Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
05-04-2004, 12:10 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scottsburg, In
Posts: 160
|
Need Advice...Thinking about a 454
I have a 68 lwb fleet 1/2ton, 3spd manual, manual steering, with a/c, with a locked up 307. So I need to either re-build the 307, or I have a lead on a 454. I know the 307 would be a decent motor for what I need...mostly a daily driver. Not my primary transportation, but it's far from a beater. I'd like to have power steering and automaic transmission, lower it a little to give it a good stance, and keep the A/C. But that's about it. So let me tell you about the 454 and y'all can give me your thoughts, and give me an idea at what it would take to make it work...
I found an 89 motorhome with 13k original miles. In short, the thing cannot be titled because of a tax lien, and it has extensive hail damage. It has not been licensed in 11 years. The guy was going to fix it, but ended up just getting it tore down to basically a rolling chassis. So everything is there, complete from the radiator to the rear. It has (I think) a th400 tranny. I can get the whole thing for a grand, maybe less. He says it runs great, with a little lifter noise. It probably just needs to be ran. So, should I go for it? I will have all the brackets and accessories, but what else will I need to make it work? Should I use the front springs from the mobile home too? I'll post the casting numbers when I actually see the motor. I know some of them had very small valves. Thanks! Greg
__________________
Gaddman Scottsburg, In 67 SWB w/93 step bed 68 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 50 Chevy 3600 74 Norton Commando 850 72 Norton Commando 750 |
05-04-2004, 12:40 PM | #2 |
Half a bubble off!
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Winfield, Ks, USA
Posts: 5,588
|
You might want to look at Yukon Jack's posts of late to get an idea of the problems that can arise. Not trying to tell you what to do, but if it were me, I would spend that grand on a good small block that would go right in there. But I'm getting old, and don't like to create more work than is necessary, LOL!
__________________
Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads. |
05-04-2004, 07:55 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scottsburg, In
Posts: 160
|
Yeah, I am watching that post. Mine is a 2wd, and I'll be going with the auto tranny, so I should have less mechanics to worry about. And I have no issues with moving it forward a little to get clearance. I wonder if lowering it (2" in front) will cause more problems, though. I thought some of the 2wd trucks came with big blocks?
This board is the best, and I appreciate the help! Greg
__________________
Gaddman Scottsburg, In 67 SWB w/93 step bed 68 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 50 Chevy 3600 74 Norton Commando 850 72 Norton Commando 750 |
05-04-2004, 10:46 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: madison indiana
Posts: 3,839
|
good seein somone sooo close to me!!
yea quite a few of these trucks come out with bb(2wd only) so it would not be a problem installing one in yours,i think on a 2wd you really only need a high hump tranny tunnel in your cab,not sure but you may already have one,if not you can install one in your cab..but not positive you have to have one.. every thing else will bolt in. good luck
__________________
jamie72 72 BB cheyenne -- Restoration getting started.. member #807 http://www.myspace.com/whitetailobsession www.antlertalk.com |
05-05-2004, 08:56 AM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Bradenton, FL
Posts: 1,036
|
You dont need a high hump. I put a BB in my 70 low hump with no problem. You might need a 4 core rad, motor mounts and fan and shroud that are correct for your truck. The AC comprser might be on the drivers side but no big deal.
__________________
1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters |
05-08-2004, 12:17 AM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scottsburg, In
Posts: 160
|
New Information
Ok, well I went to look at it today. It's a 79, not an 89. It was a big RV that he had gutted and partitioned to make a vending/concession stand kinda thing. He ended up not being able to title it, so he took all his metal tubing out and scraped everything except the rolling chasis. It still has part of the front end in tact, and it starts and runs great. The dash is still there and reads 16,000 miles. He said he believed the mileage to be true. He bought it off the children of the original owners who are now deceased. Here's my thoughts in no particular order.
