Warming up a 454
 

I'm collecting ideas for a "what if" scenario.

I have a chance to get an '87 1-ton, 454 tbi truck for essentially free if I want to drive it away. Been toying with the idea of installing the engine in my '72. I lurked over at 454ss.com for a while, looking for a baseline on a solid "roast the tires" buildup, but can't seem to find one.

If you guys were going to do this and keep the tbi, what mods would you make so that it'd run streetable strong?

Heads?
Cam?
Intake?
PROM?

All suggestions appreciated.

Re: Warming up a 454
 

no mod you do will be benefited from the TBI. anything you do may raise your power a bit but the TBI will hold it back unless you do some big mods to the TBI.

Re: Warming up a 454
 

throw the heads away, there junk unless you want a high tq low hp engine. tbi is nice but its not really great for making power, i would look at a nice intake and carb.

but you found a good big block complete big block with all the acc. for free so no matter what your ahead of the game.

so heres what i would buy...
good set of heads
team g intake
750 quick fuel carb
cam(2000-6500rpm range)
roller rockers
stall converter
gears
headers

if you find a set of factory square port, closed chamberd heads they will be so $$$ that its cheaper in some cases to buy some iron aftermarkets

Re: Warming up a 454
 

Thanks guys.
I know the TBI has low power potential, but for a daily-driver it sure runs well.

Might be fun to go back to a carb on this one.