Power From A Stock 454

SIGGMAN

Member
Just got a low mileage 95 gen V 454. plan to put in a 72 El Camino with T400 3:23 posi
would like to upgrade power keeping short block. how much power can be made with this and what is the best method. I understand the p-nut port heads have limitations, as far as flow rates and valve lift, Economically, can they be made to provide a boost in power, is it better to find a true oval port? will aftermarket aluminum heads work with the low compression? I guess I would like to know what is a reasonable expectation of power that can be made using a stock low compression short block and how?
Thanks in advance.
 
WHY NOT CALL 4-5 cam manufacturers and get their thoughts
before making a choice on a replacement hydraulic roller cam
the peanut port heads are restrictive ..
theres zero question better flowing heads will boost power
,as would boosting compression,
The stock peanut-port heads featured a 2.06/1.72 valve combination with 118cc combustion chambers.:rolleyes:

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...octane-for-compression-ratio.2718/#post-98845
if you built the correct combo,
but if you are ok with a great lower rpm torque curve that falls flat at about 5000 rpm..
it can be made to work ok.. especially if with a auto transmission in a daily driver.
personally I think Id go this route , EDELBROCK ALUMINUM HEADS
110cc combustion chambers 2.19/1.88 valves:D
bigger valves, much better ports and a good deal less weight
along with a better intake than the original heavy cast iron intake
the smaller combustion chambers, bigger valves, better heat transfer, better flow
and saving a great deal of weight, and less chance of running into detonation issues with crappy gas seem like a bargain deal.
yeah, everything costs a good deal of cash,
but porting peanut port heads and adding an adjustable valve train,
and going to bigger valves, better valve springs,
would most likely cost as much or more if done professionally,
and you wind up with heavy cast iron, crack prone, and a less capable set of heads.

match to an air gap intake and a good 750 cfm carb along with a decent mild roller cam and headers Id be looking at at least an added 80-100 hp minimum
BTW DON,T FORGET TO USE A LARGER CAPACITY BAFFLED OIL PAN
,the stock oil pans on most peanut port head engines are barely adequate


https://www.edelbrock.com/rpm-big-b...cylinder-head-hydraulic-roller-cam-60455.html

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/semi-fool-proof-cam-sellection.82/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...n-v-vi-to-adjustable-rockers.4564/#post-12170

https://www.cartechbooks.com/techtips/killerbigblockchevy/


a few related threads and sub-linked info
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-peanut-port-big-block-combo.2900/#post-13226

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-peanut-port-big-block-combo.2900/#post-36476

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...sic-454-big-block-chevy-build.1211/#post-2549

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...n-v-vi-to-adjustable-rockers.4564/#post-12170

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...gine-build-up-for-the-street.3153/#post-11626

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/cheaper-454-chevy-build.4620/#post-46865

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/454-mild-engine-build.15704/#post-94021

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...g-block-pushrod-guide-plates.4596/#post-87619

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/checking-piston-to-valve-clearances.399/
 
Last edited:
WOW THAT WAS QUICK.
LOOKS LIKE I HAVE LOTS OF READING.
I was actually looking at the Edelbrock stuff, I have used their products in the past on small blocks.
this car wont be a daily driver , but I do drive it a few times a week in nice weather.
Thanks, Grumpy
 
I just had a budget increase.
Well the low mileage engine wasn't quite as cherry as I had hoped.must have been sitting a while, even though it was complete with all the accessories and exhaust manifolds still attached, there was some rust on a few cylinder walls that ended up requiring some attention to correct.
So...............................................................
block .030" over, line honed, and decked
crank is still standard on main and rod journals.
22cc domed pistons
resized rods, added ARP bolts
decided to use the peanut port heads............................................as a door stop
looking at a set of Brodix Race Rite 270cc oval port head$, I like that the exhaust ports are as original.
intake manifold will be a performer air gap
re-use existing headers/ and 850cfm carb, for now
as for a cam............................................
I am looking at a Hyd. roller but there as narrow as I have been able to get it.
i see the heads will flow plenty of air, far above what will suit my needs, I have seen where a roller cam seems to be able to produce higher vacuum at the higher lift/duration???
I'm looking at something like 228/238 and 547/547 w/ 111 lsa.
I have stock converter now , can go up if required.
I guess I'm looking to get as much usable power and still have power brakes etc.
am i heading in the right direction???
 
you'll most likely need a converter upgrade, with a cam with that duration, most likely a 3000 rpm stall\speed converter.
those heads have a 119cc combustion chamber, if the engine is built with a 22cc dome piston's,
I think your static compression ratio will be a bit lower than ideal
do the calcs and check that potential issue, youll want close to 10,5:1 static compression and about 8:1 dynamic compression

you did not mention , tire size, car weight,

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/dynamic-vs-static-compression.727/

http://www.pcengines.com.au/calculators/
 
Last edited:
Horsepower is created by efficiently burning of fuel.... period.

That being said you need to ask how you reach the maximum efficiency and increase the fuel consumption per cylinder firing while maintaining that efficiency.

Looking at volumetric effeminacy and understand it will help you greatly.

low air flow will result in low HP. It may result in adequate torque but HP may suffer.
 
ok so now on to the next issue, Gen V block Gen IV aluminum heads:) head gaskets????
saw a post about using VRienz, however it seems they are no longer available, saw another to use 1037 felpro, then another not to use the 1037??
is there currently a gasket available for a .030 over gen 5 with aluminum gen iv heads, and if so what are the and is there any additional mods required?
thought i had figured this out before , but now after further reading not sure.
As usual thank you for any info.
 
https://www.cartechbooks.com/blogs/techtips/killerbigblockchevy/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-aftermarket-block-variants.15146/#post-91792

many of the recently designed and currently sold aftermarket big block aluminum heads can be used on any of the gen iv-v-vi blocks
(obviously ask detailed questions before you purchase)
this obviously is not true of most factory heads or previously designed aftermarket heads
ictor-Reinz used to make a left and a right (different part numbers!) gasket pair to put Mark IV heads on to a "production" Gen 5 block. Those gaskets are now supplied by Mahle.

4918 is for the passenger-side (right) deck.
4923 is for the driver's-side (left) deck.

https://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/media ... a-g-05.pdf

Bowtie Gen 5 blocks didn't have the coolant-leakage problems because they had more metal in the critical locations for better gasket sealing.
 
Last edited:
4918 GASKET $38.99 from Summit
4923 nothing
I know I'm not the greatest internet surfer but I have not found this part anywhere.
have they changed part number.
 
I just tried several places like soggin dicky, they all stated they have the 4918 and that the 4923 is currently discontinued
(which makes ZERO SENSE since you can't use one without the other one)
 
YEA,
That's about what I have found, CRAZY.......................
So what is the alternative?
I've contacted Fel Pro thru their tech line to see if they have a recommendation.
to be sure this is being done on a regular basis.
keeping fingers crossed.
 
went to AFR website, listed for use with their 290cc oval port heads
RECOMMENDED GASKETS:
HEAD GASKETS: Mark V-VI 4.540” bore Felpro 1047 or 17048 Mark V-VI 4.630” bore Felpro 17049
 
by now many aftermarket BBC cylinder head designs have been modified in the past few decades,
to work on all BBC blocks, regardless of gen.
 
Back
Top