This type of video is exactly what most people would do, it's fun to see the 8or9 hundred horse-power engines but most of the time you are correct this is what they actually make
I'm an LS guy but when it comes to towing you just can't beat the cubes and torque all in at 3500. I pull a quad horse trailer with a 90 Chevy 1500 with a 454, oval port heads, cammed with a set of mid length headers and when I'm on a long pull up a hill at 70mph (2200rpm) in Virginia that engine just hauls with oats to spare. I build and swap LS's but for grunt you just can't beat a big block.
I don't know anything about horses, but isn't that too much for a c1500? Anyhow... I'm considering rebuilding a 454 that I've got but I've never used it before and using it in a car hauler. What rear gear would you recommend and what do you think my MPG would be?
@@xmo552 A 454 is the way to go, with the right cam you'll have 500+ ft/lb of torque all in at 3500 or earlier and that's what you need for loads. You didn't mention what trans you'll run but let's say a late model 4L80e. Run a 3:73 or 3:54 rear gear, a tight converter (stock), the largest aux cooler you can fit and with 30" tires you'll cruise at 2000rpm at 75. With a carb mileage can be single digits or just above when hauling, I put a Fitech FI throttle body on a '90 2500 I had with a NP NV4500 and I picked up 6mpg easy and when going up or down in altitude the mixture stayed stable and the power stayed the same. Cubes are your best friend, there are 496's in the yards also.
@@xmo552 The suspension is not stock, the rear is out of a 3500 dually with 3/4 ton springs and a set of helpers on top of the main spring pack with the stock contact perches. I would recommend with a 28" tall rear set of duals a 3:42 or 3:55 rear gear with a Turbo 400 and the biggest trans oil cooler you can fit. It's a Gen 5 454 and I get 12-14 no matter how it's loaded, you could run a 4L80e with a 3:73 rear and pick up a few mpg more. I run a Comp XE 284H flat tappet and actually it uses peanut port heads not oval port as I stated before, I build a lot of engines and it was just a brain fart.
If anyone does the math and pays attention when people compare carbs, 454 *cui* x 5500 *rpm redline* x 0.80 *efficiency of engine 80% is average* / 3456 *unit conversion factor* that equals 578cfm 650 is more than enough and the lower engine speed response will be much better with a smaller carb. He's done this before guys. Send it Rich!
I did a mark 1V LS6 clone solid cam engine, and it was snappy as hell with a 750dp, but with an 850dp it was a different engine altogether. I'd agree there is a bunch of over carbed engines running around
I've been running the 600hp 454 combo for 20 years and it's been an excellent engine on the street. I'm shooting for 700hp with a Gen 6 based 502, 509 when I'm finished using the same AFR heads from my 454 combo, and a new camshaft of course. Shouldn't be too difficult to get there.
@@TheMrJones1994 basic 454 short block with forged internals, AFR 305 heads with cnc chamber option, custom hydraulic roller and a ported Edelbrock rpm air gap intake, 950hp on top. 10.2:1 compression, runs on 91 pump gas. Very basic setup.
@@firebirdjone I am also looking to make 700 na hp on my next motor. I have a 5 mile fresh 30 over 454. Worked 781 heads. 588/593 lift flat tappet. I have a E-85 850 carb and have a nitrous plate and will probably so 150 shot 200 at the most. I hoping for 550 on motor but im think that might be closer to 520. If it was 600 I think I would be fine with it with the nitrous. But stuff is so fast now If I do go a with a 468 set up this winter I would want to make 700 on motor and spray. I just have to see how my current engine works in this el camino first. If I can get it to hook right it might be enough
@@TheMrJones1994 Sounds like a nice setup, those 781 heads are fantastic when ported. You're right, stuff is so fast now that 500-600hp is a bit light, and 454's are no longer big anymore, lol. Of course many people have made more HP with 454's if you really want to push the compression and camshaft but I'm more of a street engine guy with decent drivability and pump gas a must, so for a 700hp NA combo I'm moving up in engine size to make it a little easier to obtain without being too radical. It's most likely going to end up a 509 unless I really get the bug and decide to wait longer for a crankshaft and make a 540 out of it, but parts are a bit hard to come by right now.
