Horses

[Bitzer!]

Hi Guys,

I'm sure I've seen this topic before but couldn't find it.

My 454 has been refreshed,honed, rings, shells etc even though it only had 85k on it.

But the question is- what bhp should it roughly be? I've read Wikiyawnalotpedia but not convinced by the info on there.

cheers

Andy

[1980c10]

Roughly speaking you should probably be around 250 mostly stock but with a few add ons such as a cam, headers, better heads, better pistons it would not be hard to get to 400.

[Bitzer!]

Cheers fella. I must've miss read somewhere!
Slightly gutted at the standard tbh, altho the cast headers have gone I think a mild cam may be in order!
Cheers

[Irish_Alley]

you also should be looking at the tq of that motor thats where all the power is at

[big bear]

yup...454s are torque monsters

[Bitzer!]

Ok guys gimme torque numbers and a comparrison of say a medium sized family saloon?

[Captkaos]

Stock about 350lb/ft.  But a cam will greatly open it up.

[roadrage41]

roughly twice the amount of your average mondeo

[1979C20]

Horsepower sells cars/motors. Torque wins races.

[Bitzer!]

Cheers all, sounds like it should be "fair" already.

Engine internals I struggle with. I can do the basics with the bottom end, rings, shells etc but then I stutter!

Is it a case of old cam out, new cam in or is there lots more to it? Timing and things?

With the 4 branch tubular headers and a reasonable cam would I be nearer the 500 lb/ft?

Cheers from a bloke who struggles with these things! "I can mig it if it helps!"

[zieg85]

I am so impressed with my stock 85 C20 454 4 speed with my highway gear.  I drive it real easy and really have to watch it when the roads are wet because the tires break loose so easily.  I am out a little ways in the country so rural driving mostly 45-55 mph.  I am in 4th by 35 and if I hit the go pedal to much accelerating from there the tires brake loose with my 3.21 gearing and mine is bone stock 137K miles with all the pollution stuff still on it choking it down.  I couldn't imagine controlling 500 lb/ft but it may be fun to try...

[Bitzer!]

Cheers for all the info, I'm good at making things look pretty and wires but it stops there.

I've no idea of rear gearing yet - is there a "usual" for the 14 bolt? ex USAF truck?

[Irish_Alley]

al the 14s that i have opened are 4.10

[Bitzer!]

al the 14s that i have opened are 4.10

Irish_Alley > excuse my ignorance, would a 4-1 be more suited to pulling or cruising at speed?

[Irish_Alley]

pulling. it will take off like a bat out of heck with higher numbers but top out very fast