Thread: Top end build 454

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I just spent a good 10 minutes writing my question but for some reason it didn't work!!! So I'll try again.

I am new to the engine building world and i have been given a performance built 454. The bottom end is complete and it was running a 9.5:1 comp ratio. the cylinders are bored out .030" and i have forged pistons and rods, as well as an eagle steel crank. I don't have much as far as the top end goes so i am looking for some help in that area. I have done a tonne of research and just as i think i am starting to understand how to put a good top end together i read something that contradicts everything else. I understand how it all work and what all the parts do but can't grasp part combination.

Anyways I am looking for information on what parts (specific details would be great) i should get for my top end (I need almost an entire top end the only things I have are pushrods valves springs and retainers and an Edelbrock performer 2 intake. I know that the springs are probably useless to me unless i can find some more info on them so I will probably just buy new springs.) I am looking to put out around 550hp and would like to do so on the tightest budget possible for descent quality products. I am realistic in that i would accept 500 hp kind of thing if means saving money, but i also do not want to put garbage in my engine that will end up costing me more in the end.

Sorry for the long post and thanks for any info,

Well brother you are trying to build a Big Block....there is nothing cheap...lol
First of all. CAN YOU TRUST WHERE YOU GOT THIS SHORT BLOCK? A free Big Block that has been "performance built" would make me a little nervous. You need to MAKE SURE without any doubt that what you THINK you have in that motor IS IN FACT what you have.

But you need to figure out how you want to make that power. Such as all motor? Or moderate motor and a good shot of N2O?
Also what is this motor being put in? race car? street car? daily driver?
The Performer 2 I would try and sell (just my honest opinion)
What transmission will you be wanting to run?
What rear end and gear ratio?
And what exactly is your budget?

I have known a lot of guys that have this target number with a motor, most new guys especially have big dreams of large numbers. But have you ever owned anything with some decent horses? I am not trying to deter you in anyway. But newer guys dont really understand what it takes to build 500 horses on a budget, and what it will take to maintain it. 3 years ago I built a "budget" stroker 496......$6000 later I was dropping her in my Camaro.....
500+ horses is a good motor. But do you have a transmission that can handle it? Will your rear end handle it? TRUST me 500 ponies will find ALL the weak spots.

Added Thought here: Do you want this 550 hp at the rear wheels or flywheel?

Originally Posted by 4speedTerror

Well brother you are trying to build a Big Block....there is nothing cheap...lol
First of all. CAN YOU TRUST WHERE YOU GOT THIS SHORT BLOCK? A free Big Block that has been "performance built" would make me a little nervous. You need to MAKE SURE without any doubt that what you THINK you have in that motor IS IN FACT what you have.

But you need to figure out how you want to make that power. Such as all motor? Or moderate motor and a good shot of N2O?
Also what is this motor being put in? race car? street car? daily driver?
The Performer 2 I would try and sell (just my honest opinion)
What transmission will you be wanting to run?
What rear end and gear ratio?
And what exactly is your budget?

I have known a lot of guys that have this target number with a motor, most new guys especially have big dreams of large numbers. But have you ever owned anything with some decent horses? I am not trying to deter you in anyway. But newer guys dont really understand what it takes to build 500 horses on a budget, and what it will take to maintain it. 3 years ago I built a "budget" stroker 496......$6000 later I was dropping her in my Camaro.....
500+ horses is a good motor. But do you have a transmission that can handle it? Will your rear end handle it? TRUST me 500 ponies will find ALL the weak spots.

Added Thought here: Do you want this 550 hp at the rear wheels or flywheel?

I trust the engine a lot as I have seen the car that the engine was in when it was in and the engine is from a friend that wouldn't screw me over he just moved up to a bigger engine and had no use for this any more. Lucky me!

I'd like to get 500hp at the flywheel to be realistic with no NO2. It will be a street car that i may take to the drags once in a blue moon, and its going into a fourth generation Nova. I'd Like to run a 5 or six speed transmission if i can get my hands on one. It will defiantly be standard though. I am building the car around the engine so i was planning on asking the forum for suggestions on gear ratios and rear ends etc. based on the engine.

And what is bad about the performer 2 intake? what would you suggest instead?

any way you go save up your money and put a roller cam in it 500 hp is a number that every one wants guys come to me ask me to build 500hp on the cheap you should look at tq not hp for the street

Indy Cylinder Head is currently selling NEW gen V/gen VI rectangular port castings machined for 7/16 studs with your choice of 2.19 or 2.25 intake valves with 1.88 exhaust valves with hyd roller springs (150 lbs seat) and Manley studs with guide plates all assembled for $1000.00

Good deal. Use Comp Cams 290HR roller cam and you'll have a budget friendly 525-550 HP AND over 525 ft lbs of torque.

Happy motoring

I cant help with the motor, but I can help with the wasting 10 minutes typing and having to do it again thing. Ive been there before,

Start at the top of what you just typed, point mouse pointer at top left of everything you just typed, press left mouse button and hold it as you drag across and down all typed area until highlighted and release button.

put mouse pointer over highlighted area and right click, then select copy.

Now do your normal routine of posting. And if it does not go through start again, when your new page opens to retype it all, go to area and

right click mouse again, select paste, and there will be all your info you typed the first time around. I know most people know this but I did not until someone told me.