Finding a donor 454

[79ramp]

I have a '79 C30 with a 454 that is seeming more and more like it is approaching its final breath of life. Smokes out of one side and it recently seems to have developed an issue of low oil pressure (less than 10 psi cold, even with the engine revved).

Before I take the time and money to tear-down and rebuild mine, i am on the hunt to see if I can find a donor truck with a decent motor. Not having much luck finding a square body for the swap but I have found some newer rigs with a 454 though. Plan to stick with a carb, but ok with swapping intakes to do so. What years would be best? This is a car hauler so it really just needs to run, not going to hot rod it.

I am in the Everett, WA area if anyone knows of a decent deal on a truck or motor.

 

[4WDKC]

96+ might not have fuel pump mount so that is something to consider, the other is the 91-95 is the Gen V and might not be compatible with parts you already have without swapping your heads on it.

 

[Craig 85]

Here's a couple of motor homes that say they have good 454's. One has 61K, the other 65K. Both are under $1000, if you have the room to part them out. You'd have an extra TH-400 too.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/rvs/d/88-26-sun-sport-61k-original/6588001039.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/rvs/d/motorhome-parts/6596600853.html

 

[79ramp]

Here's a couple of motor homes that say they have good 454's. One has 61K, the other 65K. Both are under $1000, if you have the room to part them out. You'd have an extra TH-400 too.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/rvs/d/88-26-sun-sport-61k-original/6588001039.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/rvs/d/motorhome-parts/6596600853.html

I really wish I had the room, I've seen a few RVs for sale with 454s. Really an RV would be the perfect donor, usually limited use and can be had for dirt cheap.

 

[K10eddie]

Car-part.com has been good for me for finding parts.