When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am in the process of building a 454 to swap in to my 73. The motor I bought to rebuild did not come with a carb or intake. I have a stock iron intake but am open to any suggestions on various intake and carb combos. Motor will have 9.5 to 1 compression, 781 oval port heads, cam is undecided but would like decent cam with mainly low end power and torque.
Want to keep the stock hood so must be low rise? Also, would need to run fairly well right away as will need to start engine and break in cam before any tuning can be made.
So, anyone have any slap it on and start it up suggestions?
Stock 4 barrel manifold and a rebuilt quadrajet. If you want an aluminum manifold look for a 427/390 '68/69 manifold. Much more expensive than the cast iron one and no real power difference. Combo will fit under your hood, guaranteed!
I am in the process of building a 454 to swap in to my 73. The motor I bought to rebuild did not come with a carb or intake. I have a stock iron intake but am open to any suggestions on various intake and carb combos. Motor will have 9.5 to 1 compression, 781 oval port heads, cam is undecided but would like decent cam with mainly low end power and torque.
Want to keep the stock hood so must be low rise? Also, would need to run fairly well right away as will need to start engine and break in cam before any tuning can be made.
So, anyone have any slap it on and start it up suggestions?
I have an old Holley Street Dominator aluminum intake manifold and an almost new 850 double pumper with electric choke which should work great for your combo. I had this on my old 468 before I upgraded to a 496, can't use the manifold because my new engine has rectangular port heads. PM if interested, thanks.
This sounds like a 450 hp pump gas street motor? I would not go with more than a 750 cfm carb. a stock QJ with the correct metering rods will work just fine, or a holley 770 avenger vac secondary electric choke.
a 268-270 type cam will give you that low end grunt you want and have good manners you dont need a big carb-your Qjet is fine. Some bowl and short turn work will add to the fun
If you want to most out of your combo call Chris Straub for a cam choice. He posts on here, and I recently ordered a cam from him for my 454 build.
As for carb, a Qjet would offer good driveability if setup right. If you are familiar with the workings of a Holley, you can go with a vac secondary 4 barrel in 650, 750 or 850 depending on your desires.
Last edited by Sigforty; Aug 22, 2017 at 10:35 AM.
As for cam choice, check with Chris Straub, i have his retrofit roller in my 468.
Old carb is history, sold mine and installed Sniper EFI, and what a difference!!!!!
It all depends on what your doing with the car. And the HP you wish to achieve to keep the thing pump gas friendly with good manors. .245/.255 @.050 is a nice cam for a 454 wont feel lost in the engine. with around .540/.550 lift
Thanks for all the reply's. I hope to have the engine done in the next 2 months. It is at the machine shop now. Want to do the swap over winter. I do have the stock iron intake, and I guess I could use the quadrajet I have on my small block now in a pinch.
Biggest question now is which cam to choose. This will be a weekend cruiser. The L48 in there now is anemic!
I like the comment about not needing a 'big carb'...go with the Q-Jet.
Most Q-Jets have 750 cfm capability; some have 800 cfm capacity.
I would suggest that you go with the Q-Jet if you intend for the car to be used 'normally' (a little cruisin'...a little performance...). It is a great carb for normal use; more than enough 'umpff' for your engine; and it's economical on the road.
You might send an e-mail to Lars (V8FastCars@msn.com) to see which Q-Jet carbs he would recommend...or if he might have one that would do the job for you. If it needs to be rebuilt, he's the guy for the job; you won't do better anywhere else.
Thanks for all the reply's. I hope to have the engine done in the next 2 months. It is at the machine shop now. Want to do the swap over winter. I do have the stock iron intake, and I guess I could use the quadrajet I have on my small block now in a pinch.
Biggest question now is which cam to choose. This will be a weekend cruiser. The L48 in there now is anemic!
If you decide to use that Q-Jet from your small block, you'll need to crack it open and jet it for a big block. Small block jetting will make your big block run lean and that can hurt the engine.
Since you already have a Q-Jet, just send that e-mail to Lars asking what changes you need from its present build to one that matches your BB engine. Or, ask if you can send it to him for the rebuild and update.
454 Carb Suggestion
