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I installed Sealed Power H581CP Pistons,
they are a raised Dome piston, and give me about10:1 compression with stock heads,
on my 454 motor. Good Luck.. on the motor ! 69VETT
400 rwhp from a 454 is easy, but you'll need a taller hood like a L-88 hood. No good intake fits under the factory BB hood.
To get 400 rwhp (approx 500 at the crank) you want a good set of aluminum heads like Brodix Race-Rites, The Edelbrock performers etc. Note that for this application you want oval ports.
Aim for 10:1 compression. You'll need non-stock pistons to get there.
A good cam; a hydraulic roller is perfect for this. About 230 dgr duration, a little more on the exhaust. I'm liking Lunati these days. Good lobe design and their cams are steel core w/ pressed on iron distributor gear so you can run a normal distributor.
A medium rise intake. Performer RPM will work. 1 7/8" or 2" headers. 2 1/2" exhaust. It will peak around 5500 rpm, shift @ 6K. Over 550 ft-lbs torque around 3500-4000 rpm. Very fun engine to drive. With an over drive transmission you'll even get good fuel economy, atleast on the highway.
If you're willing to rebuild, this is a nice recipe. Are you currently experiencing problems such as excessive oil consumption, high milage on motor, or lack of power? If not, especially if you're on a budget, the current combo is pretty decent assuming the right pistons were used. How long ago was it rebuilt?
The engine runs fine, although it has been a while now since it has run (-+1year). I just ordered a TKO600 5speed and need to remove the engine. I was thinking that maybe with some simple upgrades I would have a more appropriate HP rating to go with the car ;-).
So what pistons give me the 10:1 and what cam will give me the right duration. What's the approx. damage?
to get the compression you want, without changing the heads.
you must determine the cc of your heads, and purchase a domed piston that displaces cc, to bring the compression up.
If you know your head cc you can go order pistons for the compression you want and they will list the dome cc you need to get the compression.
Damm that sounds confussing ! 69VETT
So what pistons give me the 10:1 and what cam will give me the right duration. What's the approx. damage?
Forged Speed Pro or Keith Black pistons can be had for about $400/ set.
You can spend more easily though. SRP's & Wiseco are about $600. JE stuff is about $800.
Look for pistons with a dome that is roughly 25cc to get 10:1 with open chamber heads.
From: Ontario. 85, 523cid BBC ,C4-ZR2,Z51, DRippie's actual '87 SCCA Fox RShox, ZF6, HoosierR6, Plated.
454 we should combine these 454 threads ....
Originally Posted by cajos
I forgot to mention I all ready have a L88 hood with working airbox, My exhaust is 3" with cherry's.
The Edelbrock Performer II is not a good intake?
The performer is basically a "wheezzer" that will leave your BB gasping over 5000 and some would say it tapers off over 4700...
For a couple hun, the Edelbrock RPM, RPM Air Gap or the Weiand(sp?)"Stealth" are great options ... both will flow into mid 6000's ... of course, there are others ...