I enjoyed the ending of this video the most about the majority of big block are stock or mildly built and twin turbo big blocks that make 2000+hp are far and between. Couldn't of said it any better. Thanks Richard 👍🏿
Well I have a 93 Chevy Silverado 3/4 time 7.4 And I do wanna do some performance upgrades like there's the camp's the roller rocker revolves know that plus the then take manifold and a different collaborator and to increase the horsepower in the torque
I wish you would have shown the cfm on a stock big block like this. It would also be interesting to see what it does compared to a 375 hp small block. Also, comparing the cfm at different RPM ranges rather than just at peak power or rpm.
I got my .030 over 454 that I estimate to be close to 500hp, in a '74 c10 chevy stepside 2wd, backed by a muncie m21 close ratio 4 spd and 3.08 rear posi gears...as soon as a solve the hydraulic clutch issues, i'll be driving it around.....I dunno if that helps any...
Would be curious to see what a 496 with peanut ports would do with that XE 268 camshaft. Not that anyone would intentionally build a motor like this but. They might build in stages. First build a stout bottom end. Then save money for a couple years to put a $6,000 top end kit on it. Just curious what they would be running power wise while they were saving up that cash for the ultimate 850 HP build. 😆
would love to see a 427 tall deck tested with stock rotating assembly they have forged rods and crankshaft then change up pistons and rods would be very interesting test
Seeing vids like this kinda makes me wanna rebuild the circa 1978 454 w/781 heads… but then I see the prices for parts and a boosted LS swap starts looking more appealing, especially since I had a couple sitting on a pallet already.
There's nothing cheap about building an LS! It's going to cost you about the same in the end, so you just have to decide which you prefer, then go for it. I went BBC, because I'm an old guy, and I like and understand old school stuff. If I ever decide to, I can always toss on a "cheap" turbo for more power.
It's easy to make a 500hp big block chevy. Take two sparkplug wires off and it'll be down to 500. Then cry cos your mates 406 makes 550-600 and weighs 200lbs less
Will you included a stroker kit at some performance level Richard? Making a 454 a 502, or 572 (or larger), with good heads, cam and intake for example.
If I want a dedicated tow engine that puts out max torque at low engine speeds in hopes to keep MPG up... I wonder how a super mild 496 or 502 would do. Almost as if all I did was increase displacemt only. I'm trying to replicate the performance of my stock 5.9 Cummins.
With peanut port heads that's not bad. That wide LSA actually increased dynamic compression and made it run better with the low static compression it was running with. Those heads are definitely the choke point, but I think that cam grind optimized the top end.
Wondering if there is anything you would change or add if this application was going in a 33’ speedboat? Obviously not gonna use nitrous and would build 2 motors but they’re currently out and looking at options. Thanks in advance.
@@kyleross5541 454mpi gen6 boat motors.mercruiser wouldn't sell you a crate motor unless you had a verified core to return. Had to build a few with worn truck motors
I want to modify my '99 bbc 454 suburban. I want to go solid front axle and upgraded rear axle with power boost to the engine but want to keep it reliable. Is there a way to keep the engine on a fuel injection setup and push 500+ hp?
@@richardholdener1727 I'm having a hard time putting together a parts list. Can you please tell me what and where to look up for parts for that engine?
What did you calculate your compression ratio was on the GENVI after swapping on the Dart heads? Stock would have been just about 9:1 with 100CC chambers so Im assuming with 110cc chambers it would be down to 8.7-8.8? So if you are that low on compression was that running 87 octane? Seems like it would be able to do it.
No this a old thread i hav 99burb 454 L29 wat r bolt on parts i can do to bump hp they say 290hp outa factory think i b happy wth 350 400 hp jus 4 cruise n down hyway 80 90 steadily an still hav little left if needed
But no one really ever talks about the transmission and how it will receive the upgrade horsepower on the mile perform upgrades at what point you would need to do some work on the transmission when you've seen the maximum horsepower that that the particular transmission I have is the 46 something And 2 will drive non forward drive type transmission so definitely get back with that and some feedback and if you have any other videos on that type of subject or for transmission when you upgrade the horsepower on the engine would be great
I was putting g 3/8 rods in my grn 4 junkyard 454. They fit in all the channels except one on each side. Is this normal and can I fix it? Or do I need new heads? Can I run just those 2 pushrods of the original smaller dia?
