454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67Mach1 · 08-23-2006, 07:41 AM

In my unofficial observations, I notice that most people on the site have either a 350(or other SBC) or I6 in their trucks.

Anyone out there install a 454 or other BBC engine? If so how do they like the preformance and handeling of the truck. I am looking at putting one of two engines in my SWB project truck. One is bone stock the other beefed up. I know gas mileage is going to stink. Not looking for a daily driver though.

Just wondering what others think about it/ have they done it?

Thanks,

thomas

roughedup72 · 08-23-2006, 07:48 AM

I think you would love the performance, Wish I had one for my truck.

*Ozona* · 08-23-2006, 07:57 AM

I'm going through the same thing with my '72 GMC...to get a hot small block to put in it or a BBC. Biggest thing with moving to BBC is cost. Everything is more expensive (basically). Front dress, engine parts, exhaust, all of it. There's a ton of room in there to work on the small block which is really nice. I keep going back and forth on the big block. I guess it all depends on how much someone is willing to spend.

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 08-23-2006, 09:37 AM

Here’s mine and I love it. I actually find the BB easier to work on, just my 2c.
This is the 1st BB I've ever had and I can honesty say there will never be another SB in my truck

70rs/ss · 08-23-2006, 11:14 AM

454 is a BBC and yeah I have 6 or 8, one in a 72 K5, 68 Short fleet, 68 short step, a 90 454SS, and couple extra's just in case. They are brutal fun. They are a little nose heavy which doesn't help traction, but with work they will take it and hand it out. Nothings like shakin the fillins out of your teeth at a light, or spankin ricers, vettes, mustangs, vipers (but that was in my camaro, with a BBC) and the list goes on.

409biscayne · 08-23-2006, 11:41 AM

Im a big block guy , but it's easy to build a sbc that will run with the bbc . For me it comes down to " Yeah , it's got a big block " . Plus i think it fills up the space under the hood , lol . Just my .02

69CvyPickup4x · 08-23-2006, 12:05 PM

I just finished putin a 454 in my k20 and it was a little work but all in all very worth it, still tunin it in and doin little odds and ends. I like bbl's because they sure dont have to work very hard to put out some good damn power.

70c10 · 08-23-2006, 12:20 PM

It's worth the "fun" factor as well as resale value!

*bskylerj* · 08-23-2006, 12:21 PM

I say go with the big block. I have one in mine and love it.

70rs/ss · 08-23-2006, 12:34 PM

It's all about the number of smiles per gallon!! Oh and the googles you get when you open the hood!!

bryanw1968 · 08-23-2006, 01:58 PM

$1 for $1 I think you get more out of a small block. Big block definitely have a lot more potential if you have the money. I had a 396 in my first '68 and LOVED it. But as mentioned before, everything is more expensive but worth it if you have the $$$$$$$.

RiCo · 08-23-2006, 02:14 PM

im thinking about this also. I really dont know anything about anything lol. But where can u get a 454 crate motor and roughly how much is it?

70rs/ss · 08-23-2006, 02:22 PM

GM, but buy it through summit as the shipping is dirt cheap for the weight of the motor. There are several other places that put together motors depending on the $$$, I dissagree with your comment that a SBC is faster for the money, a stroker kit for a BBC is nearly the same money and a 496 up through over 500 cubes is hard to beat with a sbc. Make sure you are comparing parts to parts, most strokers for SBC are cast cranks and pistons and for BBC they are forged, so there is some difference, and intakes etc are little more, but the benefits outway the cost by a long shot!!

bryanw1968 · 08-23-2006, 02:46 PM

70rs/ss,

I think I mispoke......I just looked on jegs and the BBC/454 is only $110 more than the competitive SBC......I had always heard that it took more $$ to build up a big block but that was a long time ago.......What the hell, go with the big block!!!!!!

And the big block crate motor even comes with an intake.

GM Performance Parts 454ci / 425hp ''454 H.O.'' Engine
$4,899.99

GM Performance Parts 383ci / 425hp ''ZZ 383/425'' Engine
$4,789.99

70rs/ss · 08-23-2006, 03:21 PM

Well and the parts are more but you get more with it. It is easy to get 400hp out of a mildly built 454, whereas 400hp out of a SBC takes alot more money and then you still get less torq and that is what moves a vehicle. I have a 500/500ish hp/lbft of torq 468 and it will anhilate tires, but when it hooks it'll put you in the seat, so again torq is what you feel in you butt-o-meter and also what makes it feel fast from the get-go then the hp'll carry you through the pedal to the metal action.

cst70rocket · 08-23-2006, 10:04 PM

my last '70 short step had a built Olds 468 in it. Drove the truck daily, pulled my drag car with it, drop off the trailer, and runs 12.60s in the heat. I've never really cared for the BBC as much as the Olds. Truck averaged 13.4mpg everywhere with a turbo 350 in it. Do that with a BBC. I miss it greatly!!

