First Square body, now the fix it while I'm in there issues.

[VaughnsC30454]

It's a 86 c30 454 with an nv4500 that has about 2-3k on it now. Po's mechanic did his work for him. I first got it, and discovered the positive stud on the brand new starter was overtightened. The engine is tired, keeping me from running 70 without blowing a quart of oil out of it in 2 hours.
So, I want to rebuild the 454, rewiring the truck while engine is out. No emissions here. I would like 500 hp and 600 tq. I'm also new to this transmission. It's a 5 sp, but actually 1st is granny, giving r normal use gears. I'm thinking a stand alone od unit for a lower rpm at 70, which with out a tach, can't tell. Just keep it under the vibration now, around 75ish.
Ford fan, that found it and had to have, and want it updated, but still semi original. There was a lot of work done. I just pulled the fuel tank, discovering lmc brackets, because it started dumping fuel when shut off from the tank. All lines were rotted.
Don't think the factory heads could get me there, nor the comp ratio. What's a cast head, cam, comp ratio combination to get that power out this 86 454?

 

[VaughnsC30454]

Also, the wiring from cab back is horrendous. No pwr windows or locks, but want to add it, along with CC Are there any suggestions those who have done this, have for a nice clean, simple, yet quality rewire. Intend to run the 12v charge circuit live to serval points, and not worry about it.

 

[dusterdude]

Welcome,sounds like an interesting ptoject

 

[1lejohn]

Nice truck. What's your budget? Your power numbers are on the high side for a truck build imhop. I don't think the stock heads will get you near that number. Big port cast iron heads might with a decent cam. What's you intended use for the truck? Aftermarket parts are expansive for BB chevys. Is a stroker build in your budget? I personally would look for 375-400 HP and 400-450 torque. I think any decent stock bottom end rebuild with a decent cam and fresh heads would net you those numbers. A Chevy Performance 427 crate motor makes an advertised 480Hp and 490 lb- ft. A Chevy 502 makes 508HP, and 580 lb-ft. Good luck with your build.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Welcome, looks like a great start! I don't know much about big blocks but you might keep a watch out for a Gen5/6 out of a later truck, there's a couple guys here that can chime in about power numbers for big blocks and what heads to use @Grit dog @Catbox

As for the NV4500, there's 2 different gearsets apparently. A Gear Vendors would be a good option to get the RPMs down on the hwy.

The Novak Guide to the NV4500 Transmission

Comprehensive guide to the NV4500 manual transmission, including history, identification, adaptability, and compatibility for Jeep and GM/Dodge vehicles.

www.novak-adapt.com

For adding power windows, check out NuRelics. I have their kit in my '85 and it's awesome

 

[Rickf]

Forced induction.

 

[Grit dog]

Welcome, looks like a great start! I don't know much about big blocks but you might keep a watch out for a Gen5/6 out of a later truck, there's a couple guys here that can chime in about power numbers for big blocks and what heads to use @Grit dog @Catbox

As for the NV4500, there's 2 different gearsets apparently. A Gear Vendors would be a good option to get the RPMs down on the hwy.

The Novak Guide to the NV4500 Transmission

Comprehensive guide to the NV4500 manual transmission, including history, identification, adaptability, and compatibility for Jeep and GM/Dodge vehicles.

www.novak-adapt.com

For adding power windows, check out NuRelics. I have their kit in my '85 and it's awesome

My gen VI 454 is just stock. So not much help.
But if I had a dually that already had a NV4500 in it, I’d be thinking real hard about a 12V or possibly a 24V diesel.
Regarding the wiring, if you want to add all that stuff I may just buy a new harness and gut everything and start over. It’s gonna get expensive buying all the other stuff you’ll need to switch to pw pl and cruise.

 

[ChuckN]

Welcome! As far as the big block goes, Derek at Vice Grip Garage on YT did a budget build on a 454 and took it to the dyno.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

They’re worth a watch. He uses some iron heads that are GM that apparently flow well and obtainable for every guy. I think he approaches 500hp, but can’t quite remember and it’s tame enough to run on pump gas.

 

[Catbox]

I personally would look for 375-400 HP and 400-450 torque. I think any decent stock bottom end rebuild with a decent cam and fresh heads would net you those numbers.

I would think this is far more achievable for basically any big block.
If it were mine, I would look for a Gen6 454 out of a 1999 to 2003 truck or suburban.
As I have already done.

My kid was in the junkyard one day and found one, I tasked him with relieving that truck of its 454 and 4L80.

You must be registered for see images attach

DO NOT BUY A GEN5.
They are not good engines.
No roller cam and terrible heads.

With my Gen6 I intend to change the stock cam to something with a 050 duration in the 220-230 range.
This Gen6 engine has a roller cam, so that gets rid of the worry about flat tappets and break in.
Turns out the ZZ502 camshaft from the GM offering is a fantastic one to stuff into the 454.
They easily churn out 400-450hp and around 500ish foot pounds depending on your components bolted on.
No internal mods needed.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

All big block manifolds bolt right on, so you can run whatever you want there as well as what ever carb floats your boat.

If finding one of those complete is out of your abilities, we have plucked a couple of them out of the Pick N Pull yards.
Perhaps you can find just a set of the Gen6 heads as they are far superior to the stock peanut port heads.
With the correct gaskets you can bolt them onto the Gen4 block.
The intake ports are larger than the peanut port heads and flow accordingly better.
The chamber volume is set at 100CC and is the modern kidney bean shape for a better burn.

You must be registered for see images attach

BOOM!
You have better heads and right around 1 full point more compression.
Going from 7.9:1 to 8.9:1 is something you will feel with no other changes what so ever.

Add a performance intake, quality carb, headers, and free flowing exhaust and that old engine will be totally different.

Heck.
Just putting a Edelbrock performer 2.0 and Holley 750 on to my lazy big block totally changed the enjoyment factor of driving it.

When I bought my truck, I was all excited as now I had my first Big Block!
It could barely turn its tires over and definitely was choked with the tiny little exhaust the PO had on it.

Enter headers, intake, carb, and exhaust.
The truck will fry the tires almost as far as I am willing to push it too.
Find my build thread on the truck to see what I have done to it.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Ricko1966]

Comp cams XE268h,peanut ports and a dual plane.

You must be registered for see images attach