ROFL!!! No doubt, now you need at least 2500hp just to go out and run with the big street dogs! I have seen 500+hp cars beat the snot out of 2500+hp cars on the street though! if they haven't got the surface figured out, they ain't hooking all that power up, and the small guys just walk away.
How about you take a pickup with 454 pull it take dyno test reinstall motor actually make budget friendly thing that a blue collar person like me. Without pulling motor can do in truck. Then pull motor put back on dyno. Hp verse work hours
@@Harrybowles1969 Sure is but you don't have to go to the expense of a turbo. I've made a lot of cash against the tuners and turbo JDM's with my '68 C10 with a 5.7 NA LS. Like shooting fish in a barrel.
It seems that 90% of your videos are very old and alot of them were other people's Dyno sessions not yours. Please make videos that are real time not years old !
This type of video is exactly what most people would do, it's fun to see the 8or9 hundred horse-power engines but most of the time you are correct this is what they actually make
I'm an LS guy but when it comes to towing you just can't beat the cubes and torque all in at 3500. I pull a quad horse trailer with a 90 Chevy 1500 with a 454, oval port heads, cammed with a set of mid length headers and when I'm on a long pull up a hill at 70mph (2200rpm) in Virginia that engine just hauls with oats to spare. I build and swap LS's but for grunt you just can't beat a big block.
I don't know anything about horses, but isn't that too much for a c1500?
Anyhow... I'm considering rebuilding a 454 that I've got but I've never used it before and using it in a car hauler. What rear gear would you recommend and what do you think my MPG would be?
@@xmo552 No, the 1500 is rated for 10,300 lbs. with max trailering but I don't pull it that often and with 80,000 mi it's never had a problem.
@@xmo552 A 454 is the way to go, with the right cam you'll have 500+ ft/lb of torque all in at 3500 or earlier and that's what you need for loads. You didn't mention what trans you'll run but let's say a late model 4L80e. Run a 3:73 or 3:54 rear gear, a tight converter (stock), the largest aux cooler you can fit and with 30" tires you'll cruise at 2000rpm at 75. With a carb mileage can be single digits or just above when hauling, I put a Fitech FI throttle body on a '90 2500 I had with a NP NV4500 and I picked up 6mpg easy and when going up or down in altitude the mixture stayed stable and the power stayed the same. Cubes are your best friend, there are 496's in the yards also.
What cam do you have?
@@xmo552 The suspension is not stock, the rear is out of a 3500 dually with 3/4 ton springs and a set of helpers on top of the main spring pack with the stock contact perches. I would recommend with a 28" tall rear set of duals a 3:42 or 3:55 rear gear with a Turbo 400 and the biggest trans oil cooler you can fit. It's a Gen 5 454 and I get 12-14 no matter how it's loaded, you could run a 4L80e with a 3:73 rear and pick up a few mpg more. I run a Comp XE 284H flat tappet and actually it uses peanut port heads not oval port as I stated before, I build a lot of engines and it was just a brain fart.
If anyone does the math and pays attention when people compare carbs,
454 *cui* x 5500 *rpm redline* x 0.80 *efficiency of engine 80% is average* / 3456 *unit conversion factor* that equals 578cfm
650 is more than enough and the lower engine speed response will be much better with a smaller carb. He's done this before guys.
Send it Rich!
I JUST RATE THE CARB NEEDS BASED OFF POWER
@@richardholdener1727 what is your general rule of thumb for carb size for horsepower?
I did a mark 1V LS6 clone solid cam engine, and it was snappy as hell with a 750dp, but with an 850dp it was a different engine altogether.
I'd agree there is a bunch of over carbed engines running around
I've been running the 600hp 454 combo for 20 years and it's been an excellent engine on the street. I'm shooting for 700hp with a Gen 6 based 502, 509 when I'm finished using the same AFR heads from my 454 combo, and a new camshaft of course. Shouldn't be too difficult to get there.
