Hi. A guy near me has an orgonal LS7 crate 454. Intake to pan for $4500. Is this a good deal? I did a search and couldn't come up with much information on it. Anyone know anything about it?

Also, the guy said it had 12:1 CR, If I swap it out for some 10:1 pistons, would the motor still run ok, or would it turn into a pig?

An info would be appreciated,
Thanks,
Chris

Considering a new 454HO is about $400.00 more and comes with warranty or a ZZ454 is about 900.00 more and comes with much better alum heads and a warranty. I would think if you can run the LS7 in factory form great. Factor in the cost of new lower comp pistons, r/r pistons from rods (they may be floater though so may not apply) , head gaskets and any misc., also assuming you can just swap over the rings and the deal may or may not be that attractive.

That cam needs a minimum of 11:1 to make any power, and the power is from 4000-7500. Piston and cam change. Great internals, but that's what you get for $4500, not ready-to-go. Decent bracket motor with 5000 stall and 4.56s.

Back in the 70's a friend whose father owned a Chevy dealership was selling them back then for $1500 brand new.
Gettin gas to satsify that 12.5:1 comp. was as easy as pullin into almost any service station.

IF you have a 454 now then I'd say no. However if you're trying to go 10's and like race gas yes I'd say $3500 if NEVER used. If used build your own. graemlins/sad.gif

Originally posted by GM PARTS1:
IF you have a 454 now then I'd say no. However if you're trying to go 10's and like race gas yes I'd say $3500 if NEVER used. If used build your own. graemlins/sad.gif Ok then, I am still on the search for a new motor. I have been casually looking for a new BBC to replace the one I have. Yes, I now have a 454, but I am looking for something more. It is a street car, so now 12:1 CR. I would like about 600ft/lbs, and whatever the HP is to go with that. 600 is the goal, so if it was 550+ I would be graemlins/hurray.gif . I just keep seeing this motor coming up in the local paper, so I figured I would take a shot.

I can't price together a 454 that makes decent power for less than $4000. I must be doing something wrong. I am also a little hesitant about building a high HP motor because I don't want to build it and the first time it turns over, have it swollow a valve, and be out that much money. So, the search goes on. Thanks a lot for all your help,
Chris

I'm sure you probably posted the info before, but just for info - what is your current 454 motor?

Originally posted by GRN69CHV:
I'm sure you probably posted the info before, but just for info - what is your current 454 motor? I am sad to say that I do not have any idea. I have only had the car for two years, and the motor runs strong. All I know is that it has peanut port heads, Edelbrock intake (performer 2-0) and a Holley 750. I spoke to the guy that built the motor (a few owners ago) and he built the motor to beat on. Motor runs good, never falls off (even up to 6 grand), and chirps them when I powershift 1-2.

A little while ago, I asked about different heads. I figured just bolt them on and go. I think Chris (Mr. 4-Speed) siad that I needed to know what pistons I have to know what heads to use. I got a bore-scope, but it was hard to tell wether they were domed or flat. And then someone said that even though I am flowwing more, without a bigger cam, its not going to reach its potential. So, it snowballed. I just figured that if I am going to build a motor, I am going to build it right. Start from scratch and work from there. Thats when i started looking for new motors. All the big blocks around here are high $$$ and are 2 bolt mains (I figure if I will build one, build it right). I also don't want to tear this motor apart and have it down for too long. And like most of us, I do have a budget of around $4K. I hear people talking about building these high HP motors for less, but I can't seem to get below the $4K, even with GM Iron heads. How do you guys do it?
Chris

600 hp and 600 tq. man you want a serious street ride huh? i WOULD NOT trust an add for an LS7. chances are you will end up tossing away $4500. on a motor like the one you already have. you are talking mabe a 572 general crate engine. 36 months or 36 thousand mile warrenty

Originally posted by michael n mississippi:
600 hp and 600 tq. man you want a serious street ride huh? i WOULD NOT trust an add for an LS7. chances are you will end up tossing away $4500. on a motor like the one you already have. you are talking mabe a 572 general crate engine. 36 months or 36 thousand mile warrenty Yea, its pretty serious. I am shooting for 600 of each, so 550 of each would be perfect, but over wouldn't be bad ;) I actually fell in love with a Super Street ZZ502 with 600hp from Sallee Chevy, but the price tag is what kills it $13K for a 572 or $10K for 502/602. I am starting to think, I should just save up for one of those, or one from Shafiroff. Just always figured it was cheaper to buy it yourself. I don't know. The more I read about price and all, the more I think that I should just save a little longer and get a GM or Shafiroff motor. Warrentied and all, but there is always something about DIY that got me going.

Chris

Have you ever thought about a 496??

You can make 550 hp easy with a mild 9.8 CR. one..

I've posted my spec's many times and I only have like $38 to $4000 in it, but I did assemble it myself..

pdq67

You might not want a 10 sec. street ride if you not familar with tinkering. But just in case ya wanna a cheap recipe and THERE ARE MORE WAYS than this. pistons-(L2307 Speed-Pro) 049 or 781 Oval port heads with pocket cleanup and 2.19-1.88 valves, 2inch Hooker Comp. headders, solid cam flat tappet (260ish. int.) 108 L/S (270ish exh.) @.050. a good 850-1050 carb with a Vic intake manifold to match. 4.10-4.56's rear gear 10inch 4000- flash torq.conv. and get the dist. set-up with all advance in by 3000rpm. Then work on the suspension and tires etc. :D

Bill ( CDN SS ) just made near 600 hp from a 439 with a similar recipe.