454 engine info
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 72
From: MA
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
Thanks,
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
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
Thanks,
Mike
(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.
Moderator Emeritus
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 46,133
Likes: 111
From: Maryville Tn
CI 5 thru 12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '23
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 72
From: MA
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)
(BTW, I don't think a 454 was ever factory installed in a Camaro)
thanks to all who replied.
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,103
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
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
thanks to all who replied.
Mike
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
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 72
From: MA
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
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 again,
mike
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,103
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
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
thanks again,
mike
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 72
From: MA
thanks again for all the great comments and help.
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,103
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist