CA Wtb 454

[Steeveedee]

I'm looking to replace the 402 in my truck, it's getting tired. I want a little extra towing power, so looking for a 454. If I understand correctly, 454 engines had a long water pump from '73 up, so I'm looking for one with a short water pump for minimal pain on installation- I do not want to move the engine back, and all that entails. Maybe that only exists in cars, though?

[THI]

Your old short water pump will bolt up to a 454, along with your other accessories.

[Steeveedee]

That's what I was hoping. Hopefully someone near me has one that I can buy, even if it needs rebuilding.

[painterljp]

You.may want to do a bit of research on when they cut down horsepower in the 454. Don't quote me but believe they had alot less horsepower after 75? Am sure someone can pipe up and add to this. I am not sure but I know they did. Along with the 55 mph speed limit back then. ???

[Steeveedee]

I'm expecting that unless it runs really well, I'll be rebuilding it anyway. So new internals will bring the power up.

[THI]

This to keep in mind of Big Block Chevy's:

Somewhere around 1980 they went from Series Cooling to Parallel Cooling - Parallel Cooling is better, if you get a block that is Series Cooling you can add the additional holes to the deck to change to parallel cooling, you need to use a later head gasket if you do that, one that has the proper holes and block offs for Parallel Cooling.

Depending on the engine, somewhere between 1977 and 1979 the Large Oval Ports were replaced by Peanut Port heads. I have a 1978 C20 with Large Oval Port heads and a 1979 C3500 with Peanut Port heads - The Large Oval have about 1,000 RPM more operating range than the Peanut Port in stock form.

Stay away from Gen V Big Blocks (1991-1995) as they can only use Gen V or Gen VI heads, and they are still a flat cam block. If you do not mind the flat cam block, you can bolt a set of Gen VI L29 heads on a Gen V block (7400 Vortec heads) and the Gen V's have a better oiling system than the Mark IV blocks, but Gen V blocks usually come with 156 casting Peanut Port heads - the smallest and least desirable Peanut Port heads.

Gen VI blocks have factory roller cam capability, Priority oiling system and usually come with Vortec heads - flat-top pistons with the Vortec heads yields around 9.3:1 compression and works with low octane fuel. However, most have no mechanical fuel pump pad except a few replacement and crate engine blocks. I stumbled across one of those "few" a couple of years ago, I will be putting that in my 1978 C20 when the time comes to restore the truck.

[Steeveedee]

Thanks, that's all good information! I don't have extensive knowledge with BBC, I've only run and built SBC until I got this truck. That and some stray Ford and Dodge engines. From what I'm reading, peanut heads would be fine in my application. I don't intend to run it over 3k RPM when cruising with the trailer. I have another thread down in the drivetrain forum where we are discussing various options, from lower rear end ratios to 496 strokers, with the odd diesel and LS engine tossed in.