What is your 600hp combo?
@@TheMrJones1994 basic 454 short block with forged internals, AFR 305 heads with cnc chamber option, custom hydraulic roller and a ported Edelbrock rpm air gap intake, 950hp on top. 10.2:1 compression, runs on 91 pump gas. Very basic setup.
@@firebirdjone I am also looking to make 700 na hp on my next motor. I have a 5 mile fresh 30 over 454. Worked 781 heads. 588/593 lift flat tappet. I have a E-85 850 carb and have a nitrous plate and will probably so 150 shot 200 at the most. I hoping for 550 on motor but im think that might be closer to 520. If it was 600 I think I would be fine with it with the nitrous. But stuff is so fast now If I do go a with a 468 set up this winter I would want to make 700 on motor and spray. I just have to see how my current engine works in this el camino first. If I can get it to hook right it might be enough
@@firebirdjone If you ever come up with a 700hp combo im all ears for ideas
@@TheMrJones1994 Sounds like a nice setup, those 781 heads are fantastic when ported. You're right, stuff is so fast now that 500-600hp is a bit light, and 454's are no longer big anymore, lol. Of course many people have made more HP with 454's if you really want to push the compression and camshaft but I'm more of a street engine guy with decent drivability and pump gas a must, so for a 700hp NA combo I'm moving up in engine size to make it a little easier to obtain without being too radical. It's most likely going to end up a 509 unless I really get the bug and decide to wait longer for a crankshaft and make a 540 out of it, but parts are a bit hard to come by right now.
I love rat motors thanks for giving them some love
I enjoyed the ending of this video the most about the majority of big block are stock or mildly built and twin turbo big blocks that make 2000+hp are far and between. Couldn't of said it any better. Thanks Richard 👍🏿
Patiently waiting to see if there will be an aluminum headed 8.1 video, twin turbos wouldn’t hurt
Just pulled a gen 6 and gonna go the cam , intake and heads route . But I’m gonna rebuild it tho .
Good work Richard
Thanks for the video Richard
I would say the difference is in the compression. I bet the more powerful 7.4 probably had more compression.
Thanks Rich
Well I have a 93 Chevy Silverado 3/4 time 7.4
And I do wanna do some performance upgrades like there's the camp's the roller rocker revolves know that plus the then take manifold and a different collaborator and to increase the horsepower in the torque
The magazine article you did with those peanut port heads said they were ported.
Personally I blame squirrels
I wish you would have shown the cfm on a stock big block like this. It would also be interesting to see what it does compared to a 375 hp small block. Also, comparing the cfm at different RPM ranges rather than just at peak power or rpm.
I’ve always wanted to do a big block build! I just need to figure out what I would put it in. Maybe a square body 4x4 🤔
I got my .030 over 454 that I estimate to be close to 500hp, in a '74 c10 chevy stepside 2wd, backed by a muncie m21 close ratio 4 spd and 3.08 rear posi gears...as soon as a solve the hydraulic clutch issues, i'll be driving it around.....I dunno if that helps any...
Put it in a single cab shortbox S-10
Shoehorn it in somehow
@@ericbeauchain9836 what heads are you running on it? i have a 454 bored .20 over im trying to find a good set of heads
Would be curious to see what a 496 with peanut ports would do with that XE 268 camshaft. Not that anyone would intentionally build a motor like this but. They might build in stages. First build a stout bottom end. Then save money for a couple years to put a $6,000 top end kit on it. Just curious what they would be running power wise while they were saving up that cash for the ultimate 850 HP build. 😆
I want to know this also
I would like to see the actual fuel consumption on an engine like this at wide open Max RPM in gallons per minute or per hour
would love to see a 427 tall deck tested with stock rotating assembly they have forged rods and crankshaft then change up pistons and rods would be very interesting test
The stock pistons weigh a friggin ton. It will explode before it sees 4000rpm...
@@FlatBroke612that’s why he said change pistons
For a street based, na, single carb, pump gas motor, nothing beats cubic inches.
Nothing beats cubic inches, period!! Ask just about any woman!!!
