basic performance 454 BBC rebuild ideas

grumpyvette · May 11, 2015

ceejay-sri lanka said:
Hi All,
I'm looking to build an engine for my 67 Impala sport sedan.
The car will be used mostly in the city and very very rarely on a highway. (we do not have highways really where I live.)

I'm looking to build an engine which can be used for street use but has a slightly shaky idle like This

Im looking at an engine which needs to be rebuilt.
It has casting number 3999289 and suffix code TRH (out of a truck?)
The heads are apparently 122cc "049" heads.

So my question is, is this block and head combination good to work with ?
Can they be built to produce 450 to 500 BHP yet be street drivable ... oh the engine MUST run on 91 Octane. That's the best fuel we have here.

I'm guessing it will need a performance cam (thumper or mutha thumper), pistons to bring the compression to what ever will work with 91 octane, a 4 barrel intake (I think it has one already) a good carb... anything else ?

If I build it with the parts mentioned above plus 2.19/1.88 valves, what sort of BHP will that produce ?

what it sounds like your looking to do is a basic performance upgrade on an older 454 oval port head engine, and thats just not all that difficult to do,yes you could spend a good deal of cash and get a big power increase but if the goals 450-500hp you just really need a bit higher compression a better cam, headers,and the matching drive train gearing.
yes a new 750cfm carburetor and performance intake would be helpful.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wnd-8019
3999289....454.......71-79...2 or 4 bolt, some "CE" replacement blocks had four bolt main caps

http://www.maliburacing.com/patrick_budd_article.htm

IF the block and heads are in good condition they will be a decent starting point for a build (obviously youll want too have the local machine shop check the heads, and rebuild them with a new valve job and install valve springs and clearance for a .600 lift.)

Id suggest buying pistons like these,that match the bore after your machine shop verifys the condition or re-bores and hones the block,if thats required, to get the compression up near 9.7:1 -10:1 assuming your correct about open chamber heads, get the quench distance near .040"

https://www.uempistons.com/index.php?main_page=product_piston_info&cPath=3_4_23&products_id=3034

a cam similar to this, and a low restriction exhaust with decent headers

a combo like that will meet your needs, for over 450 hp, but ID strongly suggest you install a 2500rpm stall converter or in won,t run correctly with the stock auto transmission and it would help to have a 3.54:1-or -3.73:1 rear gear ratio
http://www.crower.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=01206&x=0&y=0

HERES A SIMILAR CRATE ENGINE. if you build your engine with that cam I linked too and a bit higher compression (9.7:1-10:1 the combo should easily produce a bit more power

http://www.karlperformanceparts.com...-Engine/1879?gclid=CIqh592eusUCFcIXHwodvGsA6Q

INVESTING THE TIME AND EFFORT IN PURCHASING AND READING A FEW BOOKS WILL BE VERY COST EFFECTIVE

having a good high capacity baffled oil pan on your engine adds considerably to its potential durability and potential life span.
many guys ignore proven combos, because it may cost more than they want to spend, and either insist on using components they own currently or think they can buy far less expensively than the components, I know from experience will actually work.

http://www.amazon.com/Chevy-Big-Blo...id=1431367529&sr=1-1&keywords=big+block+chevy

http://www.amazon.com/How-Hotrod-Bi...id=1431367583&sr=1-3&keywords=big+block+chevy

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Max-Per...id=1431367615&sr=1-2&keywords=big+block+chevy

http://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-B...id=1431367615&sr=1-5&keywords=big+block+chevy

grumpyvette · May 11, 2015

basic performance 454 BBC rebuild ideas

grumpyvette

Administrator

grumpyvette

Administrator