Which 454?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Midland TX
Which 454?
I need some opinions. I am currently in the middle of a frame off restoration on my '72. Now is the time to place the engine on the rolling chassis. I have decided on a 454 motor, however, I do not know which 454 to get. Should I purchase the GM 454 HO crate engine or purchase a rebuilt unit from Beck Racing?
The way I see it, the GM 454 has a new 4 bolt main block, new forged pistons, new rods, and new forged crankshaft. But, the Beck Racing 454 has a rebuilt 2 bolt main block, hypereutectic pistons, rebuilt crankshaft, and rebuilt heads. Plus the Beck Racing engine is more expensive.
:crazy:
Please help.
The way I see it, the GM 454 has a new 4 bolt main block, new forged pistons, new rods, and new forged crankshaft. But, the Beck Racing 454 has a rebuilt 2 bolt main block, hypereutectic pistons, rebuilt crankshaft, and rebuilt heads. Plus the Beck Racing engine is more expensive.
:crazy:
Please help.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Which 454? (Obdoc)
I would go the new GM route. Drive the **** out of it until the warranty is up then start the mods/upgrades. At that point you will have a good idea of how much you want to do. Also you will have the money that you did not spend on the other engine and any you save up to pay for the new mods. I bought a cheap GM 350 and snuck a bigger cam in before i put it in, just don't tell GM. ;)
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: Which 454? (Fevre)
You have a choice between a more expensive used (rebuilt) engine and a brand new waranteed GM engine? hmmmmm...... How much more hp/torque is advertised with the Beck engine? I guess you might want to hear from people with experience with Beck, but I dont see much of a choice myself. MJ
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,679
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From: Charles Town WV
Re: Which 454? (Obdoc)
If you have a 4-speed you'll have to fabricate a bracket for the clutch cross-shaft, as there is no boss on the 454 HO to mount it to. Also, there are no provisions for a mechanical fuel pump, so you're forced to go electric. It's a Gen V block.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: Which 454? (tworottiedogs)
Steve, I believe you cited the probs with the 502 (fuel pump and clutch linkage). The GM crate 454 does not have those problems and is more of a direct replacement. (I forget which "Gen" is which). MJ
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Midland TX
Re: Which 454? (MNJack)
Yes, the 454 has the mechanical fuel pump provisions. It is a Gen VI block. As for the Beck engine, it is advertised at 502 hp and 500 ft-# of torque. What about changing the heads on the GM crate engine to aluminum heads?
[Modified by Obdoc, 11:53 PM 6/22/2002]
[Modified by Obdoc, 11:53 PM 6/22/2002]
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,915
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Which 454? (Obdoc)
Yes, the 454 has the mechanical fuel pump provisions. It is a Gen VI block. As for the Beck engine, it is advertised at 502 hp and 500 ft-# of torque. What about changing the heads on the GM crate engine to aluminum heads?
[Modified by Obdoc, 12:08 PM 6/22/2002]
[Modified by Obdoc, 12:08 PM 6/22/2002]
As for Beck racing engines-----ask BionicVette from Hawaii. He got the 'ol Beck racing screw job.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 324
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From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Originally Posted by Steve Straus
If you have a 4-speed you'll have to fabricate a bracket for the clutch cross-shaft, as there is no boss on the 454 HO to mount it to. Also, there are no provisions for a mechanical fuel pump, so you're forced to go electric. It's a Gen V block.
Also don't forget the GM hi rise aluminum intake will not fit under a stock hood.
If you do your homework, there are some nice generation IV 454's and bigger being built out there. If you don't have a 4 speed or mind an electric fuel pump the GM gen VI is the way to go....the 502/502 base is a nice alternative
Last edited by evelkevin; Oct 29, 2004 at 04:35 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
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From: San Francisco CA
Keep it GM even better factory stock if you want to retain value and appreciate in value. The Car is worth more now factory stock than it was bought brand new in 1972 in the $5,000 to 6,000 price range. Everyone likes the factory conditon car if it is modified then it will only cater to the individual who decided to go that route to butcher a pure bred and depreciate it in value. Depreciate the value is by finding out the costs of bringing the car back to factory specifications and deduct that cost.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Originally Posted by LS WON
Keep it GM even better factory stock if you want to retain value and appreciate in value. The Car is worth more now factory stock than it was bought brand new in 1972 in the $5,000 to 6,000 price range. Everyone likes the factory conditon car if it is modified then it will only cater to the individual who decided to go that route to butcher a pure bred and depreciate it in value. Depreciate the value is by finding out the costs of bringing the car back to factory specifications and deduct that cost.
Brett
