454 question

[griesel72]

Would it be smart to buy and drop in a 454 from a junkyard out of a wrecked truck without a rebuild? I was thinking about buying one, but wanted to see what you all thought.


thanks for the advice

david

[Blackhawkdc]

depends on the truck, the mileage, maintenance history, etc. Fi you're looking for an inexpensive way to go, it's a good idea. Try and get a warrenty from the salvage yard also. If they won't give you a warrenty on it, pass it up. There's probably a reason why they won't.

[griesel72]

it is out of a 81 chevy 1 ton, and they have no idea how many miles are on it. It is relatively clean, and the truck isn't in that bad of shape, it was rearended and totaled out.


they will give me a 30 day 300 mile warranty, just enough to make sure it is sound from their end.

thanks for the input

david

[Riveted1]

Personally, I wouldn't trust it. But if you're a gamblin' man, roll the dice and see what you get. Like was stated before, ask for some sort of warranty.

[griesel72]

Riveted1, if you were in my place, would you rebuild one before you put it in, or would you rebuild the orginal 396. The truck is a 69 cst swb, and the motor is shot, i started it up once and it hammers like a guy hammering on an anvil. I guess i just didn't want to screw with the whole rebuild thing again, but you have a point that this new one could be a bad deal.

thanks

david

[Riveted1]

If you still have the original engine, I would do a rebuild. Granted, that would cost more money up front, but I would hate to see you buy an engine that could end up costing you more later. It's been my experience that looking for a "cheap way out" usually doesn't work. Just my $.02!

[griesel72]

thanks for the advice, i think i'll take it. I am going to call the machine shop tomorrow and get started on the machine work.


thanks

david

[Riveted1]

No problem David. Keep us updated. I think you'll be happy w/your decision.