435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

[Gary K.]

I've decided not to spend 50k on my 30k car, but I want as close an engine to the original L71 motor that came with the car. The '67 heads are right and I'm slowly acquiring the Tripower carb/intake setup. My question to anyone who has gone this route is whether a different era block coupled with the solid lifter cam & related internal parts setup will get me close to the original motor.

My 1973 454ci CE block & motor in general runs like a top right now - that is the block I would be using. I want to know if anyone has done what I plan to do, pitfalls, things to watch out for and, of course - did the final result run good and get close to the "real thing".

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Domenic T.]

Re: 435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

Gary,
It is not a problem.
I have a 74 laguna S3 that is smog exempt now in CA. So I celebrated it with a different engine and trans.

I put a steel 427 crank and pistons in a 454 block and built it to 425 HP specs. I used 69 square port heads and had to dig & buy brackets & pulleys because I am going to remove a 350.

I also had the stock 69 aluminum 425 manifold and will NOT put the holley on it as I love the Q-jet design, power & milage. What milage?

I was able to use a turbo 375 trans that I had in place of the turbo 350.

I have not installed it due to working on my frame up restorations and will have to use a 50/50 mixture of avgass to pump gas to get the full effect as the compression is in the 11's.

DOM

[Clem Z.]

Re: 435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

I've decided not to spend 50k on my 30k car, but I want as close an engine to the original L71 motor that came with the car. The '67 heads are right and I'm slowly acquiring the Tripower carb/intake setup. My question to anyone who has gone this route is whether a different era block coupled with the solid lifter cam & related internal parts setup will get me close to the original motor.

My 1973 454ci CE block & motor in general runs like a top right now - that is the block I would be using. I want to know if anyone has done what I plan to do, pitfalls, things to watch out for and, of course - did the final result run good and get close to the "real thing".

Thanks in advance for any advice!

why change the rotating assy as the 454 will really pull your corvette along. i would just add the external part for the "look"

[Gary K.]

Re: 435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

<<why change the rotating assy as the 454 will really pull your corvette along. i would just add the external part for the "look>>

Clem & others - yes I've considered this too, but with maybe the exception of the solid lifter cam setup.

My mind tells me that the solid lifter cam setup in my 454 with tripower & existing '67 correct-for-435hp heads will basically define the project.

[Michael F.]

Re: 435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

I agree with clem and enjoy

[Dick W.]

Re: 435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

I am like Clem, leave the 454 rotating assembly in it. I believe that the '73 pistons were open chamber so you will have to change them to the closed chamber varity and have the assembly rebalanced.

I know of at least one high scoring L/88 that was built like that. Pulls real strong

[Joe L.]

Re: 435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

Gary,
It is not a problem.
I have a 74 laguna S3 that is smog exempt now in CA. So I celebrated it with a different engine and trans.

I put a steel 427 crank and pistons in a 454 block and built it to 425 HP specs. I used 69 square port heads and had to dig & buy brackets & pulleys because I am going to remove a 350.

I also had the stock 69 aluminum 425 manifold and will NOT put the holley on it as I love the Q-jet design, power & milage. What milage?

I was able to use a turbo 375 trans that I had in place of the turbo 350.

I have not installed it due to working on my frame up restorations and will have to use a 50/50 mixture of avgass to pump gas to get the full effect as the compression is in the 11's.

DOM

DOM------


ALL Q-Jet big block manifolds were oval port. If you use such a manifold on rectangular port heads you will have a port mis-match.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

Gary
The thing that contributed the most to the popularity of Chevy's of all types be they collector car,race car or daily driver can be somed up in one word. INTERCHANGEABILITY.No other car manufacture carried this principle to the lengthes that the General did, thus resulting in so many old Chevys serviving to this day.GOD BLESS the GENERAL.
Stephen Barrett (21558) 59,66,71,73

[Domenic T.]

Re: 435hp Build-up from CE 454 block - opinions

Joe,
The heads & manifold are installed already and I was looking at a dominator or one of my adapter plates.
I have a holley that I will use to start the engine the first time so I can get a good 1st start, but it is my last choice as a running carb.

DOM