needs to know why 454, bbc, just not running up to expectations

Grumpy

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.
Staff member
I’m new to this forum thing so hello, I need help building a basic engine so I’m gonna provide as much information possibly for you knowledge people.

I’ve recenty bought a 1991 Chevy single cab RWD and it has a 454 that was swapped into it. Not original engine, looked up my casting numbers and it seems to be for a 70 chevelle

The transmission is a TH400

I want to add power to the point of where when I floor it the truck will burn out on a dead stop
So here’s the information I have and the parts I’ve obtained so far

Engine block casting is 361959 1973-85 car or truck
Head casting is 336781 1973-85
Bought a Edelbrock performer 2-0 intake
New distributor was told has high voltage as the guy repeated to me about 100 times to make sure I don’t get shocked by it cause it will hurt
Holley double pumper I think 600 cfm if I’m wrong then a 700
Automatic TH400 with a BnM quicksilver shifter

And the only thing I’m running for exhaust is headers that meet to a single point, put a small y pipe followed by glass packs and that’s it so it’s only as long as the cab, doesn’t even reach the bed

The engine has no oil leaks as I was told it was rebuilt and I’ve had it running for a while now but I’m not satisfied with it’s preformance

How do I put some balls into this baby is my main question?

Id suggest you start with a good tune up and a compression test, and verifying your ignition advance curve,and verify every valve spring and rocker is fully functioning correctly, please post clear color pictures of all the spark plugs it helps if your sure the engines running correctly before making changes.
the heads you have will work with some minor clean-up work.
your 454 should already be fully capable of spinning the tires a bit from a standing start, Id check for a worn cam lobe or some other mechanical or tuning reason, first,even a well tuned 396 should spin tires easily,
a infrared thermometer might be useful in detecting a less than ideal cylinders performance
Id also verify the cams installed and degreed in, I know a guy that bought a 1970 corvette with a 454 some guy installed he bought off craigs list, the car was a complete dog.. we checked it out and some previous owner had installed the cam 11 -12 degrees advanced, from the correct location and two cam lobes were flat.
once were replaced the cam and lifter and degree in the new cam it was a major improvement
read these
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/infrared-temp-guns.11444/#post-52521
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...bc-questions-seeking-advice.14710/#post-79654
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/454-bbc-on-the-cheap-well-to-start.11739/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...54-bbc-engine-have-any-power-potential.12343/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/big-block-recipe-needed.12450/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...amed-781-oval-port-468-bbc-dyno-result.12402/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ng-combustion-chambers.2630/page-3#post-77963

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-building-a-peanut-port-big-block-combo.2900/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/a-mid-range-454-bbc-build.8215/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/a-mid-range-454-bbc-build.8215/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/cheaper-454-chevy-build.4620/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/chevy-big-block-vi.9857/#post-72462
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...oven-facts-if-your-in-doubt.13051/#post-67901

yeah, I know you were expecting someone to say, buy and install cam XYZ and gain 50 hp...
the truth here is that until you verify the basics are all good and do a compression test, a decent tune-up,
verify the ignition advance curve, check firing order ,replace the spark plugs, verify the ignition function, post clear pictures of the spark plugs,
check fuel pressure, and properly adjust the valves after making sure the cam is not worn, etc.
your making random guesses , and any changes may or may not help.
once youve established a working base we can advance the project ,
and make logical and reasonable suggestions based on facts.
keep the plug gap at .045, wider gaps don,t tend to help, yes everything you need to verify can be tested without removing the engine from the truck
read linked thread info, if your in doubt, about how to do some thing obviously posting a detailed question or two would be helpful so we can post detailed info

[/quote]
 
The Turbo 400 torque converter too Grumpy.
They are impossible to identify originals unless the Engine and transmission are virgin never touched and seperated.
Not likely nearly 50 years later.

Many different stalls were made from GM.
Never marked stamped or sticker put on.

An aftermarket new by Hughes or Coan my picks.
And with a Heavy Duty Sprag a must have behind 400-425- 454 -455 & all Stroker combo engines.
Drag Race Severe want a mechanical diode in place of the Torque converter internal sprag.
 
most guys have little real experience at isolate and test procedures and many can,t use test equipment or even fully understand what to look for.
DON,T PAY FOR IT ...DO IT YOURSELF!!!
IT WILL COST LESS EVEN AFTER PAYING FOR THE TOOLS, than paying for it AT MOST GARAGES.
A compression test,ALONE, IS NOT A LEAK DOWN TEST, a LEAK DOWN TEST WILL GIVE YOU THE COMPRESSION TEST INFO, ALONG WITH OTHER INFO

you'll find that you'll gain basic skills, own new tools and PAY LESS MONEY


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leak-down_tester

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/11 ... index.html

BEFORE YOU GET INVOLVED WITH TESTING , YOUR ENGINE,READ THRU THESE THREADS, AND LINKS AS THEY WILL HELP ISOLATE THE PROBLEM, and THEY HAVE A GOOD DEAL OF USEFUL INFO
you really need
42545.jpg

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/e...1100200223789&utm_content=All Extech Products
INFRARED TEMP GUN
timinglite4.jpg

42545.jpg


https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/...1100200223789&utm_content=All Extech Products
a timing light,
image_3330.jpg

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-1-2-half ... 95670.html

multi meter,
vacuumgauge.jpg

vacuum gauge,
feulpres.jpg


fuel pressure gauge

http://www.harborfreight.com/cylinder-l ... 94190.html



HARBOR FREIGHT, UNDER $40

http://buy1.snapon.com/products/diagnos ... pv309a.asp

SNAP ON $330

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900010/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/OTC-5609/
otc-5609_w.jpg


SUMMIT $80-$100
compression test /leak down tester



vacuumgauge.jpg

TAV-8016.JPG


http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...comp-ratio-cranking-pressure-calculator.4458/

View attachment 9127
https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3612-...1514049243&sr=1-4&keywords=compression+tester






61qbi00PcQL._AC_SL1155_.jpg




otc-5609_w.jpg



image_1450.jpg
18512.jpg

dial indicator with stand

degreew1.jpg

and a degree wheel
918999.jpg

damper tool

and a shop manual
and more related reference material
certainly won,t hurt

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/verifying-your-real-advance-curve.4683/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/bare-minimum-tools.11026/#post-48779


http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/no-computer-now-what.13973/#post-71209
 
Last edited:
Back
Top