Same Big Block Question, Same Big Block Problem!

[Old Truck Man]

here is a picture of a 454 engine. When I bought this truck the starter wouldn't turn over the starter wouldn't engage just wirred. Thinking that teeth where off the flywheel I got under it and the flywheel was good. All the teeth where broken off the starter drive. Replaced the starter drive and cranked it over . we had to move the distributer back retarded to get it to start and after it started advance it to get it to run. Now this isn't my first rodeo. After about 5 decades you run upon the same problems from time to time.Checked and sure enough the timing chain was very loose. I pulled the pan and front cover this engine was clean everything looked new. it had a cheep import Roller timing chain that was very stretched. I pulled a rod & main cap and looked at the bearings and they looked new. So I replaced the timing set with a $20 GM link belt one that has a nylon timing gear. Now the beast fires right up and idles perfect. and it will smoke the tires.

[ChevDog1]

Originally Posted by nekkidhillbilly

not stock they werent the 99 vortec ones only made around 400 ft lbs. most of the ones in the smog years made about 360 ft lbs.

1974

LS4 454 235hp 360flbt

thats the chevelle truck im sure was less. my gray 01 4wd with a 4.8 would run a 15 flat all day with 285 tires. it made about 295 ft lbs. cousin had a 5.3 03 that would run low 14s all day was bone stock. made 320 ft lbs

Well, I probably should have searched before I posted. Looks like 230/360 were the factory numbers for my truck. With 4.10 gears it sure felt like more!

I have seen somewhere online an old magazine road test that compared the Chevy 1/2 ton 454, Dodge lil red express, and a Ford - but I cant seem to find it now...

I do remember racing mine though. Usually ran 14.5-14.6 on street tires. Borrowed some cheater slicks and it ran 14.3. Fun truck. Wish I still had it.

Better copy of photo

[nekkidhillbilly]

im not saying there bad in my mind but compared to modern vehs that weigh alot more they are if that makes sense. there have been stock 5.3 trucks hit in the 13s for example.

[Old Truck Man]

Well give us a update did you get the timing chain replaced?

[savatreatabvr]

Yes timing chain is done! Woohoo! Had a slight problem getting the pan on by myself, I've replaced chains on SBCs before but this BBC was a bear! All in all it's on and no leaks! I was a little apprehensive on testing the performance at first but rolling at 20 MPH I floored it, she dropped a gear, the front end lifted up and took off like a bat out of H3LL! Surprised me, I never new a loose timing chain would throw off the timing that much but with the new chain on it's rock steady and running good! Thank you all for your knowledge, experience and constructive criticism!

Still won't do a standing burnout but ! I've got some pretty tall tires on her!

[Old Truck Man]

Originally Posted by savatreatabvr

Yes timing chain is done! Woohoo! Had a slight problem getting the pan on by myself, I've replaced chains on SBCs before but this BBC was a bear! All in all it's on and no leaks! I was a little apprehensive on testing the performance at first but rolling at 20 MPH I floored it, she dropped a gear, the front end lifted up and took off like a bat out of H3LL! Surprised me, I never new a loose timing chain would throw off the timing that much but with the new chain on it's rock steady and running good! Thank you all for your knowledge, experience and constructive criticism!

Still won't do a standing burnout but ! I've got some pretty tall tires on her!

Good I glad I could be of help. I can be a bit abrasive at times.