Hey gang, I need a little help. I bought this Gen V 454 for a killer deal of $1200 for a long block, "rebuilt", with a cam card that says its a Comp 280H. I have not had the heads off, but, they look to be stock, as far as I can tell. I ran the motor all last season, only on the street, and it pulls pretty strong, and lights 'em up at the drop of the hammer. Can anyone tell me if you are able to tell if the pistons are original with only pulling off the heads?

I want to make the motor a little hotter, work on my traction problem a little more, (SSM's are the choice right now) and get out this year and kick that "66 383 Charger's butt, that wooped me last year out on Gratiot Ave.

If it turns out this motor is completely stock with just a cam change, what is the best bang for the buck.

Take a look at the pics in my sig. and tell me if you think I have the good makings of a sleeper.

Thanks

Mike

I have no idea where my signature went to....any help? the pics are in the member showroom.

Headers,good cam,intake and carburetor and you'll smoke him,posi trac and gears help too.

I already have all that. Performer airgap, Edelbrock RPM 800cfm card, Headman Elite ceramic headers, 2.5 inch flowmaster exhaust with Dynomax Ultra mufflers all the way to the bumper. Had to remove the crossover because of clearance problems, but other than that I want more ponies out fo the motor. short of a complete teardown and rebuild and ideas?

Thanks

Mike

I'm a Holley DP guy for performance, 3" pipes would help too in addition to a crossover.

That's a beautiful ride! I'd work on traction first if you're wanting to go quicker. Is the compression of the motor at the stock 9:1? If so, run lower grades of fuel; it should make more power. A big hydraulic roller might be kinda cute though! ;)

don't know about stock slug id.

Thanks for the cudo's. Can a hydraulic roller be set up in a Gen V? I thought only Mark IV and Gen VI could get a HYD. roller cam.

I think I am going to get the SSM bars and put them on first to see if that tightens up the rear. I have a Stage 3 Bowtie Overdrives 700R4 adn love it. I put in an eaton posi with 3.73's and that livened things up a bit. It has a good "punch" if you know what i mean, just need to make more power.

You say running a lower octane like Midgrade 89 will build more power? I thought I needed to have the 91-93 and all the initial timing I coudl put into the thing.

Going to have a shop do a chassis dyno tune in the spring, see if they can get the down low lazy out of the Edelbrock carb. I am admittly a dunce when it comes to tuning a carb. Build a motor, no problem, tune a carb...might just as well try to do the ballet. (and I weigh 285)

Thanks again.

Mike

I like the SSM liftbars, 1.64 best with drag radials,1.66 best with slicks so far,,hoping to improve at least a tenth or so with bigger slicks,and just a tad more motor :D

That charger with the 383 shouldn't be a problem for you, I had a 67 (same bodystyle) with a 383 4 speed and it was a pig. Maybe his ain't really a 383? Do a compression check on your engine, that should tell the tale of what gas you should be runnin. Bob, from the UP.

I wonder what heads are on that? Peanut port? Maybe someone els here knows. Pull a valve cover and report the #'s.
You have the rest of the stuff right. I agree that the car would like 3" exh, as long as the heads are to good ovals.
9:1 CR is not a problem......trust me.
You might want to try at least an 800 Holley......

So have you had this car to the strip? #'s?
MPH is always a clue to the power being made.....and any 383 Mope ought to be a cake walk.

Beautiful car BTW...they will toss you out of the dragstrip after 1 pass......they hate converts.

Ron

Have never had it to the strip. Wanted to go, but, did not want to be embarassed. It does need someone to performance tune the thing.

Why woudl I get tossed from the strip if allthe other safety stuff is in place for a mile 13 second (I hope) car??

With the top up and the helmet on, it should be just as good as any old rice burner running out there.

Mike

sell the the carb you have now and buy a good 750 or better double pumper that will make a big difference

Wish I knew what good heads you could put on a Gen V 454.

Mike if you need a hand with carb tunning let me know I am right around the corner from you and can help.

clean7t..

That would be extremely appreciated. I have a coupel of projects going to work on over the winter but, I will get back with you closer to the spring, when things warm up a little.

I figure it is better to tune when the weather is warmer and the garage door can be opened....ha ha..

I will send you and email with my number.

Thanks again.

Mike