anyone done a Vortec 454 swap?

[454HO]

Well my long overdue project may have taken yet another turn today. I picked up a 2000 Vortec 454 and 4l80e trans complete with all wiring and computer this afternoon. Interested to see if someone has already done this swap.

Anyone know the specs on this engine????

[454HO]

It should look something like this when installed.

[454HO]

from http://www.4x4review.com/vehicles/chevy/99suburban.asp

Transmission: The 4L80-E 4-Speed automatic transmission sports new seals and internal components that are designed to reduce friction and provide a longer life expectancy. It also has a deep transmission oil pan and an electronically controlled converter clutch that allows for gradual engagement of the torque converter for smoother driveability and increased fuel economy. Even with the enhanced, computer controlled slush box we found no problems with it "hunting" for gears in a myriad of on and off road situations.

Engine: What can we say? The biggest sport ute should have the biggest engine. 454 cubic inches of pure torque. The Vortec 7400 (L29) big block V8 engine uses sophisticated technology to provide impressive horsepower and torque output, and long intervals between recommended service. The big block mill puts out some 290 horses at 4000 rpms and an impressive 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

from http://media.gm.com/division/chevrol...engine.htm#l29

Vortec 7400 V8 SFI Engine (L29)

The Vortec 7400 (L29) big block V8 uses sophisticated technology to provide impressive horsepower and torque output, and long intervals between recommended service. This engine is available on C/K2500 models.

This engine features:

290 horsepower at 4000 rpm
410 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm.

Cylinder heads with high-flow ports for maximum breathing ability. High-swirl, fast-burn combustion chambers and computer-designed pistons provide a 9.1:1 compression ratio. This compression ratio improves thermal efficiency and performance, but does not increase the engine’s octane requirement. This means owners can continue to save money by using regular octane fuel.

Two-piece aluminum intake manifold with long, tuned intake runners to enhance low-speed torque for excellent launch characteristics. The plenum is designed to muffle induction noise
Low maintenance due to platinum-tip spark plugs which can go up to 100,000 miles before the first scheduled tune-up (maintenance needs vary with different uses and driving conditions; see owners manual for more information) and coolant that can last up to five years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Sequential port fuel injection, is a highly efficient fuel-delivery method that improves cold start and hot-engine restart, as well as being a major contributor to increased horsepower. By placing a separate fuel injector in the intake manifold for each cylinder, the fuel delivery is very precise. This results in high power output that does not sacrifice fuel economy.

[DirtyLarry]

Well, yes…I am sort of in the middle of that swap now. Marine L29 EFI instead of automotive (C/K truck) L29. Less the 4L80E though.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=263323

[454HO]

Originally Posted by DirtyLarry

Well, yes…I am sort of in the middle of that swap now. Marine L29 EFI instead of automotive (C/K truck) L29. Less the 4L80E though.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=263323

Well Larry, I guess we are the pioneers for this engine here on this forum.

[454HO]

After a bit of on-line research, I've discovered the Vortec 7400 L29 motor uses the same cam as the 502HT crate motor.

references -
http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Chev...f/88890533.pdf
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...0534&engCat=bb
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...D&ProdID=43577

p/n 12552296 Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Big Block Chevy - 502/338Hp Tow engine and 1996-2000 454 Truck Cam
intake lift-.480"
Exhaust lift-.483"
Intake duration @ .050"-204
Exhaust duration @.050"-209
Lobe C/L 110

Required Hardened or Melonized distributor Gear.
Requires 1996-2001 Gen VI Timing chain Set.
Lifters are not included.
Great low end torque camshaft.

And here is the only horsepower graph I have been able to find. It's a comparison with a 6.5L diesel.

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/towing.../photo_09.html


Since I do not plan to pull up stumps with this truck, I will definately be swapping in a different cam to bumb the HP up a bit. Not sure if I should just get the engine installed and running first, or go ahead and swap the cam while it's out. Anyone know how much lift the stock Vortec heads can handle before the valve keeper bottoms out on the guide?? Hmmm I've got a set of 781 heads I could use...

[abebummy26]

I know a guy who did this swap but carbed it he put it in his truck. Its a k20 '84 turbo 400 36" tires and six inches of suspension lift. He hooked it up to a pulling sled and it pulled 292 feet at a 300 foot track.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by abebummy26

I know a guy who did this swap but carbed it he put it in his truck.

That sort of defeats the purpose. The MPFI intake is part of the Vortec package.

I've decided I will leave the engine stock for now and just drop it in the truck. I'll use the Headman Elite headers I already have, then get an aftermarket air intake setup and a custom tune flashed in the PCM. That should put me real close to 350HP with gobs of torque from off-idle to 4500rpm or so. The 4l80e trans with stock locking torque converter and a 3.42 posi rear end should let me get pretty decent fuel mileage and still have a lot of fun.

[DirtyLarry]

Originally Posted by 454HO

Well Larry, I guess we are the pioneers for this engine here on this forum.

Looks that way. Keep us all posted on your project.

[Zoomad75]

Originally Posted by 454HO

That sort of defeats the purpose. The MPFI intake is part of the Vortec package.

I know a guy that went with a carb on that engine too.... I can't imagine anyone that would want to put a carb on an engine that came with FI from the factory.

Just bustin your balls Larry! Order your plumbing parts already so we can get that beast running!

[abebummy26]

I realize you are going with the EFI set up. I was telling you how much power you can get out of a completely stock motor.