ok so i have a guy on craigslist who wants to trade me a fresh rebuilt 454 bored .6 496 pushing 600hp for the small block 350 and muncie trans i have behind it. this would be going in my 68 camaro on no the engine i have in it now is not the original. the trans i would be giving him needs a rebuild as the synchronizer is going out so i was looking at different options anyways as i have been thinking about going to a good 5 speed to give me an overdrive gear. anyways, should i do it? i have been itching for more horsepower as right now i am only putting out around 380. the only problem is i have been told i will loose alot of streetability and the heavier big block will make it handle alot worse? also, what kind of project would this turn into, what all would i have to change to transition to a big block? i was assuming i would need heavier duty springs to support the extra weight and i would have to get rid of my ten bolt rear end and get something stronger but what else? also if i did it what would you guys run behind it for a trans i was looking at the TKO-600.

Thanks for all your help im really stuck on what to do i need to to know should i go biig block hahah

 

Why would someone want to trade a freshly built 454 for a small block and a wore out tranny? You are looking at a lot of things: motor mounts, frame mounts, springs, driveshaft, heater core box, just to name a few. Why not make your small block a stroker if you are looking for a little more horespower? Pound for pound if you are looking for horsepower a well built stroker will match a big block.

 

I had a guy with a built up big block want to trade for my crate 350. I didnt ask why though. I declined the offer. I know the deal with my engine and there is know telling what was going on with his. It was tempting though.

 

another craigslist scam
if you do get the motor it will be a blown one or major issues with it.
think about it!
tell him to give you motor first so you can have a mechanic check it out then youll trade but not untill you have the motor looked at.

 

If the 454 is fresh built, the guy should have receipts. You can also look down the spark plug holes and see if the pistons look shiny new like they should. A bore flashlight would help, and you'll even be able to see the overbore stamping (if it has one) on top of the pistons. At least you'll know whether or not it's a junkyard dog. The rest of what components were put inside goes on faith.

 

He Apparently works for a shop the rebuilds engines and always has a few laying around he told me everything he has done to the engine and has no problem letting me go through anything in the engine and looking it over. so if it is a legit deal should i do it?

 

http://siouxfalls.craigslist.org/pts/1705445145.html

here is a link to his add

 

With him asking $4k, it does seem weird that he wants to trade your small block and trans. Is he talking an even up trade?
Or is this one of those "it fell off a truck" kind of deals?
I might be tempted to jump at it then. Why are some of the rocker arms going *****-nilly though, or are they just way loose and not adjusted yet? I can't tell from the picture if it has guide plates.

 

That is a tough call, I went with the stroker route on mine.

 

Sounds a little too good to be true to me.....If it was legit, I'd be all over it..