454 or 427 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thump16 · 01-30-2009, 04:08 PM

I have the oppurtunity to purchase a 454 or a 427 engine for 600.00 each.
The 454 is a 4 bolt main from a 72 truck and comes with all accessories including manifold and 2 barrel carb and the 427 is a truck motor also and has a few aftermarket internals. Which one would you guys choose.

Sledge

swb85 · 01-30-2009, 05:20 PM

What's the condition of the engines? What do you wanna do with it?

Chlsnk · 01-30-2009, 05:38 PM

I would say go with the 454 because as the old saying goes there is no replacement for displacement and if it comes with all the parts this is good because BBC parts can get pricey. But like SWB85 said how much has each been run? I wouldnt want to invest in a worn out engine its really your call. But that 454 will really bring your truck to life.

thump16 · 01-30-2009, 06:05 PM

niether has been wore out.

grinch4om · 01-30-2009, 06:13 PM

454! 427 truck motor most likely a tall block with the truck pistons etc. the 454 out of something 1 ton or smaller?

thump16 · 01-30-2009, 06:52 PM

came out of an ambulance.

willett · 01-30-2009, 07:26 PM

454!

grinch4om · 01-30-2009, 09:13 PM

willett is right

stepside454 · 01-30-2009, 09:14 PM

you cant hardley go wrong in either case...but I like cubes

1984 swb chevy · 01-30-2009, 09:52 PM

I would buy the 454. The 427 would be a tall deck non performance motor. If it was a 427 from an old vette or yanko camaro I would say get it.

Pyrotechnic · 01-30-2009, 10:08 PM

If that 427 came out of an ambulance, it is most certainly a tall deck motor if it is the factory motor. These have a tall deck block to accommodate a taller piston that has a 3rd ring for durability. The heads have small valve to enhance low end torque. The heavy rotating assembly means it's going to be slow to rev and have a low redline, somewhere around 4500.

If you are driving a dump truck, this is the motor for you. If you stick this motor in a regular truck, I hate to say it, but there's a good chance that a small block powered truck will pass you by.

Go for the 454 if that 427 is in fact a tall deck motor. If the 427 is a passenger car motor then it's a good choice too.

streetstar · 01-30-2009, 10:39 PM

The 427 tall deck would be a good motor to build, but the 454 is likely the better choice if you just wanna plug it in and go

The 427 lost its cache' when GM decided to spec the Chevelle and 'Vette with 454's in the late 60's, early 70's.

But a 427 truck motor, as some have already said, is a completely different animal and almost useless unless you want to build a stroked out bracket car monster

sierra4x4 · 01-31-2009, 01:37 PM

That is a tough one. But I would say go with the 454 if it comes with all the accessories becouse it is a bit of trouble finding accessorie brackets the work with the tall deck 427. However I have to say that they are both great engines and I have to disagree with some about the slow reving of the 427.I have a tall deck 427 in my truck and it revs just as good as a 454. It also pulls to 5500 and has gobs of torque considering it is a 1988 with 7.0-1 compression. Oh I also have no trouble with detonation

I allmost forgot the most important thing when shopping for a 427td is not all were drilled for a starter mine wasn't I had to use a pre 72 bellhousing (starter mounts to bellhousing not engine block.)

MoFaster · 01-31-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chlsnk

I would say go with the 454 because as the old saying goes there is no replacement for displacement and if it comes with all the parts this is good because BBC parts can get pricey. But like SWB85 said how much has each been run? I wouldnt want to invest in a worn out engine its really your call. But that 454 will really bring your truck to life.

no replacement for displacement

80SPORT · 01-31-2009, 10:35 PM

Both motors you are looking at are probably tall deck medium duty motors ...if the 72 454 is a 4 bolt main it will be a tall deck...they work well for towing but you will have to modify exhaust and accessory mounts to fit them in.Definitely not performance engines.Regular intakes and distributors will not fit.

stepside454 · 02-01-2009, 12:30 AM

I didnt realize there was a 454TD

BigBlocksRule · 02-01-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepside454

I didnt realize there was a 454TD

There isn't, GM never made one, only 427's.

