350 vs 454 - economics - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cerebus · 05-15-2009, 12:55 PM

I have a 350 and a 454. I have to pick one for my 71 GMC.

The 350 is in the truck and working, the 454 needs some machine work.

What should I be expecting for rebuild costs and gas milage?

Looking for good performance and good city cruising, as a mostly street motor (might see the strip once or twice)

Trying to figure out what I should budget for this. Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.

70rs/ss · 05-15-2009, 01:11 PM

Depending on the level of performance, I'd say $1,000 os so for a mostly stock build up to about $1500 for a stroker kit and then 6-800 in machine work for the 454 (stroked and poked it would net you a 496!). Honestly and I am biased, I love me some "BIG IRON" but not everyone does. The 454 will pull 10-12 mpg and maybe more if an OD trans is put behind it, but a BBC will never be outclassed by a SBC I mean mash the gas and the torq plants you in your seat, it takes a nasty SBC to do that!!

kevncar · 05-15-2009, 01:44 PM

1000-1500 for a rebuild? I would think it would be atleast that, with just the short block rebuild and machine work, and once you've poked and stroked it, won't better heads be required. Only rebuilt one engine in highschool (350) and so I don't really know, but aren't heads for a BBC in that price range alone?

Whose rebuild kits do you use? What heads would you suggest?

Thanks,

72chevyk10 · 05-15-2009, 01:45 PM

i have a 454 and absolutly LOVE it. dont ask me how but i get about 14 through town and 10-12 on the freeway. and itl lite the 35's prety easy.

ment to be under: 70rs/ss's post

70rs/ss · 05-15-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevncar

1000-1500 for a rebuild? I would think it would be atleast that, with just the short block rebuild and machine work, and once you've poked and stroked it, won't better heads be required. Only rebuilt one engine in highschool (350) and so I don't really know, but aren't heads for a BBC in that price range alone?

Whose rebuild kits do you use? What heads would you suggest?

Thanks,

If a stock build the machine work and a total kit should be in the $1000 range, the stroker kit is $1500-2000 just for the kit, then the machine work on top of that. New heads are not required, I have had good luck with the Vortec BBC heads as the combustion chambers are 100cc and "fastburn" technology like the SBC Vortec head. Those prices are US though??

70rs/ss · 05-15-2009, 01:56 PM

https://shop.enginekits.com/osb/itemdetails.cfm?ID=431

Master kit and the stoker is!

https://shop.enginekits.com/osb/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2575

STOCKISH · 05-15-2009, 03:14 PM

BBC all the way man. LOVE them

**americanmusc1e** · 05-15-2009, 03:24 PM

454

If I had the money, thats what I'd do to my truck.

PanelDeland · 05-15-2009, 04:33 PM

I think you have gotten biased opinions.Everyone loves a BBC.The real test of what is right for you is use.If you are going to be Daily Driving it then a BBC will cost a bit more to feed.If it's a weekend toy a BBC is the way to go.If you need to drive it everywhere you go I think a stroker smallblock may be a good choice.The SBC will not have the pure torque but can be plenty healthy while costing somewhat less to feed.
If fuel cost is no object go with a stroked BBC and have fun.

72chevyk10 · 05-15-2009, 05:06 PM

actually my bbc gets beter milage then any sbc ive ever run. and quite a bit more power

cerebus · 05-15-2009, 06:22 PM

Well I definately think I'm going for the 454. I road in my buddies 496 Chevelle and I feel inspired.

72chevyk10 · 05-15-2009, 06:23 PM

good choice

05-15-2009, 12:55 PM	#1
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	350 vs 454 - economics I have a 350 and a 454. I have to pick one for my 71 GMC. The 350 is in the truck and working, the 454 needs some machine work. What should I be expecting for rebuild costs and gas milage? Looking for good performance and good city cruising, as a mostly street motor (might see the strip once or twice) Trying to figure out what I should budget for this. Any thoughts or opinions appreciated. __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-15-2009, 01:11 PM	#2
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: 350 vs 454 - economics Depending on the level of performance, I'd say $1,000 os so for a mostly stock build up to about $1500 for a stroker kit and then 6-800 in machine work for the 454 (stroked and poked it would net you a 496!). Honestly and I am biased, I love me some "BIG IRON" but not everyone does. The 454 will pull 10-12 mpg and maybe more if an OD trans is put behind it, but a BBC will never be outclassed by a SBC I mean mash the gas and the torq plants you in your seat, it takes a nasty SBC to do that!! Last edited by 70rs/ss; 05-15-2009 at 01:12 PM.

05-15-2009, 01:44 PM	#3
kevncar Active Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atwater, CA Posts: 259	Re: 350 vs 454 - economics 1000-1500 for a rebuild? I would think it would be atleast that, with just the short block rebuild and machine work, and once you've poked and stroked it, won't better heads be required. Only rebuilt one engine in highschool (350) and so I don't really know, but aren't heads for a BBC in that price range alone? Whose rebuild kits do you use? What heads would you suggest? Thanks, __________________ Kevin 72 Chevelle 67 C10...454/TH400 Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=193961

05-15-2009, 01:56 PM	#6
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: 350 vs 454 - economics https://shop.enginekits.com/osb/itemdetails.cfm?ID=431 Master kit and the stoker is! https://shop.enginekits.com/osb/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2575

05-15-2009, 03:14 PM	#7
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: 350 vs 454 - economics BBC all the way man. LOVE them __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

05-15-2009, 03:24 PM	#8
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	Re: 350 vs 454 - economics 454 If I had the money, thats what I'd do to my truck. __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

05-15-2009, 04:33 PM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: 350 vs 454 - economics I think you have gotten biased opinions.Everyone loves a BBC.The real test of what is right for you is use.If you are going to be Daily Driving it then a BBC will cost a bit more to feed.If it's a weekend toy a BBC is the way to go.If you need to drive it everywhere you go I think a stroker smallblock may be a good choice.The SBC will not have the pure torque but can be plenty healthy while costing somewhat less to feed. If fuel cost is no object go with a stroked BBC and have fun. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

05-15-2009, 06:22 PM	#11
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: 350 vs 454 - economics Well I definately think I'm going for the 454. I road in my buddies 496 Chevelle and I feel inspired. __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

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