454 Conversion

[1984Silverado4x4]

I figured its finally time to replace the 305 in my truck now as its using huge amounts of oil and I would like to put in a 454.

I was just wondering what sort of modifications I would have to do to get it to fit in my 1984 K10 with the 4spd trans. It has the 11 7/8inch clutch in it.

I was told that the engine mounts would need to be changed but thats about all I know

Any help would be appreciated.

[willett]

what do you have for a rear end?

keep in mine the amount of torque output a 454 gives!

[1984Silverado4x4]

I have no idea what kind of axle it has but the RPO tag says it has the standard axle.

[454HO]

I don't know much about the standard transmissions in these trucks, but I do know the bell-housing bolt pattern is the same between small block and big block. So your transmission should bolt up no problem. I have no idea about the clutch related stuff. My guess is what you have should bolt up to a 454 flywheel, but hopefully someone else will chime in. You also need to make sure the block you use has a provision for the Z-bar.

As for the engine, I did a 305 => 454 swap in my '86. I was told the small block engine mounts would work, but I had trouble lining them up. I ended up using some engine mounts from a '77 truck I parted out that had a BB factory.

For exhaust I used some Hedman Hedders and they fit pretty good, but hang a little too low for a lowered truck. You will need to upgrade your radiator to a 4-row core. Other than that, it is pretty much a cake walk to drop a BB into these trucks.

[b454rat]

Years ago I had an 84 3/4t 4wd. Had a 408 SBC, dropped in a 454. Tranny bolted up, (turbo 400), took the mounts off the 400 engine, bolted them up to the 454, and dropped it in. You will need the pulleys and power steering pump off the 454, SBC won't be a bolt on. As long as you have a 454 flywheel, the clutch will bolt up too. Gonna need a 4 core rad, find one off a 454 or a diesel truck, they should have the biggest rads in them already.

[1984Silverado4x4]

[QUOTE=454HO;3378972] You also need to make sure the block you use has a provision for the Z-bar.QUOTE]

Whats the Z-bar?

[chockblockjed]

I am swapping a 350 for a straight six in my 81 C10 and heard about the Z bar, what is it?

[dan76]

The Z-bar was until recently a strip joint in the lower end of.....just kidding. It's really a mount from the frame rail to the engine with provisions to mount clutch linkage.

[1984Silverado4x4]

Thanks for the help guys.

I have yet to find a 454 to buy so itll be awhile yet before this happens.

[N2TRUX]

Your best bet would be to locate a truck with a 454 and buy it. Pull everything you need for the conversion and part the truck out..


Like this- LINK

[1984Silverado4x4]

I like the idea but I dont have $1000 or more to spend all at once and my parents wont let me have any more vehicles.

(that truck looks to nice to part out anyway)

[454HO]

Originally Posted by 1984Silverado4x4

I dont have $1000 or more to spend

Then you better stick with the 305 you already got. Much cheaper to do a basic rebuild on a small block than to swap in a big block. And you could make that 305 run pretty good with some vortec heads, matching intake and a mild cam.

[N2TRUX]

Good advice...