The only substitute for cubic inches is rectangular dollars.

andrewmp6 · 02-01-2009, 04:58 AM

427 would be better for a fast truck a 454 would be better for pulling/hauling.

BigBlocksRule · 02-01-2009, 05:48 AM

Comparably built, the 454 will outrun the 427. More torque all the way thru the band and a 454 will rev just as well. The longer stroke not only generates more torque, but the higher piston speed generates higher intake tract velocity and promotes better cylinder filling. The longer stroked 454 can also use more cam for a better top-end pull. If you want more, drop a 4.25" stroke crank in the block and have all the fun with a 496!

stepside454 · 02-01-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

427 would be better for a fast truck a 454 would be better for pulling/hauling.

sorry. Id have to disagree. cubic dollars wins everytime.
with that logic the NHRA Prostock guys would be running 427s rather than 499 C.I.

ont_guy_38 · 02-01-2009, 09:25 AM

454 all the way !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sierra4x4 · 02-01-2009, 10:52 AM

454TD's were only made from 79-81 and they are very rare. All other 454's will be low decks(99%).

BigBlocksRule · 02-01-2009, 10:55 AM

I'd like to see the documentation, everything I've ever read or torn down indicates the only tall deck engines were 427's with the 4-ring pistons.

stepside454 · 02-01-2009, 12:20 PM

I know the 366 was also a tall deck. 454 TD is news to me, but than I could be clueless.

ont_guy_38 · 02-01-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBlocksRule

I'd like to see the documentation, everything I've ever read or torn down indicates the only tall deck engines were 427's with the 4-ring pistons.

Got this off of mortecs page

10134366...454T..............4-bolt, Bowtie, Gen.V, Tall deck

14044807...454T..............4-bolt, Bowtie, MkIV, CNC prep, Tall deck, 4.25" bore or 4.495" bores

24502506...454T..............4-bolt, Bowtie, Gen.V, Race prep, 10.2 "tall" deck height

01-30-2009, 04:08 PM	#1
thump16 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Valdosta GA Posts: 708	454 or 427 I have the oppurtunity to purchase a 454 or a 427 engine for 600.00 each. The 454 is a 4 bolt main from a 72 truck and comes with all accessories including manifold and 2 barrel carb and the 427 is a truck motor also and has a few aftermarket internals. Which one would you guys choose. Sledge Last edited by thump16; 01-30-2009 at 10:41 PM.

01-30-2009, 05:20 PM	#2
swb85 On a budget like Fred Sanford Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 2,031	Re: 454 or 427 What's the condition of the engines? What do you wanna do with it? __________________ '85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD Last edited by swb85; 01-30-2009 at 05:21 PM.

01-30-2009, 05:38 PM	#3
Chlsnk Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas city Posts: 756	Re: 454 or 427 I would say go with the 454 because as the old saying goes there is no replacement for displacement and if it comes with all the parts this is good because BBC parts can get pricey. But like SWB85 said how much has each been run? I wouldnt want to invest in a worn out engine its really your call. But that 454 will really bring your truck to life.

01-30-2009, 06:05 PM	#4
thump16 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Valdosta GA Posts: 708	Re: 454 or 427 niether has been wore out.

01-30-2009, 06:13 PM	#5
grinch4om dang its hot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: frankfort kentucky Posts: 1,349	Re: 454 or 427 454! 427 truck motor most likely a tall block with the truck pistons etc. the 454 out of something 1 ton or smaller?

01-30-2009, 06:52 PM	#6
thump16 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Valdosta GA Posts: 708	Re: 454 or 427 came out of an ambulance.

