Hello all, I am ready to build an engine for a 69 camaro that will be the sister to a 69 black 435/427 vette. It will pretty much just be a show car, I probably will never run it over 5500 rpm because it will run a factory A/C compressor. So far I have looked at everything from just a passenger car 454 block ($300-$500) that would need machine work etc , rebuild some used heads, decent crank etc, but it looks like I would still have $3000 into it:wtf: , not so appealing. Then there is the 454 HO from GM performance for about $5200??:thud: Then there is also another option which is probably the route I will take just for experiment, a Dart cast iron block $2200, Dart cast iron oval port heads $1400, Scat rotating assembly $800, + cam, gaskets, oil pan etc, ughhhh! Starts adding up quick!!! Makes me want to just get a plain 454 remanufactured long block from Larry's etc for $2500, paint it and call it a day . Anyone starting to get my headache from all the different options. I have done some old school type small blocks years ago, 383 strokers etc, but never a big block other than the 427 in the 69 corvette, but that was all done by a machine shop and builder which I would never want to do again because of the cost, dated items BS etc. Also, I really am set on using a solid cam (LS6 type) for the nostalgia, noise and to be able to spend all my free time adjusting the lifters:smack: :willy_nilly: I dont like the price tag, but I am kind of itching to try adding a solid roller cam, and some simple roller rockers that would fit under the stock valve covers, what can I say, I am addicted to the "clatter" Again, the motor is going into a pretty much show car, and just really need to look like a 427/435 that came in an Vette in 69, but it will be in a 69 SS camaro. Sorry for the long post, I just want some good info other than people telling me to put a blown 572 crate motor:wtf:

 

I've read and re-read your post trying to figure out exactly where you stand as far as acquistion of parts for your BBC project. If you don't have an engine block or rotating assembly to start with, a rebuilt or crate short block is the way to go unless you're willing to go to multiple swap meets or shop on eBay for what you need at a price you can afford.

That being said, building a high performance engine isn't simply slapping parts together that are matched for the desired performance. There will be plenty of machining & balancing operations required with used parts plus there is always the possibility of discovering one or more parts outside the tolerances needed for the build. If I were you, I would spring for the crate HO 454. Although it doesn't have solid lifters, it does have roller tappets that will make life more enjoyable over the long run on a street driven car plus the peak power is just a tad over your desired rev limit at 5,250 rpm.

Just my opinion, YMMV. Good luck with your project! :