Thread: 454 Gen V Simple Build

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Originally Posted by Spicer411

I'm new to this forum and I think my question will probably be an easy one for those familiar with the gen V 454. I've seen where many have said this engine isn't worth building for performance but I don't want it to be a dragster. The casting number on the block is 10114182. It was pulled from a 1991 RV. I'm just curious as to what kind of power I can expect to get out of it if I change the intake to accept a 4 bbl carb and put a set of headers on it. I may consider a small cam to give it a little lope. I'm wanting to put it in a 1995 SWB GMC pickup. Anyone got some simple answers?

Thanks

The Gen V has it's idiosyncracies, but it is still a great base to start with (the main issue is Head interchangeability-there are a few different Cooling passage designs)-you have to use the correct Head Gaskets with the proper Heads-many of the current Aluminum Head choices have this scienced out, but just be certain to double check as you do it-

The peanut port "style" of heads that generally came on those are great to about 4500 RPM (they make a ton of torque), but for serious performance you'll want to look elsewhere (the Valves are kinda small), however there are some seriously good ones to choose from-

Lots of good reasons to use a Gen V (although, due to the "voodoo" of the Heads (no other reason), people tend to write off the Gen V:

-one piece rear Main Seal (fewer leaks)
-Factory Roller Cam
-priority main oiling
-oil galleys run up higher )so you can grind the Pan rails for more stroke (they can go up to a 4.25" Stroke without grinding, which mean building a 496 is easy-peasy)-
-Oil Cooler Gallies in block (so you can plumb in an Oil
cooler very easily
-4 bolt Mains
-timing cover is different (but it seals better-o ring)
-potential to run a Factory Crank Sensor
and more-


One issue could be that you may have to run an electric Fuel Pump (some Gen V's had a fuel Pump provision, some did not)-

As for HP capability, I know of more than one Gen V making 1200+ HP and living just fine-

Good luck, I have a Gen VI 540 (stroked 502, which is a close cousin of the Gen V), and with an easy tune it is only making 850 (should live forever)-I would not be afraid to race your engine (built properly)-