Vortec 454 swap

[73SWBBB]

Hey guys I am searching this now but am hoping you guys will assist in my findings. I have pulled the OE big block which was a 454 out of my 73 2wd short bed. The block is toast so I am looking for alternate options. I found a guy getting rid of a 97 vortec 454 with computer and harness for $1000. I know I would have to reprogram the computer if I wanted to keep it fuel injected but are there any other issues i would run into with this swap? I plan to use the TH400 thats still hanging under the truck. Any info would be helpful and appreciated.

[choptop]

I think physically its a direct bolt in. Most of the modifications will be the electronics. You'll need new fuel tanks with baffles and electric fuel pumps. If its throttle body injection, a blazer.tank or pickup tanks from an 87-91 crewcab or blazer will work with factory pumps. Not really sure if the pumps will work with multiport injection. Unless your just wanting the fuel injection, Id just change the intake and go back with a carb. I haven't seen enough of a difference between an e
f.I 454 and a properly tuned carb engine to justify the cost. If you go with a carb, you may have to run an electric fuel pump because I don't know it the newer block has provisions for a mechanical pump. .
 Hang tight, there's more knowledgable guys here that will chime in. Im just giving food for thought.
 

[Captkaos]

Big blocks fall into 4 version for 454's.
Mark IV = 1965-1990  ( Classic BBC)
Gen V = 1991-1995 (this is the one that takes alot for $ to get the good Mark IV topend on)
Gen VI = 1996-2000 (This is the "real" successor to the Mark IV, parts interchange better.  No mechanical fuel pump and no adjustable valves)
Gen VII = 2001-2009 (The 8.1L 496 BBC, it has different oil pan rails, 18-bolt head bolt pattern, symmetrical intake ports like the LS series along with the same firing order and ECM...

A 1997 is a good motor.  If you find someone to tune it I would leave it EFI personally.  You can even retro it to use the LS computers, so anyone that can tune a LS can tune it. You should have no problems running it in front of a TH400.

[73SWBBB]

It is possible to just install an inline fuel pump and use my original tank though right? I think i've seen guys doing this with the LS swaps. I have considered a 5.3 swap also but if i can keep it a big block truck i think i would be happier in the end. I also think that I would like to go fuel injected, so this motor seems to be what i am looking for. I appreciate the info guys. There is a company near by (virginia speed) that is very big on LS swaps and tuning, Im guessing they would be my best bet on getting the computer tuned properly.

[Captkaos]

I would NOT run and inline pump.  I would use a 87 EFI sender and use a AC241 pump in place of the TBI pump.

[73SWBBB]

Will those go right into the tank I have? Or will I actually need to get a newer tank as well?

[Captkaos]

The sending units will fit any year,  If you go this route on a non-EFI tank, make sure you keep a couple gallons in there at all times.