Hello All,
Wanted to get everyone’s opinion.

I currently have a 454 block in my 81 Camaro with a fairly aggressive tappet cam. (Previous owner didn’t have specs, but the damn thing takes all the vacuum outta my brakes lol)

Anyhow, here’s my question...

Both 454 and 468 would have Edelbrock RPM Intake manifold, and same carb with know that here’s my two options:

1) Keep my block w/the aggressive tappet cam and add 300cc Aluminum oval port 2.25 & 1.88 valves.
$2800 w/labor

2) Buy a used 468 w/roller cam and stock cast iron “ported” 241 oval heads. $4200 w/labor. I believe the valves are 2.19 & 1.88 but the owner doesn’t know for sure. He said they are port and polished heads and we could pull one off but he doesn’t remember the valve size.

Lets add in a 3rd option. Doing #1 option but adding a Holley sniper EFI fuel injection with the money saved?

I guess the question is, since the 454 will have hi flow aluminum heads that out flow the 468 cast iron heads would the 454 make more power? Or does the fact that the other engine is bored over with a roller cam make more power? Or would it be a wash and both be about the same? Which set up would y’all go with?

No, I can’t add aluminum heads to the 468.... can’t afford it if I go that route. (Just in case I get some saying that on here)

thoughts?????

 

A 468 is a 454 bored .060". If the used 468 is worn out, you can't safely bore it. If your 454 bore is worn out you can go .030" (462). Stick with the 454.

 

I agree with Al on this.

Either add a vacuum canister or change out the cam to something more reasonable. From what I'm reading, you won't get better hp or mpg by changing to EFI. (On Camaro.net someone recently posted a question asking mileage per gallon in carb vs EFI. In general, the carbs got 1 mpg better fuel economy.)

Bigger valves are not necessarily the answer to better power. Your cam, compression, valve size, and carb size should be synchronized for the best power.

 

I wasn’t really thinking about EFI System for gas mileage. I was thinking more on the lines of easy tuning and cold start. And I’ve heard potential added HP, but I don’t think it’s enough to really call it a gain!