454 swap and build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

454 4x4 · 11-06-2014, 03:04 PM

Hey guys Ive got a couple questions here. I have a 1983 Chevy k20 with a 6.2 diesel and 700r4 tranny. The diesel blew up and I'm dropping in a 1979 454 big block. I'm putting a performance cam by comp cams in it (COMP Cams Xtreme Energy 4x4 Cam and Lifter Kits K11-231-3), edelbrock intake manifold (Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifolds 21613), edelbrock fuel pump (Edelbrock Performer RPM Street Fuel Pumps 1722), msd wires (MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire Sets 31229), msd plugs (MSD Iridium Spark Plugs 37214), msd ignition coil (MSD HEI Coils 8225), msd ignition control module (MSD Digital GM High Energy Modules with Rev Limiters 83647), msd rotor (MSD Distributor Rotors 8410), msd cap (MSD Extra Duty Distributor Caps 8411), arp head bolts, felpro severe duty head gaskets, felpro full gasket set, and new valve covers (Chevrolet Performance Die-Cast Aluminum Valve Covers 12495488).

So my question is what piston do I need to increase compression and what heads do I need? I know the 70s big blocks were dogs because of emissions so they had crappy cams and compression ratio. Going to use this truck for four wheeling/muddin, pulling big trailers (farm work), and fun. I would like a good quality piston with valve reliefs so if the timing chain breaks I don't destroy valves. The heads I would like to stay with stock oval ports.

Im also new here so thank you for all the info in advance and I look forward to hearing from you.

johnwaynejeep · 11-06-2014, 06:27 PM

I would suggest calling the cam manufacturer or JEGS and askng them. They will have all the numbers of the factory bore, stroke, deck clearance and valve clearance to give you some good options that will work with your cam and crank to give you the best performance without clearance issues. they also answer a lot of questions about these engines and outside of a professional engine builder, are best equipped to help you.

donut · 11-06-2014, 07:06 PM

Heads and pistons depend on everything else, it all works as a package. and what you have may foot the bill. BTW, budget?
Don't think I've ever heard of a timing chain "breaking", stretching yes.

LOT'S of MSD parts. Personally, I'd budget for trans rebuilds...

454 4x4 · 11-06-2014, 08:10 PM

Timing chains break my uncle had one break on his ford truck.

I will call definitely. Just seeing what you guys thought/ have experience with.

11-06-2014, 03:04 PM	#1
454 4x4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Tiffin, Ohio Posts: 2	454 swap and build Hey guys Ive got a couple questions here. I have a 1983 Chevy k20 with a 6.2 diesel and 700r4 tranny. The diesel blew up and I'm dropping in a 1979 454 big block. I'm putting a performance cam by comp cams in it (COMP Cams Xtreme Energy 4x4 Cam and Lifter Kits K11-231-3), edelbrock intake manifold (Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifolds 21613), edelbrock fuel pump (Edelbrock Performer RPM Street Fuel Pumps 1722), msd wires (MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire Sets 31229), msd plugs (MSD Iridium Spark Plugs 37214), msd ignition coil (MSD HEI Coils 8225), msd ignition control module (MSD Digital GM High Energy Modules with Rev Limiters 83647), msd rotor (MSD Distributor Rotors 8410), msd cap (MSD Extra Duty Distributor Caps 8411), arp head bolts, felpro severe duty head gaskets, felpro full gasket set, and new valve covers (Chevrolet Performance Die-Cast Aluminum Valve Covers 12495488). So my question is what piston do I need to increase compression and what heads do I need? I know the 70s big blocks were dogs because of emissions so they had crappy cams and compression ratio. Going to use this truck for four wheeling/muddin, pulling big trailers (farm work), and fun. I would like a good quality piston with valve reliefs so if the timing chain breaks I don't destroy valves. The heads I would like to stay with stock oval ports. Im also new here so thank you for all the info in advance and I look forward to hearing from you.

11-06-2014, 06:27 PM	#2
johnwaynejeep Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Pacific Grove, CA Posts: 105	Re: 454 swap and build I would suggest calling the cam manufacturer or JEGS and askng them. They will have all the numbers of the factory bore, stroke, deck clearance and valve clearance to give you some good options that will work with your cam and crank to give you the best performance without clearance issues. they also answer a lot of questions about these engines and outside of a professional engine builder, are best equipped to help you. __________________ Robert 1975 C10 - Huckleberry 2007 Jeep JK - John Wayne Jeep Smittybilt front/rear bumper, 10K winch Pacific Grove, CA

11-06-2014, 07:06 PM	#3
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: 454 swap and build Heads and pistons depend on everything else, it all works as a package. and what you have may foot the bill. BTW, budget? Don't think I've ever heard of a timing chain "breaking", stretching yes. LOT'S of MSD parts. Personally, I'd budget for trans rebuilds... __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

11-06-2014, 08:10 PM	#4
454 4x4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Tiffin, Ohio Posts: 2	Re: 454 swap and build Timing chains break my uncle had one break on his ford truck. I will call definitely. Just seeing what you guys thought/ have experience with.



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