Question: What type of 454 to look for--1980 Vette

[VETN8R]

I just found out via other threads that I can put a 454 in my 1980 Vette with some modifications.

Staying on the lower end of cost, what type of 454 should I look for? I am not trying to buy a create engine, but I would like to get a decent used engine and rebuilt myself.

I love the style of my 1980, but I am looking for more power.

Thanks!

 

[Hib Halverson]

Swapping a BBC into your 80 would be relatively easy but tell us:

1) how much more power do you want?
2) what's the car have for a transmission?

 

[VETN8R]

Transmission

The car has a matching number L48 engine, so whatever the stock transmission is for it. I'm assuming a 350 Turbo.

Sorry, like I said, I am not very familiar with Corvettes yet, but it was always my dream car.

 

[damoroso]

Find a BBC that was in a car, not a truck. The truck blocks typically have taller deck hights which can have different intakes, pistons and rods. You can find "standard" big blocks in 396, 402, 427, 454, 502 and 572 CID's. There are others out there, but I think this is what the factory put out. There are 2 bolt and 4 bolt blocks just like the small blocks. A two bolt block should be fine for you unless you want to bolt on blower, or go for really high horse power. I'd suggest while your at it that you swap your radiator for a more capable unit, plus you should seriously consider swapping your trans. There are many, many manual options out there or you can go with an automatic. The 2004R and 700 are good popular choices.

The only real limit to what you can do with these is your budget.

 

[JohnZ]

"More Power" isn't much of a challenge when you're starting with only 190hp. Installing a big-block means a LOT of other changes that just makes the swap more expensive and difficult. Consider a 383 or 406 small-block instead, which are pretty much straight bolt-ins and will give you over 400hp and plenty of torque without having to change anything else.

 

[Hib Halverson]

JohnZ is spot on.
Unless you have a lot of money and want some very big power numbers, forget the big block and consider a 383 "crate motor".

 

[lars]

I, too, agree with John and Hib. In fact, most 454 passenger car engines that you're going to come across at a reasonable price will be 1973 and newer. These are low compression engines, and most of them are in the 250 horsepower range (A common find is a '74 Monte Carlo 454, which is rated at 235 hp, or a '75 454 Monte Carlo, rated at a whopping 215 hp). For the cost and trouble of the swap, getting less than 300 horse out of the effort is a waste. Which means you're going to have to go through and build the big block, at significant cost. For a much lower cost, you can build a 383 or 406 small block and easily obtain 400-450 horsepower with over 450 ft/lbs of torque. This is big-block power without any hassle or conversion problems. The best deals out there are the crate 383's - fantastic power at an unbelievable price, and it will bolt right in with no other mods. An inexpensive swap like this will run circles around any "low end of cost" big block you find in a junkyard or on eBay.


Lars

 

[KANE]

I just found out via other threads that I can put a 454 in my 1980 Vette with some modifications.

Staying on the lower end of cost, what type of 454 should I look for? I am not trying to buy a create engine, but I would like to get a decent used engine and rebuilt myself.

I love the style of my 1980, but I am looking for more power.

Thanks!

You can do more with an LQ4 swap from a truck for less money than you'd spend on a proper 454.
LQ4... 6.0 liters- and with a cam swap
Or stay with the GEN I SBC and save some money.

Good luck with your project!

 

[lars]

The LS swap certainly has a lot to offer, but in terms of complexity, it's an order of magnitude more difficult than a basic 383 exchange or even a BB swap - it's a bit beyond the capability of most weekend enthusiasts...

Lars