So badass!!!
I don't think carb size was the issue. I think you grabbed the dyno and went to higher elevation. Less air up there ya know 🤪
that would be a neat trick
I would love to see you do a VK56 build!
Did I see 2 different head gaskets on upside down?
Great vid!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍
Seeing vids like this kinda makes me wanna rebuild the circa 1978 454 w/781 heads… but then I see the prices for parts and a boosted LS swap starts looking more appealing, especially since I had a couple sitting on a pallet already.
There's nothing cheap about building an LS! It's going to cost you about the same in the end, so you just have to decide which you prefer, then go for it. I went BBC, because I'm an old guy, and I like and understand old school stuff. If I ever decide to, I can always toss on a "cheap" turbo for more power.
Whats the parts u need for the gen6th bbc heads to run 550lift roller camshaft
It's easy to make a 500hp big block chevy. Take two sparkplug wires off and it'll be down to 500. Then cry cos your mates 406 makes 550-600 and weighs 200lbs less
Will you included a stroker kit at some performance level Richard? Making a 454 a 502, or 572 (or larger), with good heads, cam and intake for example.
496 in bound
If I want a dedicated tow engine that puts out max torque at low engine speeds in hopes to keep MPG up...
I wonder how a super mild 496 or 502 would do. Almost as if all I did was increase displacemt only. I'm trying to replicate the performance of my stock 5.9 Cummins.
I expected to see more out of combo #2. Guess the too wise lsa and low compression hurt it
With peanut port heads that's not bad. That wide LSA actually increased dynamic compression and made it run better with the low static compression it was running with. Those heads are definitely the choke point, but I think that cam grind optimized the top end.
8.1L, 8.1L, we want to see the 8.1L😁
take a look at the 600-hp version coming up next
Keep up the awesome work!!
This would be a cool series for bbf, too.
600hp package would be 500 hp wheel or tso depending on drivetrain.from a heads and cam combo is crazy
Wondering if there is anything you would change or add if this application was going in a 33’ speedboat? Obviously not gonna use nitrous and would build 2 motors but they’re currently out and looking at options. Thanks in advance.
Rich , what is the total timing you seem to find makes best hp tq on gen 6 454 ??? Thanks great work on all the combos!!!!
29
In Texas , freeze damage ,that happens every 5 years or so , erases the Supply of junkyard mpi 454s
Are they putting them on generators or something?
@@kyleross5541 454mpi gen6 boat motors.mercruiser wouldn't sell you a crate motor unless you had a verified core to return. Had to build a few with worn truck motors
I've got a generation 4 -454 for sale.
Yah know you gotta be careful how you throw around BBC comments these days...
How much power can someone pull out of a stock engine with only messaging/blueprinting the parts? O aftermarket parts, that would be a real challenge.
does milling count as massaging?
@@richardholdener1727 Yes, as long as it's stock parts.
How good or bad would a gen 5 454 be with an older set of 98-100cc closed chamber oval port heads?
it would help compression and add power over peanut ports
Ok but how much does each version cost
I know this video is a little old, but im curious how much timing the gen 6 motors like with stock heads, cam etc.
Can you share that Richard?
29
@@richardholdener1727 follow up question, I believe you ran a xe280hr in one of the low buck gen 6 tests.. what did that want for timing?
Thanks!
Trick flow kit with heads and cam package is awesome.
Too much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹
I want to modify my '99 bbc 454 suburban. I want to go solid front axle and upgraded rear axle with power boost to the engine but want to keep it reliable. Is there a way to keep the engine on a fuel injection setup and push 500+ hp?
yes
@@richardholdener1727 I'm having a hard time putting together a parts list. Can you please tell me what and where to look up for parts for that engine?
What did you calculate your compression ratio was on the GENVI after swapping on the Dart heads? Stock would have been just about 9:1 with 100CC chambers so Im assuming with 110cc chambers it would be down to 8.7-8.8? So if you are that low on compression was that running 87 octane? Seems like it would be able to do it.
THE DART HEADS LOWERED IT
I’m currently building 2 gen 5 bbcs for a fountain. I’m wondering what cam lifters and timing set to use with out doing any head work. Any thoughts?
