Thread: What can I expect? (New 454)

Tweet

Figuring your c/r with the flat tops and 98cc chambers (if that's what they really are), and gasket of .039 with a standard deck of .025, your c/r says 9.14. I dont know if this engine is already built or not, but if you go with a steel shim head gasket, (.022) you bump up to just over 9.4 on your c/r. Im not sure that cam will work with that c/r, at least not effectively. Based on the adv. duration, it's pretty big for that c/r. I would check with the cam mfgr., tell them what you have, and see what they say. I would think 10/1 or better. Also, the converter at 2500? Im no expert on trannys, but something tells me it might be a little tight for that cam. I ran DD using 9/1 compression, and pretty much everything else as you gave it, and it shows 433 hp @ 5500, and 475 tq @ 4000. You still didnt say what you will be doing with this truck.

Thanks for the reply Johnny, your advice is valuable. I looked up the head castings 3872702 on mor-tec and found them to be a 1966 casting for a 396 and 427. They are closed chamber @ 98.4 cc and standard size valves and large oval ports. These heads are not modified and are basically original. I will be using the truck as a weekend street toy. The instructions that came with the cam stated using a 2500 stall. Engine is builtup and sitting in the engine stand. If my combo isn't right I won't hesitate to tear it down to make it right per you alls advice....

Well, dont change anything at all on MY advice!!! If it's already built, just run it!! If you have the cam card, what are the rest of the numbers? LSA and duration at .050 is what Im curious about. If it says a 2500 stall is good, then so be it. The head numbers in Mortec are just a guide, dont forget that. Just because it says 98cc, dont bank on it. I have seen them be all over the place at times....but also they are right on the mark many times. That's why if I ever have a set of heads that Im going to use, I will always cc them, that way you know for sure. In your case, I would say just use the engine as is. You can always make changes later if there's something you just have to change. But I'll bet you'll like it fine as is. Any big block is tons of fun!! Keep us posted.