newbie typing here. Just purchased a 1968 with no engine comes with a Muncie M22 4 spd
I want to drop a 454 bb in there just cause it sounds cool, fairly cheap, and I figure it will get me to the 500 ponies.
Looking for a weekend cruiser at the same time want to have some power.

2 questions please

1. is there a certain type of 454 block I should be looking for ? serial number, or maybe from a certain vehicle
2. $2k to $3k budget for parts can you suggest a Ideal build for the block heads, shaft, cams, carb, etc.

Really appreciate feed back as I am pretty anxious to start the project but would like some insight thanks in advance.

 

Have checked into Chevrolet crate engines.That way most everything is there ,and you have a warranty.

 

2 to 3 k wont get you 500hp more like 4 to 5k + an shopping for the deals too crate engines best bet. a build would be alot more jegs many places you may be able too get to 500 hp without the bbc a 383 build right will do it an save weight sbc 454 427 406 355 .there out there making that kinda Hp .I think guys these days are doing bbc for more then 500 hp ,if I was going bbc I would be going with 700hp or more ,but if weight is no issue an you can get a deal that's all that matters, difference is about 110 lbs but you also need stronger shocks for the big block the ultimate big block is 427 Aluminum engine about 550lbs to about 675 for 454 BB or ,for a Camaro BBC is for raceing ,most guys can surprize the BB guys with there sbc when it comes to the street.but to each there own an 350sbc is about 575lbs all intact .an my guess is 500hp to the crank, couse to the wheels then 6 to 7 k ,2 to 3k gets you 290 hp crate 350 ,with most of what you need a turn key would be like 3500.00,but shop every place ,deals are out there .yup 5 to 7 k for a 454 BBC 450hp to 600hp ,just a quick ebay check

 

454's were installed in pickups, vans, and 'Burbs.
'88 started TBI EFI. Only thing is the heads are 'peanut port' size intake.
But, you want to build for torque - this is what pegs the 'Seat-O-Pants' meter.

You can pick up a good 454 TBI from Pick-Ur-Parts, catch them at 50% off sale and get a 30 day warranty. I would get ECM, harness, engine, and plan for an electric fuel pump and installing a return line to tank.

Even if you go another route, plan on return fuel line in keeping fuel from percolating/vapor lock since ethanol has been added.

 

You're talking about a budget build, so you have some options. The 454 blocks are all pretty stout, they come in 2-bolt and 4-bolt versions, if you're not building an all out track car, the 2-bolt is fine. I don't know how many different heads Chevy made, but the steel oval ports I have are supposed to be decent.

My engine was built by a local race engine builder up in Syracuse for the guy who was doing the restoration. He builds a lot of motors for the oval track racing community, but also builds some nice street engines for his friends. The entire rotating assembly was balanced to 1 gram or less. Apparently the builder had a mix of components that he knows will produce about 500-515 hp at the shaft (not rear wheels), and that's what he used. Comp Cam, forged Pistons, 781 heads massaged a little, Edelbrock RPM manifold, Holley 4150 double pumper, long tube headers, Petronix ignition, probably a few other things. All I know is it's got more power than I need LOL.

Good luck on your build, and it might not hurt to find a local engine builder who will work with you.

Mike

 

yes good info though guys he wants 500hp though that wont be done with the budget hes got , no mater how much he hunts for used parts wich I would not do myself unless I knew the engine only had 1000 miles on it or something,going to need more for that much hp

 

With that limited budget he's not buying a new BBC crate motor, so he's relegated to buying used stuff, whether it's going to get rebuilt or already is. There's plenty of BBC blocks and motors on my local CL, and nothing wrong with a seasoned block if you're going to rebuild. For three grand your definitely not getting ultimate build components, and probably not getting 500 hp. But you could piece together a BBC motor for $3K based on buying used parts.

 

but he has yet to chime back in ,so till he does this ,know one knows ,I just know used is riskey ,guy could say I got 500 miles on this an no one realy knows its a crap shoot ,so ldeal build like they said is new parts or a crate engine, no you don't need to look for serial numbers don't matter ,good quality parts ,I suppose if you can find a guy in the middle of a build thats is giving up on it may be a way to go ,an having an experienced engine builder with you is a must if you don't know what your buying ,if you do then your all set

 

The problem with a used engine is that unless you know the person real well.You just don`t know what you get. Unless you can get a good used engine.I would save up your money and get a new crate engine.That way you have a warranty.

 

yes an without the guy chimeing in a couple weeks now ,theres no way to know what he is going to do but probley just seeing what it may cost him