454 bbc

[BK2LIFE]

I am new to the chevy world of engines.

So please the GEN IV BBC builders out there, I need some pointers…

A little info:

I got a real sour deal when the machine shop I took my motor to did a lot of work to my parts that I did not ask for, then proceeded to charge me for it. I was told “come pay for it, or I will be forced to sell the parts to pay for my labor..”

Anyways, it’s a 78-90 2 bolt block casting #14015445, and 781 casting heads.

I was told the closed chamber 396 heads on the motor (were swapped by previous owner of vehicle) did not flow well, and I needed 409, or 781 castings.

Ok so I get my parts back. I won’t mention the money I had to spend, but the block is tapped, deburred, align honed mains, surfaced block square with BHJ index fixture, bored and honed with torque plates .030 over, platue honed cylinders, cam bearings installed, and glass beaded/magnafluxed.

The first set of heads, the closed chamber 396 heads (3856206....65-66...oval..CLOSED..396, 97cc chamber) heads were cleaned, magnafluxed and taken apart, guides pressed out.

The second pair (336781.....73-85...oval...OPEN...454, 118cc chamber, 256/114cc ports) were cleaned, magnafluxed, guides pressed out. That’s it, nothing else.


I have built many Fords, no Chevy’s. I need some advise on anything I would learn from years of chevy building. What to look for, secrets etc.

I need all the oil gallery plugs identified also so I make sure I get them all plugged up.


Any help is appreciated.

To give you an idea, I’m using the 268h comp cams top end kit with springs, 2.19 & 1.88 valves, Edelbrock Performer 2.0 intake, edelbrock 750 electric choke, 1 ¾ block hugger headers, .200 dome pistons (9.2-5:1, depending on actual head and head gasket cc’s)
400 turbo with small stall (towing convertor) and this is all in my 1 ton crew cab dually.

The truck is a tow vehicle for our toys, and friends. It is in the process now of getting its air ride and big lowering job.

Ok sorry for writing a book, but I appreciate any help and suggestions.

[MonzaRacer]

Sounds good so far but the 454 could use a tad more lift, keep the 454 in the 290 range with 110 to 112 center line. I ran a 561 lift 292, 108 Chet Herbert roller in a 402, so the 268 may be tad small, but if you already have it think of 1.8 roller rockers to help add some lift/duration.
The converter should work good Ireally like the TCI Saturday Night Special also.
no difference in engines, you have good parts, too bad machine shop was dishonest.

[BK2LIFE]

290 range? its a 1 ton crew cab dually truck, that wont see above 4500 rpm....

[Lowend]

With BBC's roller style cams are pretty much required now.

The BBC has always been pretty hard on flat-tappet cams, and now with the ZDDP reduction in oil they self destruct pretty often.

In a pickup truck a Hydrallic roller is a very good option, I have found Crower to have the best hyd stuff out there

[orange69]

i think the 268H is a great cam for a 454 and a heavy truck but that being said a better choice would be a hyd. roller . if not be shure to use zinc additive in your oil or your flat tappet will not live. i know first hand.

[TT302Z28]

Those 781 heads are the way to go! They are some of the most sought after heads for performance. 2x on the must have as far as running a roller cam.

[Crossupbill]

You do not have to run a roller cam. I have been running flat tappet cams for years. Yeah the new oil requirements cut out some of the good stuff but an additive every oil change is cheap compared to a roller setup. The comp 268 is a good cam but an old one, been around for a while. Comp's new Xtreme energy line is pretty good. Either way you will be fine, propper break in is key tho.