http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33613&item=7935129193&rd=1

Looks pretty good to me, even with the price of shipping this wouldnt be bad, provided it doesnt go up alot smile.gif

That looks like a canister style oil filter adapter?
Did 454's ever even have canisters?

It has reliefs cast into the bottom of the bores which is 454 only - they didn't do that on the early ones that used a cannister. You can see the bolts where the spin-on adapter is attached to the block. I'd ask for the casting numbers for starters.

Just my own experience - I would never buy something like an engine block sight unseen again. If you are a risk taker, go for it, if not look local. This may be good, may be a dud.

Yeah I try to stay local only. Just coming up dry lately.

Did you try the local machine shop? A 454 should be in stock, they're pretty common as far as BB's go.

I didnt actually, the price might be higher at a shop though. Good idea though I'll call around.

Keep in mind, while the price of buying a block may be cheaper (usually is) from another source, you still have to go pick it up.

Even if it was sold as "machined and magnafluxed", I would end up at a machine shop having it checked out anyway because I don't trust anyone. UNLESS, it came w/ paperwork from a machine shop AND I had contacted the shop to verify this paper work.

Other wise you "ready to build" block might turn out to be less then optimal, which means a trip to the machine shop to have work done. This is a delay and $$$ you have to spend.

Get where I'm going with this? . . . unless it has paperwork or YOU KNOW its good, your cheaper block might end up costing you more.

From what I've seen in your posts Phil,,I think you ought to save your pennies and purchase a HO 454 from GM parts direct or Scoggin Dickey or someone like that...a bare block,then you have find heads have them done,buy a crank,rods,pistons,,,I think a crate engine would suit your needs.

Bob has a point there Phil.

You've said you want a stout street cruiser, to me it sounds like you want the torque of a big block and the wow factor when you lift that cowl hood of yours! Sounds like you're gonna have a nice crowd pleaser at the shows.

If you're not looking to race or claim you built the BBC yourself (which is an honorable feat), then the GMPP crates are a VERY GOOD choice. They'll give you that monter torque, and you'll feel comfy knowing that GMPP builds them right and that even if your mill was "build on Monday morning" you've probably got a NICE warranty backing up the GMPP crate.

Very very true, I recently had a post about crate engines or rebuilds places sell. Do you guys have any links or where I should look? I think the last time I priced one they were kind of pricey, If I build myself It's somewhat like a payment place, I dont think I can afford a new new engine, would be very nice though. Im keeping my eye out for a complete fresh short block 454.

Phil,

If you don't want/need the bigger heads and all, but want the security of a new shortblock, go get a 454HO shortblock for about 3300.00. Bolt on any MarkIV 454 head including any of the closed chamber or oval chamber, throw in a factory roller cam and whatever manifold you can get from a swapmeet for $50.00 and be done with it.

Also, I think Scoggin Dickey sells rebuilt engines with some sort of warranty. I think they're "ACDelco Rebuilds". Pretty sure they have a 454.