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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 08:28 AM
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Default 454 engine info

Just bought a 454 engine for my 67 convertible. I’m querying this forum as I expect many here have more experience with the 454 than the C2 forum might. I think I know quite a bit about the engine except what model vehicle it may have originally come from. My engine is a 73 454, casting number 3999289, casting date of B 1 73 (Feb 1 1973), with a pad showing T0219CWL (Feb 19 1973) and a vin derivative of 13S200053. Based on this info, the engine was a 1973, 250HP, TurboHydramatic, in a vehicle built in St Louis. I think this casting was used in Corvettes in 73, but I also know this didn’t come in a Corvette. Although practically it may not be that important, I’m curious if there is any way to know what car/truck the engine came in. I think in 73 all Corvette’s last 6 vin digits began with 4xx,xxx, so I’m wondering if the last 6 digits on my engine, beginning in the 2xx,xxx range, indicate any particular model. Please feel free to correct any assumptions I’ve made, as I’m far from an expert in any of this.
Thanks,
Mike
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Mikesa
Just bought a 454 engine for my 67 convertible. I’m querying this forum as I expect many here have more experience with the 454 than the C2 forum might. I think I know quite a bit about the engine except what model vehicle it may have originally come from. My engine is a 73 454, casting number 3999289, casting date of B 1 73 (Feb 1 1973), with a pad showing T0219CWL (Feb 19 1973) and a vin derivative of 13S200053. Based on this info, the engine was a 1973, 250HP, TurboHydramatic, in a vehicle built in St Louis. I think this casting was used in Corvettes in 73, but I also know this didn’t come in a Corvette. Although practically it may not be that important, I’m curious if there is any way to know what car/truck the engine came in. I think in 73 all Corvette’s last 6 vin digits began with 4xx,xxx, so I’m wondering if the last 6 digits on my engine, beginning in the 2xx,xxx range, indicate any particular model. Please feel free to correct any assumptions I’ve made, as I’m far from an expert in any of this.
Thanks,
Mike
I have the same casting in my '68. Date code on my block is L19 72. You already have more info on yours because the pad had been machined on mine. However, that is supposedly a good casting to work with from what I have read about them. I think some were 4 bolts, I had mine converted to a 4 bolt. How heavy are you planning to tweak yours? Or leave it stock?

(BTW, I don't think a 454 was ever factory installed in a Camaro)

Last edited by 68/BB; Apr 28, 2018 at 10:35 AM.
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi Mike,
The CWL broadcast code indicates a 454 cu.in., 245 h.p. engine destined for a passenger car, (Camaro ?), with an automatic transmission as you thought.
Regards,
Alan
No. More than likely, Monte Carlo or Caprice.
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 68/BB
I have the same casting in my '68. Date code on my block is L19 72. You already have more info on yours because the pad had been machined on mine. However, that is supposedly a good casting to work with from what I have read about them. I think some were 4 bolts, I had mine converted to a 4 bolt. How heavy are you planning to tweak yours? Or leave it stock?

(BTW, I don't think a 454 was ever factory installed in a Camaro)
Just got the 67 and everything indicates original big block, BB hood, 6000 rpm tach and with PG this tach only came with BB, big front stabilizer, BB rear half shaft "caps", rear stabilizer, etc. SB now, I just think a BB makes sense. All I could gather from previous 454 owner was it lit the tires on his 66 Chevelle with PG, with ease, and it was a 30 over rebuild, oval port heads, roller rockers and dual quads, but I haven't pulled oil pan yet or had a chance to inspect pistons etc. He said it ran great and super strong when he pulled it. I couldn't pass up a 454 long block with water pump, starter, alternator, fuel pump, dual quads and manifold and everything for $1000. 454 owner sold because he is replacing this 454 in his Chevelle with a Turbo Diesel ?? Hoping after inspection and new gasket set I can run as is with a single 4 barrel.
thanks to all who replied.
Mike
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Mikesa
Just got the 67 and everything indicates original big block, BB hood, 6000 rpm tach and with PG this tach only came with BB, big front stabilizer, BB rear half shaft "caps", rear stabilizer, etc. SB now, I just think a BB makes sense. All I could gather from previous 454 owner was it lit the tires on his 66 Chevelle with PG, with ease, and it was a 30 over rebuild, oval port heads, roller rockers and dual quads, but I haven't pulled oil pan yet or had a chance to inspect pistons etc. He said it ran great and super strong when he pulled it. I couldn't pass up a 454 long block with water pump, starter, alternator, fuel pump, dual quads and manifold and everything for $1000. 454 owner sold because he is replacing this 454 in his Chevelle with a Turbo Diesel ?? Hoping after inspection and new gasket set I can run as is with a single 4 barrel.
thanks to all who replied.
Mike
false the L79 used the same tach as the 427/390 and 427/400. but the L79 only came with a 4 speed. but the 427/390 and 427/400 could came with a PG.

is the rear bar straight or does it have two bends in it?
that 454 would have came with a long water pump and that wont work in a Corvette so you need a short pump and ALL brackets.


and CWL is a passenger car 454 but with a vin saying built in St Louis means it came from a Impala
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
false the L79 used the same tach as the 427/390 and 427/400. but the L79 only came with a 4 speed. but the 427/390 and 427/400 could came with a PG.

is the rear bar straight or does it have two bends in it?
that 454 would have came with a long water pump and that wont work in a Corvette so you need a short pump and ALL brackets.


and CWL is a passenger car 454 but with a vin saying built in St Louis means it came from a Impala
Thanks for the info. I had no idea what other vehicles were built in St Louis. I was aware the 350HP had a 6000 rpm tach but wasn't available with PG, thus the only 6000 rpm tachs that would be tied to a PG option would be 390 and 400HP BB's. I probably could have worded it better.
thanks again,
mike
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Mikesa
Thanks for the info. I had no idea what other vehicles were built in St Louis. I was aware the 350HP had a 6000 rpm tach but wasn't available with PG, thus the only 6000 rpm tachs that would be tied to a PG option would be 390 and 400HP BB's. I probably could have worded it better.
thanks again,
mike
ST Louis built Impalas trucks and Corvettes. All three used 454 but the suffix code is a Impala one. What other options your 67 have.
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 04:04 PM
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won't be a problem switching to single 4 bbl. any intake even rectangle port will fit and run well. and the dual quad is saleable.
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
ST Louis built Impalas trucks and Corvettes. All three used 454 but the suffix code is a Impala one. What other options your 67 have.
None, but I think this conversation is now flipping to C2 forum conversation and I don't want to get justifiably "yelled" at.

thanks again for all the great comments and help.
Mike
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Mikesa
None, but I think this conversation is now flipping to C2 forum conversation and I don't want to get justifiably "yelled" at.

thanks again for all the great comments and help.
Mike
I am a 67 guy. And I helped restore a 67 427/390 auto car. So I know them well
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Old Apr 28, 2018 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
I am a 67 guy. And I helped restore a 67 427/390 auto car. So I know them well

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