engine bay before and after

[77BBGMC]

Thought I would post a couple before and after pictures of my engine compartment. I have a few more things to do, but it’s at a stopping point now. Just a quick overview, motor was original 454 with a lot of miles. Goal was to do as much as possible myself (I’m not a mechanic) or be involved in anything that was done, plan was to rebuild the tranny and freshen up the engine. I had a buddy that used to be a tranny guy do the rebuild, I was the grunt. Once tranny was completed it was time to start on the motor. Long story short…ended up buying a complete 454 with a spun rod bearing. Since my brother-in-law is an automotive machinest we decided to build a 496. Pretty basic pump gas motor, stock rods, Scat Crank, 781 heads with larger valves, Comp roller cam and valve train, Holley 870, hooker headers. Since I was going to do the install myself, I figured it would be good to get it dialed in on the dyno. I’ve seen it done on TV, but it’s much better in person. I was a little nervous, but once it fired up it was all good.

The motor swap has taken longer than expected; I’ve cleaned, replaced or repainted everything in the engine compartment (Yezzi provided good motivation). Some day when I do the bodywork I’ll redo the firewall; they are too cluttered looking from the factory. I have a new appreciation for all you guys that are doing complete restorations/rebuilds, I just finished the first stage and it has taken me a year.

Overall I’m happy with the way it came out. Still not too crazy about my powder coated intake or headers. First experience with headers, I didn’t realize they would generate more heat than the cast manifolds, or it seems like they do. I had 3” exhaust, H pipe with Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers installed last week, it’s quiet going down the road and has a nice sound at idle.