Need 72 BB Engine Specs
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Waco TX
Need 72 BB Engine Specs
Does anyone have engine specs for a 72 454? I need to verify the factory compression ratio and cam specs before I proceed at the machine shop. As it stands, the block will need to be bored and several of the cam lobes are worn so I'll be replacing the cam as well.
My block is non-numbers but everything else matches so I am at least going to try to build the engine as close to factory specs as possible.
Your feedback and input will be appreciated!
Scott
My block is non-numbers but everything else matches so I am at least going to try to build the engine as close to factory specs as possible.
Your feedback and input will be appreciated!
Scott
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
Nobody will ever know what compression or cam is in the motor. My advice is to build a good 9.5 to 1 motor and put a decent cam in it. The stock one is a dowel. This will give you a few extra HP and you won't be able to see or hear any difference.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Waco TX
The machine shop guy said the same thing. In his words, "let's wake up the motor with higher compression and thumpin cam".
I would still like to know the factory specs on the cam to compare.
Scott
I would still like to know the factory specs on the cam to compare.
Scott
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Here are some Chevy cam specs. It does not give the dur @ .050 but it shows the lift for the LS5 at a pathetic .461. For a SB that is bad but for a BB that is downright tiny. You should be at least in the .500 range for decent performance.
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D...00/cmspec.html
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D...00/cmspec.html
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Waco TX
Thanks for the link for the cam specs. I agree that I need to be at least in the .500 range for decent performance. I will likely go with a 9.5:1 compression set up with a bigger cam. Since the balance of the engine is factory (exhaust manifolds, carb, intake etc...) I just want to make sure that I don't have to make additional alterations to make it run well if I change it up too much.
Thanks again for the info!
Thanks again for the info!
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 529
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From: Waco TX
Forget the specs. My block needs to be bored .060 and decked so I decided to upgrade. If I go with 9.0:1 compression pistons it should end up around 9.5:1 after decking.
I'm thinking about a High Energy cam 515 intake, 520 exhaust, 268/280 duraction.
The balance of the engine including carb will remain factory.
Any thoughts? Opinions? Experience with this type of set-up in a BB?
Scott
I'm thinking about a High Energy cam 515 intake, 520 exhaust, 268/280 duraction.
The balance of the engine including carb will remain factory.
Any thoughts? Opinions? Experience with this type of set-up in a BB?
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
I have a comp 270H in a .030 454 with 69' semi closed chamber heads with flat tops. Not sure exactly what the compression is but its probably around 9.5-1. The 270h cam is very mild, its a good torquey cam with 216*@.050 and 517 lift. We are running stock manifolds and a performer 2.0 intake. With 2.5" exhaust and 40 series flowmasters, it sounds pretty good and has a little lope.
If I could have gotten headers to fit(its a 69' Pontiac GP), I would have ran a bigger cam. We built this motor about 18 yrs ago so the 270H was the sh*t at the time.
In a vette with headers I would definetly get a bigger cam but your intake/carb is what is going to choke it. I would get something around 224-230*@.050 duration, around .550 lift. Crane powermax or Comp XE hyd flat. Have them measure your deck height, cc the heads and measure the head gasket to get the compression where it needs to be.
Like Jim mentioned in another thread, deck height and valve reliefs will kill your compression you think is high.
Good luck!
If I could have gotten headers to fit(its a 69' Pontiac GP), I would have ran a bigger cam. We built this motor about 18 yrs ago so the 270H was the sh*t at the time.
In a vette with headers I would definetly get a bigger cam but your intake/carb is what is going to choke it. I would get something around 224-230*@.050 duration, around .550 lift. Crane powermax or Comp XE hyd flat. Have them measure your deck height, cc the heads and measure the head gasket to get the compression where it needs to be.
Like Jim mentioned in another thread, deck height and valve reliefs will kill your compression you think is high.
Good luck!