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late model 454 swap

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Old Jan 21, 2003 | 01:47 PM
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Default late model 454 swap

Hello guys I desperately need your help, would I encounter any problems installing a 1987 454 in my 1972 corvette. I know I need to do the usual short water pump, brackets, and pulleys but is there any difference between a 1987 454 and a 1972 454. Will all the corvette brackets and accessories bolt up without modification. Help quick I dont think this motor will be available for much longer.
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Old Jan 21, 2003 | 02:10 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (srmcclean)

87 motors are still MARK IV engines. Bascially its the same thing you would have bought to put in your vette when it was new. Its not until you get into the 90's engines that this becomes a problem, but the blocks extrenally all the way up to today are the same bolt holes exhaust port locations, everything. Aftermarket stuff is where the stuff starts to change. So go for it man.
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Old Jan 21, 2003 | 02:27 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (442olds)

Yes go for it.

Mark V came 91 and Mark VI 96. They have one piece rear main seal and no mechanical fuel pump.
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Old Jan 21, 2003 | 02:58 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (srmcclean)

You guys rock, it looks like like the vette will be getting a big block
:jester
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Old Jan 21, 2003 | 05:23 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (srmcclean)

Might be a tall deck, depending on what it's out of.....
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Old Jan 21, 2003 | 05:36 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (a454corvette)

That sounds like the same engine I'm using. :yesnod: 1987 MarkIV out of a 2WD Suburban. It turned out to be a 4 bolt. So far I've run accross one item that you need to get specific for a 68-72BB, that the oil pressure adapter that screws into the block. You'll need it to work your mechanical oil pressure gauge.
Oh, yeah, I'm just using the block, crank & mains from it. Everything else is changed.



[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 8:33 PM 1/21/2003]
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Old Jan 21, 2003 | 08:15 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (srmcclean)

Also keep in mind that many of those truck 454's are peanut port, not large oval port or square port, so a head swap may be in order as well for performance use.

:cheers:
Pat Kunz
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Old Jan 22, 2003 | 02:15 AM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (srmcclean)

Go for it. It's a bolt in.

You can always go back and update the cam and heads later, but with the engine out, you might want to at least think about replacing the cam. As stated above, the heads could be the peanut ports, but even those can make a torque monster with the right cam. :thumbs:
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Old Jan 22, 2003 | 01:54 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (srmcclean)

I do plan on a cam swap, what do you guys suggest, my goals are very conservative I would like to see 270 horsepower and and 375 lb ft at the REAR WHEELS. I woulf like to get into the high 13's in the quatermile. For now I would keep the peanut port heads use a performer intake, headers and stock quadrajet. Cam I would get something in the neighborhood of 220 duration at .050 with about .500 lift. I dont plan on revving past 5,000 rpm. What do you guys think. :D
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Old Jan 22, 2003 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (srmcclean)

If you have a 4 speed check to make sure it has the forward tapped hole for the pivot ball, not sure when they stopped adding those. Have heard of people welding a nut on there to use so it may not be a big deal either way.
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Old Jan 22, 2003 | 04:36 PM
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Default Re: late model 454 swap (srmcclean)

I have the stock specs on my '87 4 bolt---230HP & 385 torque at the flywheel. I don't think you'd have to do too much to attain you goals. cam, heads, intake & carb was what I originally planned. But things change as time goes on. :D
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