454 Street performance combination request

[sul423]

I have an 454 block with casting #361959 2 bolt main where its bored 0.040 over, 0.020 main bearing, 0.030 con bearing.
I need a complete combination parts that can increase my horse power to around 500 hp if possible and can be used as daily drive street performance and with air condition for my 69 Camaro.
My trans is th400 3 speed automatic.

[Kelley W King]

unless you want look original, I think I would contact Edelbrock for one of their packages, heads,intake, cam, and carb.

[janobyte]

I agree with above--if your keeping stock appearing( heads date coded ??) See what they are flowing, if they need work . Than email a reputable camshaft company with the info and they can recommend a package. Don't overlook the strength in the rotating assembly. Food for thought ,but 496 assemblies seem to be pretty popular if you need to strengthen and go  the route of upgrading. Number one rule is keep everything a package. No weak links. Do your homework and research what you have. Many good websites identifying cast numbers. try: outintheshop.com

[sul423]

unless you want look original, I think I would contact Edelbrock for one of their packages, heads,intake, cam, and carb.

I agree with above--if your keeping stock appearing( heads date coded ??) See what they are flowing, if they need work . Than email a reputable camshaft company with the info and they can recommend a package. Don't overlook the strength in the rotating assembly. Food for thought ,but 496 assemblies seem to be pretty popular if you need to strengthen and go  the route of upgrading. Number one rule is keep everything a package. No weak links. Do your homework and research what you have. Many good websites identifying cast numbers. try: outintheshop.com

Thanks a lot.

[nashville beth]

Buy a Scat 496 rotating assembly .  All you have to do then is make 1 hp/cu inch, a piece of cake.
Use a hydraulic roller cam about 220/230 @.050" with about .550" lift.  You can use the factory long-slot rocker arms and keep the stock valve covers.
Look for oval port heads with a casting # ending in 781 or 049.  Have these rebuilt or better yet buy new edelbrock heads.
Compression should be ~9.5-1 for cast iron and 10-1 for aluminum.
You will have a nice idle and tons of torque. Shift at 5500 to 5800 rpm and have fun without breaking parts.   

[sul423]

Buy a Scat 496 rotating assembly .  All you have to do then is make 1 hp/cu inch, a piece of cake.
Use a hydraulic roller cam about 220/230 @.050" with about .550" lift.  You can use the factory long-slot rocker arms and keep the stock valve covers.
Look for oval port heads with a casting # ending in 781 or 049.  Have these rebuilt or better yet buy new edelbrock heads.
Compression should be ~9.5-1 for cast iron and 10-1 for aluminum.
You will have a nice idle and tons of torque. Shift at 5500 to 5800 rpm and have fun without breaking parts.   

Thank you nashville beth for the advice

[KERR]

what he said...

Just watch the compression,  if you want to stay pump gas friendly..   I went way over kill in the 90's with my vette,  its about 14 to 1 compression.   was not a big deal back then as 110 leaded was $2.99 a gallon... its not $7.99 and well i still only goes about 140 miles on a tank lol...    Its fun as poop though  

If i had it to do all over again that what i would do with a 454,  496 stroker 10-11 compression  nasty cam ( im a cam guy) good clutch and beat it ever day...    Only problem i have is i like RPMS,  and it cost to turn a big motor,  The msd in the vette is set at 8K  :-)   love it  threw headers and factory sides,  although my head hurts when i get home...

[DEL]

I'm no expert, just repeating what I've heard which is to be careful leaning on an engine with the main and rod journals as you described. I'm sure you can make 500 HP but you might want to try and find a better crankshaft for peace of mind.

I never made it to a dyno but can confirm this combo...
9.5:1 .030 overbore 454 BBC
Brodix BB-2 heads
Comp Cams 308R
830 CFM single 4BBL
Holley Strip Dominator intake
MSD 6A/Billet Distributor
TH400/4000 stall
4:10 Gears
...will run 10.70's in an all-steel 68 Camaro. The car was around 3500 pounds with driver. This was ~14 years ago but I'm certain of those specs.

[z28z11]

Just a suggestion -

My LS5 '70 had an original LS5 motor in it, built in the early '80's -  I detuned it back to nearly stock specs, using the original low profile cast iron intake, 7040204 Rochester (which flows about 800 cfm), 10.25:1 pistons, Comp Cams hydraulic, stock lower end and LS5 heads, SS valves, headers. Car is a 400 Turbo, had 4.56:1 Eaton posi (originally 3.31). Factory air -

Even with the heavier Chevelle, it would do a complete doughnut if you allowed it to - not dynoed, but horsepower and torque unlike anything I've ever owned. Yet - idled great, instant response, but very harsh shift because of a doofus shift kit previously installed by the prior owner.

Don't discount Rochesters as a performance carb - they flow great, good economy if you can get used to the secondary moan when you put your foot in it. Watch your cam profile to allow for power brakes and the air, also. Select your compression for pump gas unless you want to spend a fortune on race gas or octane boosters for a cruise night -

Just my opinion -