- Block number 861959. Could be 2 or 4 bolt main. Did not take a valve cover off to get a head number. - The carb (q-jet) has just been rebuilt, looks absolutely brand new. - The steering column is a super tight auto, tilt, no key, like the vans....which I can use. - It has a huge stabilizer bar in front that I can use. An even huger(?) one in the rear that I might try to use. I swear it looks like 2 1/2" solid steel. Might be too big to use in my truck :-) - No computer controlled carb, dist, or tranny. - I starts and runs great, although I could not actually drive it. No smoke, knocks, and it goes in gear and pulls. - Engine is not caked up with grease, just some rust from sitting. Looks like original engine paint, and no gasket sealer oozing or anything. Looks to be low mileage. - One exhaust manifold is cracked and leaking. It's on one end and I think I can weld it, but may want headers anyway. - Radiator is in great shape, but does not have filler on top. It comes out at the top-right-front and has a 4" or so tube that goes up to the cap. Obviously because of accessiblilty. - The power steering pump does not have a filler cap. It also has an extension hose that runs up to the front of the engine compartment. - The brakes also have the extension going up to a remote reservoir. In summary, it looks like I can use the motor mount brackets to get the engine mounted. I can also convert my manual tranny crossmember to an automatic type and the tranny should fit. So I should be able to bolt the engine and tranny up fairly easily. It looks like my problems come in with the accessories. What brackets to use my A/C? Or can I use the RV A/C compressor with my system? What do I do about a power steering pump and/or brackets? I guess I could have the radiator modified to move the filler to the top left, or else it would look goofy if it would even work. Plus I get a nice tilt column, and a heavy sway bar. I've done a few small blocks in our trucks, but I've never owned or worked on a BB. So I really don't know exactly what I'm getting into as far as all the accessories. I also took a few pics if you think it would help. Now what do y'all think? Thanks!
__________________
Gaddman Scottsburg, In 67 SWB w/93 step bed 68 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 50 Chevy 3600 74 Norton Commando 850 72 Norton Commando 750 Last edited by gaddman; 05-08-2004 at 12:56 AM. |
05-08-2004, 12:35 AM | #7 |
Formerly yellow72custom
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 7,531
|
I'd do it for $1000 bucks. A running 454 and TH400 along with the extra spare parts is easily worth it
__________________
'72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg |
05-08-2004, 12:47 AM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scottsburg, In
Posts: 160
|
Here's some pics. Not real pretty, and a real weird configuration. And I've got him down to $800 for the whole contraption...hd dually rear end and all.
__________________
Gaddman Scottsburg, In 67 SWB w/93 step bed 68 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 50 Chevy 3600 74 Norton Commando 850 72 Norton Commando 750 Last edited by gaddman; 05-08-2004 at 12:58 AM. |
05-08-2004, 08:56 AM | #9 |
Got big-block?
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 2,453
|
Hi Gaddman,
Dropping a 454 in the '68, huh? Sweet. Keep us posted. Later, SC
__________________
'68 CST SWB factory 396/T400 buddy buckets, a/c, ps, pb '72 Corvette convertible 454/4spd/ac, ps, pb '73 GMC Sierra Grande short wide 454/T400 ps, pb, ac '77 K5 Blazer black on red, 350/T350/NP205 ps, pb, ac all original '78 GMC Sierra Classic short wide 454/T400 ps, pb, ac '72 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 38 built. '73 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 71 built. '75 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 25 built. SOLD! '72 GMC K25 4x4 468/4L80e/NP205 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...23#post4324423 SOLD!'55 Chevy gasser 496/4spd build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...96#post4324396 |
05-08-2004, 09:04 AM | #10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scottsburg, In
Posts: 160
|
Hey SC, long time no see! Yeah, it's time I got the 68 on the road. It's just been sitting in the garage since I got it from you. I could rebuild the 307 and it would do just fine for me, but a 454 would just be cool! Good the hear from you.
__________________
Gaddman Scottsburg, In 67 SWB w/93 step bed 68 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 50 Chevy 3600 74 Norton Commando 850 72 Norton Commando 750 |
05-08-2004, 09:22 AM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Grant, Alabama
Posts: 504
|
I believe that that 454 will have the peanut intake port heads, which are smaller than a good set of small block heads. I'd bet that it does have four bolt mains and a steel crank, but youd have to drop the pan to be sure. Its definately a turbo 400 trans to. You will have to move your crossmember back a few inches and shorten your driveshaft a bit and put the turbo 400 yoke on the shortened driveshaft. As far as the power sterering goes, just use the brackets and pump(if its still good) thats on the engine. You will of course need the lines and power steering gearbox, you can get those at any parts store. I dont think that radiator will work, looks like its too tall and isnt wide like the ones that are in the regualr pickups. That doesnt look like a 1 ton or lower frame either. Is the rear the 14 bolt FF? Youre still getting a good deal. If it does have the small port heads, you can always find the larger oval port heads and a good intake later for not too much money.
__________________
72 Chevy C20, SOLD (Dang it.) 09 Challanger RT six speed in all black. 74 Datsun 710 wagon, all 1.8 liters of screaming Datsun power. 73 C10 long bed, 350/350 combo, nice shape. |
05-08-2004, 09:37 AM | #12 |
PROJECT 7DEUCE
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: GRANTS PASS OR
Posts: 21,608
|
hell ya I d do it !!!!!! Wait I did do it but did not get as a good a deal as you will!!!!
