Should I go with a 454?

[mvfd70]

I've got a chance to buy a running 454 out of a 78 c30. I've never messed with a big block so this will be a new thing for me. Owner says the motor ran good when it was in the truck but did use some oil. Don't know if it was from blow by or from the top end.

Couple of questions. Will this motor bolt up to the same transmissions as a SBC? If not, what tranny's will fit it? If it needs a rebuild, are they any harder to do than a SBC?

This would be a great step forward to getting my 68 project started.

Thanks

[Willys47]

the tranny will bolt up but the stock frame mounts for bbc are diffeant

[mvfd70]

that's no problem. I can change them do BBC mounts

[mrh33916]

There's no replacement for "DISPLACEMENT"

[stockish shawn]

not positive but I think you will have to run short valve covers which would limit your selection of flash. but a big block sure looks mean under the hood. Also some 454 are externaly ballanced so make sure you have the right flex plate.

[vectorit]

No extra difficulty in buildin a rat, compared to a SBC just a lot heavier.

A machine shop I used a lot back in the day, said that they charged a few extra bucks for building BB's just because they were heavier.

But then most of the shop guys were in their 60's n complained a lot...

[mvfd70]

Thanks. I would attempt the rebuild myself it it even needs it. Owner says that the truck had around 90k on the clock. Didnt say why they pulled the motor.

[1956cameo]

I have a big block 454 in my swb fleet 70 truck. I also have a factory big block 72 burb and I just picked up a factory bb half ton 70 truck. Nothing sounds as good as a healthy big block. Its nice to outrun everyone on the road especially when you are hauling a trailer with a car on it. I say if you can go big block, then definately go big block.

[OARNGESI]

Go for it youll be glad you did

[71 burb]

parts are more expensive but you'll love it go ahead and have some fun

[kookykrispy]

Yes, install a 454. You will love it in every way. If it were me, I would just install the engine as is and only rebuild it when you need to.

[mvfd70]

It's not like I would NEED the power. This truck is gonna be a play toy. Probably never gonna even pull a trailer. But it sure would be nice to HAVE that much power on a SWB.

[Skirkpat]

Don't get to giddy yet, a 78 454 is a weak stock engine, now if you buy a set of real heads, and throw a little cam in it you might be a little happier. Just takes a little cash, parts for the big block are alot higher than a SBC

[mvfd70]

From what I can see it is more of a torque engine than a horsepower.

[Skirkpat]

The problem with them, if you want to call it that is about 1973 The General had a Vasectomy, All GM engines were WEAK, the only real difference on the 454 was the Smog era heads with small peanut ports, and low compression pistons. change those pistons to 9 to 1 when you bore it out, and slap a set of good oval port heads with a decent cam, and it will snap your head off..yu could easily double the power.

[mvfd70]

Ah ha. That makes sense. I may keep that in mind. Thanks.