This truck is my best friends in OK. It's a 475" BB with the 8-71 on it, pair of 850 double pumpers. It's a definite show stopper, has a room full of best engine trophies, and he got mad as hell when I'd dust him off with ol' whitey!

**PICKMUP** · 08-23-2006, 11:49 PM

454 in a SWB---are there any questions?

*trkklr77* · 08-24-2006, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PICKMUP

454 in a SWB---are there any questions?

yes!

what headers are you guys running??[everyone]

any complications with the particular header you run???[all brands]

my 69 got the bbc dropped in today, and the chevell long tubes i was given dont clear the 73+ motor mounts.

409biscayne · 08-24-2006, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PICKMUP

454 in a SWB---are there any questions?

That about says it all .

jhow66 · 08-24-2006, 12:19 AM

502ho-450hp-550 Fp Tq @3500 Rpm

*Ozona* · 08-24-2006, 08:11 AM

Do you have to change the front coil springs to move the BBC and keep stock ride height? Other dumb question, if you buy a late model crate from Summit (What I've been rolling around in my head) can you put "early" valvecovers on it? (Sorry - never owned a bbc) You guys have some great looking trucks.

jhow66 · 08-24-2006, 10:28 AM

No and yes

70rs/ss · 08-24-2006, 10:47 AM

I put a set of hooker comp on mine and they were full length, but I have heard a shorty from a chevelle will fit as well. But, with the 73 and up mounts, I think you can get the headers for a 73 and up truck and they should fit. Good luck.

bryanw1968 · 08-24-2006, 11:23 AM

So what kind of a weight dif are we talking about between a fully dressed BBC and a SBC? Is it something you could actually feel when driving it in the corners?

Jtrux · 08-24-2006, 11:55 AM

I tried putting a 396 in my K5 with a 4 speed and 4x4 and it was too tight for my comfort. Also, try finding headers for that combo, you can't, at least Summit can't. I ditched it and went sbc.

08-23-2006, 07:41 AM	#1
67Mach1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 1,100	454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 In my unofficial observations, I notice that most people on the site have either a 350(or other SBC) or I6 in their trucks. Anyone out there install a 454 or other BBC engine? If so how do they like the preformance and handeling of the truck. I am looking at putting one of two engines in my SWB project truck. One is bone stock the other beefed up. I know gas mileage is going to stink. Not looking for a daily driver though. Just wondering what others think about it/ have they done it? Thanks, thomas __________________ Soon to be selling all but one, or two... Depends on what the Boss has to say....... 67 GMC Shortbed 454 Project more junk and most of it is for sale Last edited by 67Mach1; 08-23-2006 at 12:41 PM.

08-23-2006, 07:48 AM	#2
roughedup72 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: south carolina Posts: 658	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 I think you would love the performance, Wish I had one for my truck. __________________ 1972 chevy cheyenne 10,nothing special at the moment,Its a work in progress, Working on the engine, paint and body,engine, paint and body,now its the suspenion, ahh hell I'm about tired of working on it. Maybe it will be a rat rod.

08-23-2006, 07:57 AM	#3
Ozona Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 155	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 I'm going through the same thing with my '72 GMC...to get a hot small block to put in it or a BBC. Biggest thing with moving to BBC is cost. Everything is more expensive (basically). Front dress, engine parts, exhaust, all of it. There's a ton of room in there to work on the small block which is really nice. I keep going back and forth on the big block. I guess it all depends on how much someone is willing to spend.

08-23-2006, 09:37 AM	#4
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,106	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 Here’s mine and I love it. I actually find the BB easier to work on, just my 2c. This is the 1st BB I've ever had and I can honesty say there will never be another SB in my truck Attached Images __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 Last edited by 1970 CST Short Wide; 08-23-2006 at 11:59 AM.

08-23-2006, 11:14 AM	#5
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 454 is a BBC and yeah I have 6 or 8, one in a 72 K5, 68 Short fleet, 68 short step, a 90 454SS, and couple extra's just in case. They are brutal fun. They are a little nose heavy which doesn't help traction, but with work they will take it and hand it out. Nothings like shakin the fillins out of your teeth at a light, or spankin ricers, vettes, mustangs, vipers (but that was in my camaro, with a BBC) and the list goes on.

08-23-2006, 11:41 AM	#6
409biscayne Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane , Wash. Posts: 790	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 Im a big block guy , but it's easy to build a sbc that will run with the bbc . For me it comes down to " Yeah , it's got a big block " . Plus i think it fills up the space under the hood , lol . Just my .02 __________________ Can-Am Motorsports 37 Chev Coupe 331 4 speed 5.13 posi . ex-gasser . 64 Biscayne 409 2x4 4 speed 4.11 posi 65 Nova Wagon Drag Car 383 t400 (Dragin-Wagon) 68 c10 cst 396 t400 a/c buckets lwb 4.11 posi (SOLD)

08-23-2006, 12:05 PM	#7
69CvyPickup4x Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bellflower Posts: 79	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 I just finished putin a 454 in my k20 and it was a little work but all in all very worth it, still tunin it in and doin little odds and ends. I like bbl's because they sure dont have to work very hard to put out some good damn power.

