I started a thread about the 454. I have a problem where I sometimes design and plan and build a motor before I have the car it goes in. Right now, I have plans to buy my next Vette. A 1973 big block car. I have decided I want to build a nice strong big block, probably a 454.

What I came to, was that up until '99 they made a Vortec 454. It was designed for high torque with low RPMs. I like the facts that it's a roller and has serp. I can find a complete core for $500, and figure that's a great place to start this build.

Now, being the way it comes stock, I see thebiggest problems are the cam and heads. I have thoughts that using a better performance package will make that motor very usable. I can keep the build on a budget by keeping the internals stock, and rebuilding it that way. Then, spending a little coin on a better set of heads and a hotter cam.

I have little to no experience with GM big blocks, and would love some suggestions for late model 454 heads that flow good. They don't have to be aluminum, or super high tech racing heads...just a simple good flowing head.

As for the cam, I was thinking something like a cam from a 454 ZL1. Would that be too hot for it?

I would top it all off with a port-matched intake and a large carb.

Any thoughts?

P.S. I know I can go bigger, and better. I'm starting all this off the thoughts that the core motor for rebuild can be had for $500. Yes, I know I can bore and stroke it. I may bore it, but would most likely leave it stock bore.

 

Why not use the yet to be purchased motor from the 73bb it would be a strong starting point. A $500 junk yard 99 vortec motor has nothing special going for it that cant be done with a 73bb and will likely need cylinder prep to freshen up. Roller retrofit and a good set of heads.

Pay attention to the details...
I had an 88 truck with a good ole MkIV motor and a 93 with a MkV 454. Ramjet block is a MkVI.

Wikipedia...7400
The Vortec 7400 was a truck version of the Chevrolet Big-Block engine. Introduced in 1996, it was produced for five years until being replaced by the Vortec 8100. The 7.4L V8 features MPFI (multi-port fuel injection).

8100
The Vortec 8100 (RPO L18) is a V8 truck engine. It is a redesigned Chevrolet Big-Block engine and was introduced with the 2001 full-size pickup trucks. It retains the same bore centers as the old 7.4 L big-blocks, but stroke was upped by 9.4 mm to reach 8.1 L (8128 cc) for a total of 107.95 mm bore and 111 mm stroke. It is an all-iron engine (block and heads) with two valves per cylinder. Power output ranges from 225 hp to 340 hp (168 kW to 254 kW) and torque from 350 ft·lbf to 455 ft·lbf (475 N·m to 617 N·m). Vortec 8100s are built in Tonawanda, New York....

 

The main thing here is the price for the value. Maybe it's not the best block to start with, but I want serp and roller. A serp bracket system with no accessories can cost several hundreds alone, and that's with no extras. Then buy the new alt, power steering pump, idler, tensioner, and belt. Adds up fast. Then there's the roller. Sure I could retrofit an older non-roller, but there again I will spend a lot doing it, when a later 454 comes with it stock, with cheaper replacement parts. Value.

Now, I'm not set on a Vortec, but I do want a version with both roller and serp. Those are very important to me.

 

I'm not aware of anyone using a vortec in their Vette. I think maybe Corey68 is using a Gen V.

 

The Vortec is a factory hydraulic roller motor with 4-bolt mains - an ideal place to start, IMHO. Factory rollers will go to .600 lift and most will buzz to 6500, no reason not to go with a stout hydraulic roller cam. You should be able to sell those Vortec heads, they're very good for torque engines, much better than the old peanut heads. I've had a couple of sets of semi-closed chamber heads from the Gen 6 engines, they're nearly identical to the old -290, -215 and -063 heads that a lot of folks are using with great success on the Mark IV engines. Cut 'em for big valves, blend the bowls and work the short turn a bit and you're ready to go. They'll need to be worked for old style rocker studs since the Gen 6 engine had a non-adjustable valvetrain. I'm picking up a Gen 6 in a couple of weeks, haven't decided whether to part it out of build it for a truck project of mine - they're a nice find and not very common. Good luck, it should make a great powerplant.

 

Just so we're clear, the '99 454 would be a Vortec no matter what kind of car it's in right?

Anyone have any thoughts about that ZL1 cam?

 

As far as I know, Chevy didn't put 454's in anything other than trucks in '99. Check the casting numbers of the block and heads - heads should end in -241.

 

You're right about the trucks. I used the 'car' term very loosely. I meant no matter if it's a GM truck, or SUV or a Chevy truck, or SUV. They used that engine in several different models if my rresearch is correct.

 

Ask Wally, Ironcross, he has a ZL-1 Camaro.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I just PMed him this thread link.

 

i don't know about all of the details of the engine your looking at, but can tell you that a 95 gen v with the serp system will not fit a 74 vet. the ac comp and alt were mounted way too high and would interfere with the hood. not sure because i didn't try, but the crank pulley might hit the frame although one can make clearance for this. trucks or whatever orginal installation usually had gobs of room underhood.
just a reminder of something else to check . . . good luck

 

No you're right about the hood clearance, but I am making the same mods to my current engine using a serp bracket and accessory system. I have to notch the cross member for the crank pulley, and am changing the orientation of some of the accssories a little to make room for the hood. I do have a little extra room with an L88 hood on the way. I don't mind workng around the clearance problems.

 

post some pics when your done please; you'd be one of the few going this route to take pics.
i saw pics of someone convert a gm small block serp from some donor car (???) made to work on a bbc, but that's about it

 

Yeah, you can bet I'll be taking some pics and will probably write a how-to or at least a how-I-did-it piece when I'm done. The current serp project is basically a SBC 400, with a roller retrofit, and a serp system from a '92 Z28. I've deleted the smog, and am replacing the AC pump with a second CS alt. I have a L88 hood on the way, and will check clearances when it arrives. I already know I'll have to modify the crossmember to clear the crank pulley.

The 454 idea is something I came up with a few days ago, and want to follow a similar formula using a 454 at the platform.

 

The Gen V 454 comes with a one piece steel accessory bracket for the serpentine setup (I think). It would be difficult to modify for clearance. Also, the L88 hood does not buy you additional clearance at the front. If anything, a big block hood is lower (where the fake vents are) than a small block.

This is a picture of a small block serpentine setup on a big block (1/2 inch clearance all around):



This is the setup from above with the small block truck setup drawn with it. You can see how much things were lowered and spread.

 

BBShark - How much modding was required to fit the small block brackets to the big block? I have a set that I'm fitting to a small block, so will be familiar with them.

 

Hello! I stumbled across this post and HOPE you're still active on this forum. I'm a disabled vet with 31 years professional automotive experience, master certifications (plus L1 & L2) and one of the things that keeps me busy today is building resto-mods for people. I have a customer with a '78 Vette who just bought a 454 Vortec (complete) that he wants in this Vette. How did you make out with your retrofitting this engine into your car? What worked, what problems did you encounter & what additional parts did you have to buy to make this work?
I already figure the stock hood most likely has to be replaced with a much taller hood. I'm also going to be revamping the suspension on this with tubular upper & lower control arms, heavier front springs etc to account for the heavier engine though I admit I have not looked up the weight difference between the Vortec 454 & the originals steel headed 350 yet.
Please let me know when/IF you get this message. The best way to contact me is through email. kbonanny@gmail.com

Thank you very much, Kirk Bonanny.

 

Cpt - You should start a new thread on this subject. This one will be shut down very soon for several reasons.