Before I do what's described below, could going to a high volume/pressure pump resolve this issue?

My 69 has a 454/T400 in it that needs some work... when hot, it's got low to no oil pressure showing on my mechanical gauge (which I replaced to make sure)


454 in my 69...

... even at 60 (2600 rpm) it's always no more than 17PSI or so, though it shows around 60 at start up... a looks like bearings (cam and main)... rear main seal... switch to hydraulic lifters... hp oil pump...

That's not going to happen until next year... so, in the interim, I've got a stroker I can swap into it.

My guess is that it would need mounts, headers/exhaust system. When it comes to the trans, can I go with the flexplate on the 454? Do I need another torque converter?

Is there anything else I'm overlooking?

 

Pretty sure the flexplate will not work,unlike 396 & 427 454s are externally balanced,otherwise it would all bolt up, same bolt patterns bellhousing and all on a small block.
I swapped a 427 in to a 327 car in a '69 back in the day,just changed motor mounts on the motor and new headers.
Also needed the bigblock heater core of course.
Car was a 4 speed stick,flywheel starter and all from the 327 bolted right up to the big block.
I think all you'd need is a flexplate motor mounts(motor side) and headers.
Before you do all that make sure there's really a problem,could something be restricting the oil passage to the gauge etc.?

 

The plan is, with the engine in the car, to pull the oil pan, swap in a high volume/pressure oil pump.

While the pan is off, I'll drop the caps and check the bearings. Who knows?

I could get lucky!

Appreciate the info on the flex plate swap... so I need to get a plate that is for an externally balanced set up if I go that route?

Don't believe it's a blockage because when I first fire it up, I get the 50-60 pounds indicated on the gage.

Could the wrong oil filter cause this issue as well?

Thanks for responding...