454 upgrade

[mean87]

I recently purchased an 82 3/4 ton long bed, 4x4, 208 t case, 400 tran, 454 stock, runs great with one problem. Stock being the problem, id like to beef it up a bit. Im on a tight budget so i was debating a dual plane intake, and a decent cam, headers or save up for some low buck heads and build from there. This is a work truck and toy hauler so any cam ideas, head suggestions, or input welcome.

[ccz145a]

You would be happy with summit's 1301. It is a good rv cam with a little lope and .500 lift so stock springs are ok. It would be better with a little more compression than you engine has, but would still wake it up. I am running stock large oval heads 721s and they are good for me. A properly tuned q-jet is good for mileage and still fun, so make sure you get a spread-bore manifold if you go that route.

[ToddN]

I start drooling when I see thread titles with 454 in it.  Someday soon .  My 350 is just so mean though.

[mean87]

Thanks for your input I was figuring on about a .500 lift, that combo sounds right up my alley. Not that it really matters but any ideas to what kind of power numbers i could expect with that set up? Also I have read the this engine runs about a 8 to 1 compresion i intend to replace the heads with a set of aluminum Pro Comps with 320cc runners 115 compression chambers 2.25 int 1.88 exh. How large of a cam could i run with these heads on a stock bottom.

[mean87]

I have always ran small block myself this is my first big block. I have had some good running mice but its a nice change having the low end grunt of a Rat

[VileZambonie]

Big blocks make small blocks seem like a matchbox toy. Building a BBC costs a lot more than building an sbc though. If you're keeping everything stock except headers, intake, cam then just go with the Edlebrock performer or the summit clone.

[motion427]

Here's an example of what you can do with a cheap set of penut port heads,and a budget.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_1010_cheap_big_block_chevy_engine_build/index.html

For a cam and top end selection,would need to know what type of Tranny,converter if it's an automatic,tire size,ring & pinion ratio.
With that info,a good cam and top end setup can be chosen.

Stock gears with big tires,with a big cam and 320 heads,a 305 will out power the 454 with ease.......

Combination is key, Small block or big block.

Also the stock valve springs are junk,only good for .450 lift and even then.......
Oval port heads would be a better choice for a pick up.

[malibu795]

heres a dyno sheet for a 468 i built last winter
9:1 cr 208/218 475/500  summit 1300 cam performer intake 600 cfm carb headers and 049 oport  heads with 2.06/1.88 valves 10cc dome seal pro hyper pistions with teflon skirts is what i used 
iirc i got less then 2500 in the rebuild

[fitz]

Here's an example of what you can do with a cheap set of penut port heads,and a budget.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_1010_cheap_big_block_chevy_engine_build/index.html

I read about that engine in Car Craft a while back and it looks like a steal for $2650. Can't seem to find that engine on the company's website.