Oppinions on my Block
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Oppinions on my Block
I got a block from 73-75 chevelle 454 & i want 500 plus horsepower, what stroker kit and cam combo's, & carb & intake combo's as well as heads should i get in order to achieve my goals....i'm relatively new at rebuilds but i thought i should ask some guru's...as well its a 2 bolt main, should i get better end caps and will they hold the horsepower?, as well this should be done on a decent budget this is not a race car, a driver and all motor no NOS...and by the way i'm currently on the market for some sort of Vette rolling chasis but i would like to stick to the motor components on this thread. any help would be appreciated Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
If you are truly on a budget, you dont need to stroke a 454 to make 500 hp.
Your 2 bolt block is fine, just install main studs or at least good bolts. Your cast crank is fine.
Your stock 3/8" bolt rods are fine. Get them resized and install good bolts.
Get pistons with a small dome (25 cc's or so) that will get your compression up to close to 10:1. I would get forged pistons.
I would run a solid lift, flat tappet cam (since this is a budget build) with around 250° duration @ .050" lift on the intake, and another 6-10 degerees on the exhaust lobe. Run a Performer RPM or Weiand Stealth intake with an 850 Holley carb.
Oval port heads are fine, but should probably get opened up for bigger valves for some cheap power. 2.19 intake valves & 1.88 exhaust is what came in rectangle port, open chamber heads, and they will work well in oval port heads as well.
Headers with 1 3/4" primarys are fine at this power level, but slightly larger tubes would probably pick up a few horsepower on the top end.
That should get you a little over 500 hp without too much trouble.
Your 2 bolt block is fine, just install main studs or at least good bolts. Your cast crank is fine.
Your stock 3/8" bolt rods are fine. Get them resized and install good bolts.
Get pistons with a small dome (25 cc's or so) that will get your compression up to close to 10:1. I would get forged pistons.
I would run a solid lift, flat tappet cam (since this is a budget build) with around 250° duration @ .050" lift on the intake, and another 6-10 degerees on the exhaust lobe. Run a Performer RPM or Weiand Stealth intake with an 850 Holley carb.
Oval port heads are fine, but should probably get opened up for bigger valves for some cheap power. 2.19 intake valves & 1.88 exhaust is what came in rectangle port, open chamber heads, and they will work well in oval port heads as well.
Headers with 1 3/4" primarys are fine at this power level, but slightly larger tubes would probably pick up a few horsepower on the top end.
That should get you a little over 500 hp without too much trouble.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
If i did stroke it that should give me a little more ci's and help no?...I really dont mind doing it..no really!..lol....but does that change head selection (which i dont have) hoping for alluminum but very pricey, or change other cam factors etc?
Obviously stroking it ends up spending more cash but stroker kits arent expensive so much...I know the heads are, but does stroking it out change things so much that what ever else i buy for the block, increase spending generally? How about wear after stroking it?
Obviously stroking it ends up spending more cash but stroker kits arent expensive so much...I know the heads are, but does stroking it out change things so much that what ever else i buy for the block, increase spending generally? How about wear after stroking it?
Last edited by phillygrex; Jul 25, 2008 at 03:35 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
If the choice was aftermarket alum. heads on a 454 (or 460) vs. stock heads on a stroker 496, I'd take the 454. If you can do both the stroker and aftermarket heads, you'd get to 500 HP with a very mild cam and have a much more driveable car and would supply all the vacuum needs our Vettes require.
One of the issues is what intake to run. With a BB, choices are very limited if you want to run the stock hood.
Also, what tranny and rear?
Sounds like a fun project.
One of the issues is what intake to run. With a BB, choices are very limited if you want to run the stock hood.
Also, what tranny and rear?
Sounds like a fun project.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Cast iron heads are less expensive and will get the compression you need...but will add some weight. Aluminum heads will dissapate heat better and allow you to go a bit higher on compression and still let you use 93 octane fuel without any pinging. {Cast iron heads could be a problem with this, if you go over 10:1 CR}
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
If i did stroke it that should give me a little more ci's and help no?...I really dont mind doing it..no really!..lol....but does that change head selection (which i dont have) hoping for alluminum but very pricey, or change other cam factors etc?
Obviously stroking it ends up spending more cash but stroker kits arent expensive so much...I know the heads are, but does stroking it out change things so much that what ever else i buy for the block, increase spending generally? How about wear after stroking it?
Obviously stroking it ends up spending more cash but stroker kits arent expensive so much...I know the heads are, but does stroking it out change things so much that what ever else i buy for the block, increase spending generally? How about wear after stroking it?
If you already have a crank & rods, then its your call. It'll cost more, but it will be easier to meet your goals.
Same deal on the heads.
You can meet your goals with a set of cleaned up stock cast iron ovals, but some Brodix sure would be nice.
Its just money, right?
