Which 454?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by Brettmc
WHEW!! I'm glad this is opinion and not the norm.....
Brett
Brett
To answer the Q asked, does not make any sense to spend more $$$$ on rebuilt hardware when new equipment can be purchased for less. One would have to have rocks for brains to to buy Beck vs GM crate.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by PRND21
why did this 2yr old thread get brought back? 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by PRND21
why did this 2yr old thread get brought back?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by GDaina
Opinion, yes, truth, yes, just look at the big buck auctions, the high dolloar vettes are all stock, number matching. Granted, they appear to have original motors, trans, etc.
To answer the Q asked, does not make any sense to spend more $$$$ on rebuilt hardware when new equipment can be purchased for less. One would have to have rocks for brains to to buy Beck vs GM crate.
To answer the Q asked, does not make any sense to spend more $$$$ on rebuilt hardware when new equipment can be purchased for less. One would have to have rocks for brains to to buy Beck vs GM crate.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,404
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
For your frame off 454 project, here's another thing to spend money on! Have the 454 internally balanced. Normally the balance weights are in the flywheel and crankshaft damper. You really have to balance the pistons/con rods at the crankshaft throws. The 454 can be internally balanced by adding tungsten plugs to the crankshaft throws. This relieves internal unbalance and means you can run a "neutral" flywheel and crankshaft damper. The 427 is the only BB engine that is naturally internally balanced. I think that's why the 427's were so popular for long distance races. A little bit of overkill for the street. But internally balanced means you can rev your big block with a lot less internal stress. I don't think the cost of internally balancing a 454 is really all that much.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
The 427 is the only BB engine that is naturally internally balanced. I think that's why the 427's were so popular for long distance races. A little bit of overkill for the street. But internally balanced means you can rev your big block with a lot less internal stress. I don't think the cost of internally balancing a 454 is really all that much.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, CT
The 454 HO has rectangular port iron heads and comes with a high rise intake so hood clearance can become an issue.
If you're looking for aluminum heads you might consider the ZZ454. It has the same short block as the 454 HO but has oval port aluminum heads, p/n 12363390, and comes with a different high rise intake. The GM Performance Parts Catalog warns, "It will not fit on many Corvette models with manifold height at 6" in rear and 4" in front."
If you're looking for aluminum heads you might consider the ZZ454. It has the same short block as the 454 HO but has oval port aluminum heads, p/n 12363390, and comes with a different high rise intake. The GM Performance Parts Catalog warns, "It will not fit on many Corvette models with manifold height at 6" in rear and 4" in front."
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock, TX USA
Pick up a good short block and buy my GMPP/Edelbrock aluminum ovals. I don't need 'em, they're brand new and I'll save you $150 off the cost from GM. They're complete with 2.25/1.88 valves and couble springs, set up for roller and I also have a used Performer RPM for cheap. By the way, what happened to the original engine or are you upgrading to a big block?
Gary Adrian
81vette4speed@***.net
Gary Adrian
81vette4speed@***.net
