Mild 454 build

[Jerba]

Gonna do a mild build on my 86 4x4. It has a 76 454 out of a motorhome with around 30k on it. Plan on the weiand dual plane intake, a quick fuel 750 vac secondary carb, and an xe268h from comp cams. Already have headers and a full exhaust. Not looking for huge power just to be a little peppy. It's my first gasser build. Anyone have any other ideas or suggestions? Thanks

 

[wixthedog]

Make sure your bottom end is solid with good compression across the cylinders. A new oil pump is never a bad idea either.

 

[Paladin]

Don't skimp on head gaskets or bolts, spend the extra now, you won't regret it!!

 

[nvrenuf]

I don't know you're budget but if possible I'd raise the compression with bigger pistons. Check the specs on your specific engine but most Mark IV 454's have 7.9 compression.

 

[Catbox]

If you have a mostly stock Mark IV engine, throwing on a set of the Vortec 7.4L heads.
That is what I will be doing to mine if I keep that 454 in the truck.

The Vortec (L-29) heads have smaller chambers and will bump the compression around a full point of compression from the stock 7.9 to almost 9 to 1 compression.
These can be found pretty simply in the junkyard for around $80 a set plus core charge.

With the cam you have chosen, that should be a pretty simple and fun engine for the truck.