I found a guy who has a 454 (78') from a truck for $400. Its a 4 bolt main and he gave me a set of stock heads with it. Can this motor put out over 425 hp with the stock heads if i'm able to bore it out, with a cam? Is this a good deal for a big block? I'm not looking to build a serious racer, I just want something fun to drive on the street with a nice sounding lumpy cam.

 

Yes it can put out 425hp with stock heads, but that depends on the condition of the heads and what else you do. If you can get the casting number off the heads it would help determine which heads they are.
More than likely they're open chamber, oval port. The closed chambers work better on a street engine, and build a bit more compression. The right piston and cam will still give you 425hp, but don't get too radical a cam with the open chamber and oval ports.

 

What kinda cam/lift do I need to obtain that lumping sound? I just want it to sound mean. I really could care less what it runs at the track hp in 400s is plenty for me. If I could get 425-450hp I would be happy as hell. I'm just trying to do a budget build.

Is that a decent deal $400 for the 4 bolt main block and heads?