NOM 1970 454 rebuild/replace
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: pa
NOM 1970 454 rebuild/replace
Bought 1970 454 nom and have discovered bad bearing and rod. I have not really had any run time on the vehicle since purchase and it was making no noise during the test drive. Now with loud knocking noise at the back of the engine, the mechanic dropped the tranny and oil pan and says that someone replaced 1 piston and now has bad rod and bearing. Why would someone replace just one piston if the engine is torn apart. With that in mind, I was told that the engine would need to be rebuilt. My concern is if bubba did the engine work, what other short cuts did he make that I will only discover down the road. I do not know what a rebuild will cost......would it be better to get a crate since its not original??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
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From: charlotte north carolina
If the block and crank are magnafluxed and don't show any damage, rebuilding the engine with full machining of block and crank, reconditioned rods, new pistons, cam(hydraulic flat tappet) and chain, bearings and oil pump should be about $3K (depending on where you live and the size of your mechanic's house). This won't be a Dyno Queen, but after it's tuned properly, it will spin the tires in a rolling 1st gear punch. Lots of fun on the street!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
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From: Lincoln, CA
It should be cheaper to rebuild it plus if done at a quality shop be better then a crate motor.
I went with a 496 rotating assembly and shop went though everything. Internal balanced and went though the heads.
I went roller conversion as well for peace of mind as a flat lope means starting over.
I went with a 496 rotating assembly and shop went though everything. Internal balanced and went though the heads.
I went roller conversion as well for peace of mind as a flat lope means starting over.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The choice of rebuilding what you have or swapping is up to you.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Apr 10, 2016 at 12:04 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,916
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From: Angier nc
Cheaper for a seller to do a "fix" than a full rebuild is one way to look at it.
Nothing wrong with doing a rebuild or a swap.Comes down to what you want out of it and your budget?If numbers do not match then build what you have as you won't be paying extra for parts you already have(block,crank,heads,etc.).
Now is the time to ask yourself what you want out of it and what you have to spend.Consider the added costs of upgrades as well.Hyd roller cam would be worthwhile.
Nothing wrong with doing a rebuild or a swap.Comes down to what you want out of it and your budget?If numbers do not match then build what you have as you won't be paying extra for parts you already have(block,crank,heads,etc.).
Now is the time to ask yourself what you want out of it and what you have to spend.Consider the added costs of upgrades as well.Hyd roller cam would be worthwhile.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 129
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From: pa
steve
