built up 454 specs, is it setup right?

[briggs&strattonChev]

hey guys, my dad found a good deal on a 454 bbc w/200 miles on it so he picked it up. Was in a 73 elcamino and is believed to be the original engine. Arent some 454 blocks better than others? Which one was the 1973? Well here is the build sheet that came with it:

Balanced and blueprinted and magnafluxed rotating assembly

"Big" 049 heads (2.06/1.72 valves)
competition 3 angle valve grind
new valves
comp cams valve springs and locks
comp cams roller tip rockers
chrome valve covers and oil pan

comp cams push rods

forged crank
.010 under

4.31 cylinder bore (.03 over)

comp cams 242-3 cam (duration: 224 I 230 E, Lift: .515 I .520 E., seperation: 114 degrees)
supposed to be a real bumpy bump stick

msd billet distributor (msd-8762)

new trw pistons

msd blaster 2 coil

edelbrock performer rpm manifold

holley 3310 carb (780 cfm I think)

new cam lock, valve

high volume water pump

heddman ceramic-coated headers
copper gaskets
sst header locking bolts

k&n air filter and chrome housing

edelbrock roller timing chain

cam is degreed in

arp sst intake and valve cover bolts
apr head bolts and studs

chrome timing chain cover and timing tape

Well, would you change anything? How does it sound? He was told that the carb might be too small, is that true? What kinda power should it be putting out? Whats the deal with the 049 heads, are they better than some? well thats enough questions haha, please help me out if ya can.

Briggs

[SinisterCustom]

That combo is almost exactly what I built a year ago in my 80 Chevy pu. All 73 and later 454s have cast cranks so someone must have put a forged one in yours, bonus. Mines cast. Motor should run really good. Mine does. I'm running a 750 Edelbrock and its fine for what I use my truck for. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Your 049 heads are nothing special, just a one year only with 110cc combustion chambers. My motor is also a 73 and has the same heads. I'm happy with'em http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Hope this helps.

[SimonSez]

It sounds pretty good to me - nothing too wild, just a good streetable torquey engine.

What is he planning to put it in ? It should go pretty good http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[fab32]

I've got one with a very similar build that's currently sitting on my shop floor waiting for another home.I put about 30,000 miles on it built to its current specs and I had it in a '78 1/2 ton shortbox. It would run to ass of the '90 SS454 I use every day and get better milage. IMO you won't be sorry you bought it, should run strong for many many miles.

Frank

[briggs&strattonChev]

its goin in a chopped 47 chev coupe, turbo 400, 12 bolt posi

what kinda power would you think it puts out, roughly

[SinisterCustom]

Should be around 400 +/-. Hell, maybe more. My truck has 2.76 gears and it still pulls pretty hard! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Paul]

I've had three '73 blocks and they all had two bolt mains with forged cranks

plenty stout,

the 049 heads are good heads and can make good streetable power too,

they have some of the largest runner volume numbers of the iron ovals.

I ran the 2.19, 1.88 valves in mine.

sounds like a good street combo there.

Paul

[colorado51]

Good combo!

And the 049 heads ARE great flowing heads.

Should run real good, and be pretty streetable for plenty of tire smoking fun!

[briggs&strattonChev]

bttt, any more suggestions or ideas?

[slammed]

A good fuel delivery system. An ARP S.S. Engine bolt kit. Dual thottle return spring's (stainless as well). New hose clamp's. BLACK hose's. Urthane motor mount's... A street/strip shift kit for the tran's.

[colorado51]

[ QUOTE ]
He was told that the carb might be too small, is that true?

[/ QUOTE ]

The carb might be fine. Start with some 74 jets. If the cam is real lopey (low vacuum) maybe try a 4.5 or 3.5 power valve. And a 28 squirter.
If its rich at idle but ok everywhere else, try drilling the primary butterflys (see my Holley tech post from today).

[Spedley]

I suggest you sell me that bad boy for my '63 nova!!

[38Chevy454]

Sounds like a good solid strong running street 454 to me. Not too radical, that cam is NOT a big cam in a 454. It will have a little bit of rough sound, but it won't be a real head turner at the local cruise. Depending if you want gas mileage, you can go bigger on the carb, a 850 mech secondary would be a good match, but an older holley 780 is a good choice as well. Run good flowing exhaust on it. Some extra converter stall would help the idle from pulling so hard, and let the engine come up onto the torque curve a bit easier when you jump on it. Wouldn't hurt to add a shift kit to the trans for firmer shifts. Turbo 400 will hold up to that engine's power just fine.

I agree with the comment about 400 hp, maybe a little more like 425, but that is about it. That is still a good amount for the average street car, especially in a lighter hot rod. Start a tire fund now, big block torque is fun, but at the expense of tires.

[briggs&strattonChev]

yeah the tranny is a turbo 400 with a 2500 stall converter and a B&M shift kit, should work well

[Paul]

my non profesional speculation says;

about 500 foot pounds torque.

I'd also think the 400+ hp would be at the flywheel, prolly only see 350, maybe less at the rear wheels.

shift at 4500 all in by 5500,

still plenty of grunt for seat of the pants driving in even a heavy car

in a light one would be real fun.

Paul