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Old 11-03-2011, 12:54 PM   #1
'76 Big Block
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Question Big Block Rev Limit

Just curious, but since I bought this truck with a supposedly fresh rebuilt 454, and I have no clue as to what was actually done other than rebuild it to stock specs, what were factory engine specs on a 454--- horsepower, torque, and rpm limits.
My guess on rpm limit for stock big block would be 4200 or so, but that's a guess.
My previous experiences have been with small blocks, and I'd heard that the big blocks needed help to get to the higher rpm limits.
I haven't done anything but drive it, and it does run strong, but I'd like to know more about these engines.
Thanks in advance!
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Old 11-03-2011, 07:42 PM   #2
b454rat
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

Do alot more than 4200. Though it's hard to say just how high you can go without knowing what was done. But I'd say 5500, after that probly fall on it's face.
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Old 11-03-2011, 09:10 PM   #3
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

Back in the 60's and early 70's 396s to 454s with hydraulic cams typically had 5,000 to 5,500 redlines. Solid cam motors were 6,500 (LS6)
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Old 11-03-2011, 09:15 PM   #4
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

I would say 5500 is safe. Won't pull very hard past that anyway.
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Old 11-03-2011, 09:25 PM   #5
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

Quote:
Originally Posted by CentipedePerformance View Post
I would say 5500 is safe. Won't pull very hard past that anyway.
^ I agree.
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Old 11-03-2011, 10:18 PM   #6
'76 Big Block
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

Thanks guys---I couldn't find anything anywhere on what stock engines (big blocks) are capable of. Since I know nothing about what went in it, I want to treat it as stock.
Once upon a time, in another life, I had the oil pressure light come on in a '63 Ford Galaxie with the speedometer needle buried (I was trying to catch a Road Runner with a 426 Hemi), so I know there are limits on the big blocks...
BTW- never did catch the Road Runner, and it cost me an engine on E-3 pay....
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Old 11-03-2011, 10:19 PM   #7
'76 Big Block
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

Forgot to mention my Ford had a 390
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Old 11-03-2011, 11:40 PM   #8
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

7200 for me
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Old 11-04-2011, 10:19 AM   #9
'76 Big Block
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

Yeah, mine would too maybe---ONCE...LOL!
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Old 11-04-2011, 10:58 AM   #10
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

Just watch out, when high revving, just because it didnt shoot a rod out the side, doesnt mean said rod isn't now bent or tweaked.
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Old 11-04-2011, 11:44 AM   #11
Moostifer
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

396's / 427's... 57-5800ish

454's... 55-5600, but like the others have stated, will fall off after around 5100

i use a 7200 rpm chip on the rev limiter for my 468
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Old 11-04-2011, 04:53 PM   #12
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Re: Big Block Rev Limit

Most properly rebuilt 454s will safely go about 6k without a problem depending on the cam. Stock truck and low hp car cams will run out about 5k or a little less. Better cams and valve springs will increase rpm potential according to cam and spring choice.
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