How did they turn out?
No this a old thread i hav 99burb 454 L29 wat r bolt on parts i can do to bump hp they say 290hp outa factory think i b happy wth 350 400 hp jus 4 cruise n down hyway 80 90 steadily an still hav little left if needed
cam, springs, headers, tune
Just the video I needed today
But no one really ever talks about the transmission and how it will receive the upgrade horsepower on the mile perform upgrades at what point you would need to do some work on the transmission when you've seen the maximum horsepower that that the particular transmission I have is the 46 something And 2 will drive non forward drive type transmission so definitely get back with that and some feedback and if you have any other videos on that type of subject or for transmission when you upgrade the horsepower on the engine would be great
I don't dyno test transmissions
If you're upgrading your engine, you better be upgrading your driveline, they go hand-in-hand!
I was putting g 3/8 rods in my grn 4 junkyard 454. They fit in all the channels except one on each side. Is this normal and can I fix it? Or do I need new heads? Can I run just those 2 pushrods of the original smaller dia?
WHY R U CHANGING PUSHROD DIAMETER? YOU HAVE TO CHANGE GUIDE PLATES AND POSSIBLY CLEARANCE THE HEAD FOR FITMENT TOO
Do u have to open the ring gap up with that much nos
we do for big shots
Number 2 engine chocked by small carb ! 850 next time! Great video!
I need a set of gen6 454 heads for my 99 crewcab..im aimed to make it a weekly rider... mine got lost in the shuffle at a machine shop, ikr😢.
bummer
What cam are you using
cams were listed
I remember when 4-500 HP put you at the front of the pack. Times have changed........
ROFL!!! No doubt, now you need at least 2500hp just to go out and run with the big street dogs! I have seen 500+hp cars beat the snot out of 2500+hp cars on the street though! if they haven't got the surface figured out, they ain't hooking all that power up, and the small guys just walk away.
Can the old style 454 heads fit a gen 6 454 bbc
Yes, you can use any available BBC head on the newer Gen blocks!
Are the gen 6 the same as the old 70s BBC as far as heads timing chain covers etc. sorry for my ignorance
no-the timing gear is different-the gen 6 has hyd roller cam
@@richardholdener1727 little ignorant after 80s. Just didn't know if setup as far as heads distributer valve covers etc same.
@@lonelypinebeefarm4297 The heads are all interchangeable, as are the distributors.
@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty thanks im a old school guy. Didnt pay much attention to gen this gen that. Its either SBC or BBC lol
Lmao I think most big blocks are in boats these days lol
I would say , in a large southern metro area , 6 bbc marine , to every 1 on the street
I own and drive 10 big block powered rigs😅
WRONG!!
👍
How about you take a pickup with 454 pull it take dyno test reinstall motor actually make budget friendly thing that a blue collar person like me. Without pulling motor can do in truck. Then pull motor put back on dyno. Hp verse work hours
I have plenty of stock junkyard 454s with mods on the channel
@richardholdener1727 the point is me as a daily driver is not repeat not going to pull my motor. Just want some more help.
I need 500hp in my life
Who doesn’t?
Don't we all
Get a 5.3 LS and bore it out to 5.7 with stock short block and the right cam, fuel system and exhaust. 500hp is a no brainer. Just ask Richard.
@@hardball107 get a honda civic and turbo it. Subaru Evo mercedes. 500 hp is possible everywhere. It's just easy and cheap with a 454
@@Harrybowles1969 Sure is but you don't have to go to the expense of a turbo. I've made a lot of cash against the tuners and turbo JDM's with my '68 C10 with a 5.7 NA LS. Like shooting fish in a barrel.
👍💪
👀
Why junk yard motors
You can nitrous a cereal box and get 500hp…C’mon man
It seems that 90% of your videos are very old and alot of them were other people's Dyno sessions not yours.
Please make videos that are real time not years old !
it seems that 90% of your comment is incorrect. All the tests are dyno sessions that I ran
ROFLMFAO!!! I don't think this guy knows who Richard Holdener is! HA HA HA!!!
Less charts and more dyno pulls.