__________________
GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P.. |
05-08-2004, 06:29 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada
Posts: 1,086
|
Wow is that ground strap (head to frame) ever HUGE!!! I've never seen one that wide before. Ya, if you have the time and resources I would put that engine the truck. It sounds like your approaching it in the right way. You might want to do a compression check before you put it in just as a little insurance, regards Doug
|
05-08-2004, 06:44 PM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: sw colorado
Posts: 2,720
|
id say do it. ive also heard that some RV's came with a TH475 tranny. from what im told this is just a factory th400 that was beefed up a little. maybe you'd get lucky and score an extra heavy duty tranny
Ryan |
05-08-2004, 11:48 PM | #15 |
My other Love
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada
Posts: 4,085
|
I had a 307 in in my 69 stock, and it got just as bad of gas milage as my 454 does now, but the 307 was a total dog, if the 454 runs that good, clean it up paint it orange and you are set, even if it is a 2 bolt main 454, the mains on those things are still very huge and having a 4 bolt 454 wouldnt give you too much benefit anyways, the valvetrain will go before the bottom end will
__________________
Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life |
05-09-2004, 06:31 AM | #16 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
|
Brother, I've been in your shoes and done exactly the same thing....
__________________
I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
05-09-2004, 06:34 AM | #17 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
|
I just cleaned the engine up and painted it orange.
Also, the motorhome tilt column is a straight in swap. They don't need any shortnening like a van column does. Mine came out of the motorhome too.
__________________
I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
05-09-2004, 11:04 PM | #18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scottsburg, In
Posts: 160
|
Very Cool Tx Firefighter! I went ahead and bought the thing this morning. After I got it home ($60 tow bill), the first thing I did was put the battery on a charger and pull the valve covers. Head casting is 336781. I was suprised to see one of the push rods was bent and broke, and another had come out from under the rocker. A couple of the valves had stuck from sitting so long. A little oil and a little work got them opening and closing fine. And a trip to autozone for a couple of new pushrods and it was purring like a kitten. The carb is like brand new and this thing starts and runs great! I even took it down the road just enough to make sure it shifts through all the gears. I hope no one got pictures of that. No seat, just enough floor left to stand at the wheel :-) And it was super clean under the valve covers. I believe the mileage is correct at 16k. I got it all out and on the floor now. Ready to clean up and paint. Thanks for all the replies and help! I'm sure I'll be back when I go to hook it up.
Greg
__________________
Gaddman Scottsburg, In 67 SWB w/93 step bed 68 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 50 Chevy 3600 74 Norton Commando 850 72 Norton Commando 750 |
05-09-2004, 11:14 PM | #19 |
Formerly yellow72custom
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 7,531
|
781 heads? Sweet.....if i'm not mistaken those are the desirable oval port BBC heads. I would say you did good for $850, a BBC, TH400, tilt collumn, and HD rearend. Good buy
__________________
'72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg |
05-09-2004, 11:26 PM | #20 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
|
You HAVE to get a pic of that thing going down the road like that!
|
05-11-2004, 12:10 AM | #21 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 6
|
I love the 454. be careful of the rear.
I had a truck with a 454 and TH400 in it. I loved it. the only problem I had was that I snapped a drive line and broke two rear ends. You'll need to beef that up a little. You'll probably need some sway bars too if you have leaf springs in the back. The back end is so light you'll never take off with out spinning. Let me know what you run into. I just bough a '67 with a 327 and am thinking about going to a 454. Never put one in myself. Keep us posted.
|
05-11-2004, 11:40 AM | #22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: St. Johns, Arizona
Posts: 2,660
|
I don't see what the problem is. I would have already given him the $800 and had that thing home.
__________________
my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans? |
05-11-2004, 04:01 PM | #23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: kalamazoo, mi
Posts: 397
|
what you haven't finished install it yet?
|
05-11-2004, 04:15 PM | #24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scottsburg, In
Posts: 160
|
Ok already! It is installed....in my mind anyway. I gotta get all the parts I want to keep off the frame and get rid of this monster. Anyone interested in the frame and/or rear end? Any suggestions on something to make out of it? A trailer or wagon maybe?
I'm gonna put a Transgo shift kit in the tranny while it's out, and new seals. Gotta get the motor painted too. Then I gotta pull the truck in and start ripping stuff out. Getting ready to have fun!
__________________
Gaddman Scottsburg, In 67 SWB w/93 step bed 68 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 50 Chevy 3600 74 Norton Commando 850 72 Norton Commando 750 |
05-12-2004, 05:27 AM | #25 | |
Green club
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Central CA
Posts: 1,059
|
Quote:
I have got to find me a motorhome on a GM chassis for that tilt column
__________________
71 short/fleet ECE 4/6 drop, LQ4/700r4/3.42 gears 70 SS396 Chevelle 427/200-4R/3.73posi 61 Lincoln Continental, black on black Son you are going to drive me to drinkin if you don't stop drivin that hot rod lincoln |
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|