[Bolt]

Is a 14015445 cast block a std deck LS7 block? My casting # book says it is a light duty truck block, but I was told it is a std deck LS7 block. Can someone fill me in on what the truth is?

Is it as strong as a 512 or 289 cast block?

Is it a high nickel block?


Thanks fellow members!

 

[bracketchev1221]

Could be an LS-7 block, but that doesn't mean anything. They were crate engines, and built with whatever 4 bolt blocks Chevy was producing at the time, and 1975-1987 was when those crate engines were offered. And by the same token, it could have been the same block used in a light truck with a 454. Only truth is that it's a short deck block.

 

[Bolt]

Thank you, Ray

So to be clear if I had a choice between the 445, 289 or 512 stick with the 289 and 512.
Meaning the 512 and 289 are the stronger blocks.

 

[692envy]

this may be a repost but here is a good place to look up your casting numbers.
http://www.mortec.com/bbc.htm

 

[LS7]

What bracketchev1221 said,

If you are still curious as to what it started life as look above the timing cover on the machined area, an original LS7 block would have 'XCH' stamped there.

 

[65cayne]

my 1988-ish 454 block has the same casting number. Mine happens to be a plain old truck engine.

 

[bracketchev1221]

Thank you, Ray

So to be clear if I had a choice between the 445, 289 or 512 stick with the 289 and 512.
Meaning the 512 and 289 are the stronger blocks.

As to which is stronger, that I'm not up on. I don't know if today it really makes a difference with them getting harder to find.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

According to Mark (VortecPro), the last year or so of the 14015445 block was the same as they used in the 1990 454SS trucks and it's a thick block, one of the ones he prefers. I hope I'm quoting that right, it's from my old memory.
What???

 

[jetblue69]

Yeah you're good. That's the casting I have on my build. 4 bolt mains, extra oiling passage down the driver side. Should have a "445" and "hi perf" cast into the block in the timing chain area if it's a 4 bolt. Take the 445 if it's a 4 bolt. ARP STUDS, forged crank, h-beams and forged pistons and you should be pretty close to "bullet-proof". Mines .060" over bored and still over a 1/4" thick on the walls.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Sorry, jetblue69, but even the two-bolt blocks have the "445" and "hi perf" cast into 'em. There's no way to tell without pulling the pan if it's a 2 or 4 bolt.

 

[bracketchev1221]

2 bolts are not bad either. I had 2 of them. With main studs they were almost 700hp.

 

[Bolt]

Hey everyone thanks for all the input. I have posted several times that I am trying to build a 496.
I dont want to use the block from my 468 and have a rotating assembly just sitting there.

If I can find a good block than I will use the 468 for a spare.

I am trying to hold out for a good 289 or 512 block. I am going to spray this engine. I would like to know what the best blocks to use are if I cant find a 289 or 512?

 

[Busted Knuckles]

What year is your 14015445 casting?
Find a post by VortecPro and PM him, he does more with production blocks than anyone else here and can surely guide you in the right direction.

 

[Bolt]

That sounds good Gary. Thanks for the referal.

 

[elufasmarufas]

Hi i have cuestions. Have 2 motors 454. Uno es 14015455 mIV H hi perf pass p. And other 3361959 . Puedo acer una combinación entre eyos para hacer 1 mejor? Como algún cambio de cabezales? Quiero mejorarlo

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Translation: Can I make a combination between them to make 1 better? Like some change of heads? I want to improve it