01-30-2009, 07:26 PM	#7
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: 454 or 427 454! __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

01-30-2009, 09:13 PM	#8
grinch4om dang its hot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: frankfort kentucky Posts: 1,349	Re: 454 or 427 willett is right

01-30-2009, 09:14 PM	#9
stepside454 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: st. louis area Posts: 1,551	Re: 454 or 427 you cant hardley go wrong in either case...but I like cubes __________________ 75 GMC C-15 short/step factory 454, lowered

01-30-2009, 09:52 PM	#10
1984 swb chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 466	Re: 454 or 427 I would buy the 454. The 427 would be a tall deck non performance motor. If it was a 427 from an old vette or yanko camaro I would say get it. __________________ 2010 Tahoe 1984 C10 2005 Harley FLH 1941 Willys Pickup (will never get it done) not for sale

01-30-2009, 10:08 PM	#11
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: 454 or 427 If that 427 came out of an ambulance, it is most certainly a tall deck motor if it is the factory motor. These have a tall deck block to accommodate a taller piston that has a 3rd ring for durability. The heads have small valve to enhance low end torque. The heavy rotating assembly means it's going to be slow to rev and have a low redline, somewhere around 4500. If you are driving a dump truck, this is the motor for you. If you stick this motor in a regular truck, I hate to say it, but there's a good chance that a small block powered truck will pass you by. Go for the 454 if that 427 is in fact a tall deck motor. If the 427 is a passenger car motor then it's a good choice too. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

01-30-2009, 10:39 PM	#12
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: 454 or 427 The 427 tall deck would be a good motor to build, but the 454 is likely the better choice if you just wanna plug it in and go The 427 lost its cache' when GM decided to spec the Chevelle and 'Vette with 454's in the late 60's, early 70's. But a 427 truck motor, as some have already said, is a completely different animal and almost useless unless you want to build a stroked out bracket car monster __________________ Are you retired too? Nonsense! I'm in my prime

01-31-2009, 01:37 PM	#13
sierra4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 308	Re: 454 or 427 That is a tough one. But I would say go with the 454 if it comes with all the accessories becouse it is a bit of trouble finding accessorie brackets the work with the tall deck 427. However I have to say that they are both great engines and I have to disagree with some about the slow reving of the 427.I have a tall deck 427 in my truck and it revs just as good as a 454. It also pulls to 5500 and has gobs of torque considering it is a 1988 with 7.0-1 compression. Oh I also have no trouble with detonation I allmost forgot the most important thing when shopping for a 427td is not all were drilled for a starter mine wasn't I had to use a pre 72 bellhousing (starter mounts to bellhousing not engine block.) Last edited by sierra4x4; 01-31-2009 at 01:39 PM. Reason: spelling

01-31-2009, 10:35 PM	#15
80SPORT Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: red deer alberta Posts: 777	Re: 454 or 427 Both motors you are looking at are probably tall deck medium duty motors ...if the 72 454 is a 4 bolt main it will be a tall deck...they work well for towing but you will have to modify exhaust and accessory mounts to fit them in.Definitely not performance engines.Regular intakes and distributors will not fit.

02-01-2009, 12:30 AM	#16
stepside454 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: st. louis area Posts: 1,551	Re: 454 or 427 I didnt realize there was a 454TD __________________ 75 GMC C-15 short/step factory 454, lowered



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02-01-2009, 04:58 AM	#18
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: 454 or 427 427 would be better for a fast truck a 454 would be better for pulling/hauling.

02-01-2009, 05:48 AM	#19
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: 454 or 427 Comparably built, the 454 will outrun the 427. More torque all the way thru the band and a 454 will rev just as well. The longer stroke not only generates more torque, but the higher piston speed generates higher intake tract velocity and promotes better cylinder filling. The longer stroked 454 can also use more cam for a better top-end pull. If you want more, drop a 4.25" stroke crank in the block and have all the fun with a 496! Last edited by BigBlocksRule; 02-01-2009 at 05:49 AM.

02-01-2009, 09:25 AM	#21
ont_guy_38 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 1,006	Re: 454 or 427 454 all the way !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

02-01-2009, 10:52 AM	#22
sierra4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 308	Re: 454 or 427 454TD's were only made from 79-81 and they are very rare. All other 454's will be low decks(99%).

02-01-2009, 10:55 AM	#23
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: 454 or 427 I'd like to see the documentation, everything I've ever read or torn down indicates the only tall deck engines were 427's with the 4-ring pistons.

02-01-2009, 12:20 PM	#24
stepside454 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: st. louis area Posts: 1,551	Re: 454 or 427 I know the 366 was also a tall deck. 454 TD is news to me, but than I could be clueless. __________________ 75 GMC C-15 short/step factory 454, lowered

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