Need help decideing what motor to build

[Blue85]

I am having seconds thoughts about building a 454 for my truck, not enough high rpm capability. I want something that will pull you back in to the seat when u floor it and pull hard to about 6500. Heres some options i have been thinkin about.

377 small block
383 small block
454 big block (original plan)

The tranny will be a muncie 4 speed, probably fairly high diff like 3.23 or 3.42, like i said before i want my power between 1750ish to 6 or 6500 rpm really opening up at like 3500. So whats everyone opinion????

[1972C10]

I think any of the three built up decent will do like you want Me myself id rather have a 377 or 383 But im just a SBC guy.

[kwmech]

If you want to pull strong up to around 6500 that eliminates the big block unless you have a lot of money. I would lean towards a 383 with the 350 con rods.

[67shortie]

A 454 will turn 6500 no problem even with 2 bolt mains. Just run good rod bolts, steel crank and a good balance.

On the flip side, why would you need to spin it that high to begin with? 454's are stump pullers by design, and with that gear you will need a lower operating rpm engine to be happy in your heavy truck. Not trying to discourage you in any way, just some constructive questions If you like the sound of a high winding big block, a 454 at 6000 is quite the noise, and at 6500 it is really singing. But to make good street power you do not need to run it up that high to do it.

My opinion, build the 454, steel crank, good truck rods/arp bolts, balanced, flat top pistons, closed chamber OVAL ports (049/702) install 2.19/1.88 valves and mild pocket bowl blend, Lunati solid 280/288 solid (ultradyne design) and roller upper valvetrain. Edelbrock rpm dual plane manifold, 800cfm carb of your choice. You could get away with a 1-7/8 primary tube header and 2.5 inch mandrell bent exhaust. This combo will push touque, and good mid rpm power all coming in by 3000, quitting about 6300. In a Chevelle with 3.73's this will see low 12's over 110 mph in street trim 3800 lbs.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

go with the 454 dude.

[chevy69er]

If your looking for a lot of top end i would go with the 377 the 383 is more of a torquey motor with more on bottom then top.For street driving i think the the 383 would be best and it is lots of fun with the four speed,thats what i running in my truck right now.Big blocks are cool too but im more of a small block guy.

[Blue85]

in summit racings add for their 383 stroker kit it says u have to use a small base circle cam for adequte clearance, what is that exactly?

[Blue85]

67Shortie, what r u running for compression ratio, i dont really wanna go higher than 9.5to1, also what kinda idle does that cam give?

[67shortie]

Originally Posted by Blue85

in summit racings add for their 383 stroker kit it says u have to use a small base circle cam for adequte clearance, what is that exactly?

That means that the cam lobes have been turned down slightly for rod swing clearance. No big deal, but on stroker cranks if the cam get's in the way bad things can happen :p

[Blue85]

So how do you tell which ones r stroker cams?

[67shortie]

Originally Posted by Blue85

67Shortie, what r u running for compression ratio, i dont really wanna go higher than 9.5to1, also what kinda idle does that cam give?

A 9.5 compression will work just fine, but more importantly a good DCR will be your target for pump gas Here is a link for the math on this http://members.uia.net/pkelley2/DynamicCR.html

Plug your #'s in there and see what comes up for your ideal combo. This is very important on building a strong pump gas street engine.

that cam I mentioned I do not run, but I do run the next larger cam in that grind 'family'. Mine is a 288-296 duration. It has a 110 lobe center, .610/.630 lift and .255/.262 at .050. Quite large for a street engine, but it does sound awesome at idle and low speeds and runs very well at all rpm ranges in it's powerband (3500-7000). the cam I mentioned for you will pull more vacuum than the cam I have and have a slightly better idle but have a lower powerband (3000-6500). the same cam in a street driven 4 speed 67 Chevelle with a 427 tri power pulled off 118 mph in the 1/4 not to long ago.

[67shortie]

Originally Posted by Blue85

So how do you tell which ones r stroker cams?

They should be specified in the catalog as such. If not, ask the rep or grinder if this cam will work in a stroker application.

[dave3156]

You might want to rethink what you build goal is. It sounds like you want a 1/4 mile street pounder which will nail you to the seat. The other option is a machine which nails you to the seat at speeds over 60 mph with high top end and speed over 130 mph. They are both possible, but not with the same engine, transmission and rear end combination. If you want one you have to give something else up. Also, if cost is a factor the sbc is cheaper to build since parts are more readily available. Sounds like 67shortie has a great combination with what he specified. Good luck with the build, either way.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Sound's to me like 67shortie has a great build up plan that is a tested and work's very well..

[browndawg71]

I Think 67 Shortie Is Exactly Right . I Have About The Same Comboand It Runs 12.50s In The Quarter On Motor In A 4000 Pound Pickup Shifting At 6300 . My Total Investment In It Is About 2500.00 .67 Shortie Is Spot On . I Have Ran Small Blocks And After Running A Big Block I Would Not Go Back. These Motors Are As Tough As They Come . And The Torque Is Baddass . I Didnt Really Understand What Torque Meant Until I Ran One. My 2 Cents

[cduster]

I Didnt Really Understand What Torque Meant Until I Ran One.

Thats an understatement!

I haave gone both ways. I have had 327s, 350s, and a couple 383s. Then I went 454, and haven't looked back since. I am currently running a 454 that is bone stock, and with 3" exhaust exiting behind the rear tires It sounds mean.

My advice to you....Big Block is the only way to go.

Dan