08-23-2006, 12:20 PM	#8
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 It's worth the "fun" factor as well as resale value! __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

08-23-2006, 12:21 PM	#9
bskylerj Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SPOKANE, WASHINGTON Posts: 1,001	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 I say go with the big block. I have one in mine and love it.

08-23-2006, 12:34 PM	#10
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 It's all about the number of smiles per gallon!! Oh and the googles you get when you open the hood!!

08-23-2006, 01:58 PM	#11
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 $1 for $1 I think you get more out of a small block. Big block definitely have a lot more potential if you have the money. I had a 396 in my first '68 and LOVED it. But as mentioned before, everything is more expensive but worth it if you have the $$$$$$$.

08-23-2006, 02:14 PM	#12
RiCo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 19	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 im thinking about this also. I really dont know anything about anything lol. But where can u get a 454 crate motor and roughly how much is it?

08-23-2006, 02:22 PM	#13
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 GM, but buy it through summit as the shipping is dirt cheap for the weight of the motor. There are several other places that put together motors depending on the $$$, I dissagree with your comment that a SBC is faster for the money, a stroker kit for a BBC is nearly the same money and a 496 up through over 500 cubes is hard to beat with a sbc. Make sure you are comparing parts to parts, most strokers for SBC are cast cranks and pistons and for BBC they are forged, so there is some difference, and intakes etc are little more, but the benefits outway the cost by a long shot!! Last edited by 70rs/ss; 08-23-2006 at 03:22 PM.

08-23-2006, 02:46 PM	#14
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 70rs/ss, I think I mispoke......I just looked on jegs and the BBC/454 is only $110 more than the competitive SBC......I had always heard that it took more $$ to build up a big block but that was a long time ago.......What the hell, go with the big block!!!!!! And the big block crate motor even comes with an intake. GM Performance Parts 454ci / 425hp ''454 H.O.'' Engine $4,899.99 GM Performance Parts 383ci / 425hp ''ZZ 383/425'' Engine $4,789.99

08-23-2006, 03:21 PM	#15
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 Well and the parts are more but you get more with it. It is easy to get 400hp out of a mildly built 454, whereas 400hp out of a SBC takes alot more money and then you still get less torq and that is what moves a vehicle. I have a 500/500ish hp/lbft of torq 468 and it will anhilate tires, but when it hooks it'll put you in the seat, so again torq is what you feel in you butt-o-meter and also what makes it feel fast from the get-go then the hp'll carry you through the pedal to the metal action.



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08-23-2006, 10:04 PM	#16
cst70rocket Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Angelo or Eufaula Posts: 301	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 my last '70 short step had a built Olds 468 in it. Drove the truck daily, pulled my drag car with it, drop off the trailer, and runs 12.60s in the heat. I've never really cared for the BBC as much as the Olds. Truck averaged 13.4mpg everywhere with a turbo 350 in it. Do that with a BBC. I miss it greatly!! This truck is my best friends in OK. It's a 475" BB with the 8-71 on it, pair of 850 double pumpers. It's a definite show stopper, has a room full of best engine trophies, and he got mad as hell when I'd dust him off with ol' whitey!

08-23-2006, 11:49 PM	#17
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,125	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 454 in a SWB---are there any questions? Attached Images

08-24-2006, 12:19 AM	#20
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 502ho-450hp-550 Fp Tq @3500 Rpm Attached Images __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

08-24-2006, 08:11 AM	#21
Ozona Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 155	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 Do you have to change the front coil springs to move the BBC and keep stock ride height? Other dumb question, if you buy a late model crate from Summit (What I've been rolling around in my head) can you put "early" valvecovers on it? (Sorry - never owned a bbc) You guys have some great looking trucks.

08-24-2006, 10:28 AM	#22
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 No and yes __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

08-24-2006, 10:47 AM	#23
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 I put a set of hooker comp on mine and they were full length, but I have heard a shorty from a chevelle will fit as well. But, with the 73 and up mounts, I think you can get the headers for a 73 and up truck and they should fit. Good luck. Last edited by 70rs/ss; 10-05-2007 at 02:48 AM.

08-24-2006, 11:23 AM	#24
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 So what kind of a weight dif are we talking about between a fully dressed BBC and a SBC? Is it something you could actually feel when driving it in the corners?

08-24-2006, 11:55 AM	#25
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: 454 in a shortbed worth the effort or stay 350/I6 I tried putting a 396 in my K5 with a 4 speed and 4x4 and it was too tight for my comfort. Also, try finding headers for that combo, you can't, at least Summit can't. I ditched it and went sbc. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

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