap out the 454 big block to a 383 small block.
I would like to know if anyone has done this and what parts are needed for the swap?
Thanks in advance
I'm new to this forum. I had a love for Corvettes for more than half my life and decided it's time to buy one.
I've been eyeing a "73" with a 454 and manual transmission. However I would like to swap out the 454 big block to a 383 small block.
I would like to know if anyone has done this and what parts are needed for the swap?
Thanks in advance
Its a new car to you, don't do anything, just drive it for a while. Trust me there will be plenty of other stuff you have not dreamed of to fix first.
Gary
#31
Le Mans Master
#32
Race Director
To answer your original question, all the brackets and pulleys will need to be changed. Water pump too. At least the exhaust manifold if not he whole system and the radiatorand fan shroud are different too. things that are different but you probably can get away with are the front springs and the engine wiring harness. I think the air cleaner assembly is the same but I'm not positive.
Nothing wrong with planning your swap but there is wisdom in driving it for a while first.
Might be easier and cheaper to accomplish your goal by switching to fuel injection. The kits aren't cheap but they are pretty much plug and play. Putting the electric fuel pump into the tank is the biggest job but there are lots of "how tos" out here.
Best stay out of the OT section then
Best stay out of the OT section then
#33
Melting Slicks
The SB vette water pump was different than a regular short pump. So your 383 will likely need a new pump to get the fan to work with the shroud. That or switch to an efan.
#35