I'd like to look for a 454 engine that I can have rebuilt this winter. I have looked at ebay but I don't see much there. I was going to start checking some of the local junkyards. What should I be looking for? What cars/trucks and thru what years would have a 454 engine that could go in my 72? I'm thinking a 4 bolt main is a must if I'm going to push 500hp on this engine. Thanks.

...thinking a 4 bolt main is a must if I'm going to push 500hp on this engine. Thanks.

Nope. A 2 bolt with some good hardware (studs maybe?) will handle well north of that N/A with no problems. A good place to try is RacingJunk.com (http://www.racingjunk.com) . They have a lot of good stuff on their, just a matter of difference.

As far as junkyards, I am not 100% sure on the years, but I think they stopped putting 454's in cars after 75ish. I have 2 454 (one in car, one going to be a 496) blocks and one is out of a 76 and the other out of a 78 Suburban I think.

Check the late 70's early 80's pickups and 'Burbans.

Chris

A 2 bolt 454 BBC block prepaired correctly with main studs will handle more than 500 hp with no problems.

If you can find a 4 bolt 454 at a price that fits your budget thats great but it's not a must to have a 4 bolt in a 500 hp 454 in IMHO.

Scott

Hey I live on the southside of chicago and I have been looking too. I found two for sale and I am going to buy the one closer to me. I found another guy selling a stock 454 long block with 781 heads for $450. I do not have his e-mail adress, but if you go to www.chitownracing.com and register you can search his screen name and send him a private message. His screen name is jimmys434. If you can't not get ahold of him let me know and I will get his number for you. BTW he lives in St. charles so at least it isn't too far from you.

I would jump on that deal if I was within reasonable driving distance.

Yeah it is a pretty good deal. But I found another one. The guy originally wanted 800 and it needs to be rebuilt. So i bought the oil pan (need moroso oil pan to fit a BBC in a 56 belair) and a a 2 month old RPM air-gap for $150. Well he lower the price on his engine. For $350 I am getting a complete engine with peanut port heads, extra set of bare 781 heads, aluminum pullies, water pump, alternator bracket and a mini starter. Does $500 sound like a bad deal for all that?

Tom

Not a bad deal at all in my book (at least for what I've seen around here). I'd jump on that one.

I buy all local 454's with usable heads that aren't cracked if they're under $500. I buy one maybe one or two times a year, so that would rate as a good
deal in my book.