I found a new still in crate GM performance 454 HO engine. It can be seen at summit racing here: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12568774/

I've been doing some research and some like them on the board, and some have had problems. The current setup in my car is a dropped in 402 that leaks oil from multiple places, and I don't have alot of information on from the previous owner. I was planning on pulling it and adding/ replacing parts as needed to improve performance. My dilemma now is that I can buy this 454 brand spanking new for $4500 and drop it in. Then I have some peace of mind. Question being, is it worth it? Any opinions welcome.

IMO, yes, that's the same price as the shortblock and you could sell the extra parts if you choose.

Casey here is another option to consider....The owner of the business is a site member and a very reputable engine builder.....One would be hard pressed to find a better deal for the money.......:beers:
http://www.vortecproperformance.com/index.html

I believe there is a tab near the top of the page that list engine combination's and prices....Good Luck

As long as you plan on taking it apart and torque plate honing the cylinders and installing new rings. I went through 2 of them before I got my money back.

I really wasn't planning on having to do anything to it except drop it in. Bill, those are some impressive engines for good prices, thanks for the link. Great, now I have options and more to consider. :confused:

That is a very impressive website,a lot of engine for the money!What heads and parts are used for the 570 hp motor?Thank you!

That is a very impressive website,a lot of engine for the money!What heads and parts are used for the 570 hp motor?Thank you!


Mark uses GM cylinder heads that he does some impressive port work on

As long as you plan on taking it apart and torque plate honing the cylinders and installing new rings. I went through 2 of them before I got my money back.

You hear a lot about the 454HO being an oil burner yet you don't hear the same about the ZZ454 or the 502. Do you really think they're engineered and manufactured that much differently? The ZZ454 is the same block, different heads and intake. What if found with my 454HO was a leaky intake gasket caused the oil burning issue. The back 4 cylinders were sucking oil from under the gasket.

You hear a lot about the 454HO being an oil burner yet you don't hear the same about the ZZ454 or the 502. Do you really think they're engineered and manufactured that much differently? The ZZ454 is the same block, different heads and intake. What if found with my 454HO was a leaky intake gasket caused the oil burning issue. The back 4 cylinders were sucking oil from under the gasket.


Very little ZZ454 out there vs the HO. 502 is a different block altogether.

Dont forget, these cars for the most part are occassional drivers...may take years for somebody to realize they have an oil burner. Took me 2 years to figure mine out.

Many people just deal with the oil burning. I did. It wasn't a big deal 1qt in a month worth of fairly heavy recreational use..... The 396 it replaced burned/leaked teh same ammount. annoying yes, but i didn't let it bother me too much.

If it had been worse than that, I'm sure i would have raised a stink. for $4500 i would do it again.

My biggest complaint with that motor was after i had it about 2 years, i wanted more Power- but its very expensive to upgrade- 1st you have to buy the kit to change from the Net lash Valve train to adjustable (like every other big block out there already has) Then you need to buy better roller lifters so you can put a bigger cam in there (big $$)- then if you want to change heads you will have to go with something aluminum or aftermarket, because the stock Gen IV stuff won't work a gen V or VI block.

Now, if i had gotten mine for $4500... i suppose i could have afforded a couple of those changes...

just some stuff to think about...

You hear a lot about the 454HO being an oil burner yet you don't hear the same about the ZZ454 or the 502. Do you really think they're engineered and manufactured that much differently? The ZZ454 is the same block, different heads and intake. What if found with my 454HO was a leaky intake gasket caused the oil burning issue. The back 4 cylinders were sucking oil from under the gasket.


I pulled the intake and actually changed to a 569 factory one. I tried it both ways as well as with a MR gasket intake gasket. It wasn't the intake sucking oil, it had blow by as well. The first engine failed the leak down test done by the stealership so I am sure that wasn't it.