Looking at building a 454 - need a good engine block. Is there a better casting number, year, car model I should be aware when looking? Where is the best place to begin search?

 

Big blocks aren't like small blocks. Even a bad big block is better than a good small block. If you're going to keep it under 500 horse power, any two bolt 454 truck engine will do. Put good parts inside it though. A steel crank, good rods, etc. You'll be surprised at the girth of a big block main cap compared to a small block. An ARP stud kit would be a good investment, too.

Craigslist or any local junk yard will do to find a block. Don't pay more than $3-400 for a block. A good block can be had for cheap, just make sure you get one with close to standard bore. The blocks that were already cut .100" over, don't leave room to play around much. Especially for street engines. I also would be a little leery of a $1,500 454 with a "fresh rebuild". Those engines you want to hear run. Too many times, they pull a truck engine, throw a manifold and carb on it and give it a fresh coat of paint. The "Krylon rebuild" won't last very long. Also talk with the guy, try to get a feel if he's blowing smoke, or being up front with you.

Here's a couple around me that are worth looking at.

http://springfield.craigslist.org/pts/2077407207.html
http://springfield.craigslist.org/pts/2053944866.html

Here's a deal worth looking at, but I would suggest you "interview" the guy to get a feel for his honesty. These could be good deals, or a waste of money.

http://springfield.craigslist.org/pts/2011034726.html

 

"Krylon Rebuild".........LOL.....that's a good one.

 

I think some small block people may have a different opinion...

I own a big block as well, love the torque they put out...

 

Maybe you need some more as spare

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/300-B...item5adda14c34

 

I wonder if a POR-15 rebuild would command more coin?

 

Hard to beat the torque, but what I was getting at was shear girth of parts. If you were going to build 500 horse into a small block, I would want a four bolt main with thick cylinder walls. With a big block two bolt main, there's plenty of material there to hold up under real power. Not to mention the stock heads flow a ton better than a stock small block head.

 

You can build a 454 SB. I would not even think of building anything smaller than a 502 BB. Why do it. If you have to replace the crank anyway why not build in some more cubic inches. A 454 SB will make 500 HP in a breeze and not be stressed.

 

Thanks for the replys - but I have been doing a little research - I see there are many casting numbers through the years - are all 454 blocks the same besides being 2 or 4 bolt versions - is the metal content different - have also read that the 454 did not come in a tall deck - is this something I do not have to worry about. Is there anything else I should consider or we saying that a BB is a BB no matter what the year?

 

Well, there are early high nickle blocks, but they fetch a premium and they're not necessary for a street engine. Be careful on big blocks. I've known people to try and pass off a 366 or a 427 truck engine as a 454. If you end up with a 427 tall deck, it not all bad. With the right crank and bore, you could end up with 600 cubic inches. Just keep in mind, the only thing you're gonna use from that engine is the block, everything else is scrap iron.

For the record, a 454 small block can be done, but that is NOT a street engine. A stock block has to be ground and notched like crazy to clear that big of a stroke. Half the pan rail needs to be removed. (been there, done that) It's best to use and after market block for that engine. Then you're gonna pay $2K for a block and you're still stuck with the flow of small block heads. Even aftermarket small block heads can't flow like aftermarket big block heads.

If you want to go road racing and weight is extremely important, go with a small block. If you want to go fast and NOT repair damage every season, go with a big block. Small block guys can argue all they want, but at the end of the day, you'll build more reliable torque cheaper than any small block. You just can't get away from the fact the pieces are bigger and the heads flow better.

Just make sure you get a 1987 and older engine. Newer than that and you get into newer generation engines and certain parts won't work. After that, a 454 is a 454, is a 454.