This is my first time ever building an engine. I have noticed how expensive this got as soon as I dug my hands into it. I am rebuilding my 454 that came out of a 70's suburban. It has the stock cast iron intake and I believe the heads are the same as well. I was told that aluminum heads will produce a lot more power. I have also noticed that aluminum heads are very expensive. Any suggestions if the aluminum heads will be worth the extra $$ or am I going about this all wrong?

What heads does it have on it? Bigger valves do wonders for the stock GM big oval ports. Have the big valves installed then save for the alloy heads so you can get it back on the street. It all depends on what you want to do, street/strip, strip/street, daily driver/cruiser. I'd go with the Edelbrock RPM Air gap if you havent bought an intake yet. You'll take about 75lbs off the nose with alloy heads.

I agree, if you don't have the money. I would get the bigger valves put in them and invest in some port work, that will make the oval ports wake right up. Good luck.

Alex.

It ALL depends on what you want to get out of the motor. If it's your first motor building, then I doubt you want to try and make near 600HP. right?

That being the case, stick with cast iron heads. Put the money into them for the performance you want to get out. However, if they are the stock "peanut" port heads, you may being fighting a loosing battle. So find their casting number, and see what you have to start with.

Always remember: A poorly built Aluminum headed motor will be outperformed by a well built iron headed motor. By "poor", I mean the pieces and parts used, not the quality of your ability to put them together. The latter, with the right book(s), can get even a novice through the task of a motor assembly. I know first hand, as I built my first one at age 19. With the added help of Team Chevelle, I had it done in no time at all.

and Mikey even learned how to spell too :D Hey Mike, its about time you stepped up to a stroker and started going to the track again :thumbsup:

Hey guys, I am in the same situation, I have a 73 Chevelle SS with a 454 and i am doing a complete rebuild. I have no idea what I need to build around 450 to 500hp out of it. This is my first rebuild but not my first time around a motor. What would be great is that if I could get some specs as to what size values used in the stock heads, cam specs, etc,. I know someone on this forum has done a rebuild and probably has all the specs on what they put in there motor. Any other advise you can give me on parts would be great too.

Thanks

When you price the work on the heads keep in mind how much a decent set of aluminum heads will cost you or aftermarket iron