87 454ci motor

[MikeS.]

I'm looking at buying a Frankentruck that has a 1987 454ci motor out of a 'Burb, at 94k miles on the motor. Some ?s;

How reliable are these motors? 2 or 4 bbl carb? Did they come with electronic ignition or point & coil? What else do I need to know?

The motor is mated to a Turbo350 tranny on a 4x4 truck.

Thanks y'all!

[Number21]

The 87 454 was a TBI motor with electronic ignition. That doesn't mean your truck doesn't have a carb, usually a 454 has a 4 barrel. I don't think you're supposed to mate a 454 to a TH350 though, too much power.

[MikeS.]

It's definetely a Frankentruck, I just double checked, says it has a turbo350. I'll have to check some more on that issue. Thanks!

[BigBlocksRule]

It is a Mark IV engine, 2-piece rear main seal. Should have peanut port heads which should be the best for towing and mileage. If the TH350 is built decent, it'll handle it. There are tons of big power engines with TH350's at race tracks every weekend.
Check the tranny fluid, check it for a burnt smell that could signal overheating/overloading.

[MikeS.]

Thanks!