darkstar631

Hey guys,

Okay, so I have a 1968 chevy c10 with a 350 in it. I decided recently it's time to go for the big block. I was thinking a 454 bored and stroked to a 496, but I ran into my first wall, which block? With all the generation and the options I'm kind of in state of disarray. I'm far from an engine expert and hoping I can find some help. I want the engine to be "street drivable" pushing maybe from 5-600 hp and an equal amount of torque. However, I'd like a block that could take far above that in case things change. Also looking for a block the provides easy to find and match parts for it. Lastly, I'm not made of money and hoping for something that maybe I can stumble across on craigslist semi-easily and isn't impossible to afford. Any thoughts and what to get? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Colin

therewolf

Hey darkstar631,

Welcome to the Chevy Forums.

Shouldn't be too difficult to find a 454 out of a truck(larger valves and exhaust, as well as a beefed up timing assembly) at a large auto recycler yard...
...or a small "U-Pull-It" yard.

darkstar631

True, I've come across a few on craiglist so far. But was mainly thinking like what generations are better than others? I found a Gen V but had read how hard it is to find parts and gaskets to fit that specific motor. Also the nickel content or ability to take stress, are there specific ones that I should steer away from because they won't be able to tolerate as much hp?

darkstar631

Oh and thank you for the welcome

maxxman04

check motor homes too. did 454 out of mid/late 70's m/h few years ago. basic rebuild with a bigger cam, aluminum intake, beefed up ignition. ended up with almost 330 rear wheel hp. and enough torque to pull a city down the highway. or, if you really want a big bang (be prepared to empty bank) get the 572. check this link for specs and such.

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/Pa...l.jsp?engine=3

maxxman04

and a side note, as far as blocks to watch out for, i've HEARD that the later 80's-early 90's were ones to stay away from. this isn't necessarily fact as i havent really researched it, but a few have mentioned this.

darkstar631

Yeah that's what I heard as well... I came across a 1990-1991 454 out of a dually and in doing some more research, I didn't hear many positive things about that specific gen.

72c10gunn

I dont know a hole lot about BB's but my dad got a 427 out of a '74 grain truck for 400 bucks.....he got it from a trailer repair shop that also repaired trucks...so if you have anything like that near you, it might be worth giving it a look....just avoid the 366 BB ive heard its only good for a boat anchor.

therewolf

There's apparently a few which were built as high-performance engines, for high powered light trucks and muscle cars. They have forged cranks and better horsepower than the standard, run of the mill 454.

Optimally, IMO, if you could find one, a 1970s era Chevelle LS6 or LS7 High-Output Performance engine. Bragging 450 and 460 HP respectively, these engines came from the factory with 800CFM Holley Carbs, 11.25/1 compression, high-lift,high-duration solid-lifter camshafts, four bolt mains, forged cranks, and forged aluminum pistons. In short, they made a GTO Judge look like a bailiff.

There's also some very respectable 400+ HP 427Cube large blocks. How much power are you looking for?

darkstar631

Hmmm, sounds more like what I'm interested in. I was hoping for ~400-500HP eventually. Would the block and parts prices for the 427 and 454 about the same? I just figured the 454 was a little more common and liked the addition displacement.

And thank you so much for all the replies so far, definitely helping!