Hey guys, Ive had a few posts lately about building and buying big blocks. I found a guy locally selling a near complete big block, he doesnt know if its a 454 though. It has 68-69 Oval Port heads on it, 2 bolt main. Very reputable guy, hes asking $500 for it. I may either do this or go with a standard crate 454. Where are the casting numbers on the block? If I cant find any how can I tell if its a 454 or not?

Casting numbers are on the driver's side on the back ledge where the block bolts up to the tranny/bellhousing. If it's out of the vehicle, they'll be easy to see once you get the funk cleaned off. Once you have that, head to www.mortec.com (http://www.mortec.com) and check it out and let us know what you have. BTW, you can pull the valve covers and check the head casting numbers and check them out at the same website.

Like the previous post, get the block casting number and check Motec. If it's not a match to any 454's that're listed there, it's not a 454!!
But the price sure sounds right($500 for any BB complete) especially a 454,unless it a complete disaster.

Don't most or all 454's have 7.4 cast on the driver side of the block, I know mine does and I thought that was a pretty common thing for 454's.
Jeff

I looked up the numbers, turns out its a 400/402 :rolleyes: Nice 396 heads though. I guess this engine was ran with NOS it looks kinda beat.

I guess this engine was ran with NOS it looks kinda beat.What part of it "looks" beat?

The lifter valley looks kind of eaten up, some light grinding would clean it up. And I forgot one of the heads has a chunk out of it. It was dark though, there may have been a few heli-coils. Id look at it in the light but I wouldnt want a 400/402 tongue.gif Does NOS affect an engines wear faster?