Pre TBI 454

[81c10lsx]

So I recently purchased a 1987 c30 as a roller I’m trying to get it back on the road and I’ve been looking around my area for some 454 engines for sale but my question is if I were to buy a pre tbi 454 (73-86 I believe) what would I need to do to make it work in my truck and or should I be looking for certain year model engines? Thank you.

 

[Craig 85]

I just bought a rebuilt crate 454 from GM (#12339193). The RPO code is LE8 for carbureted trucks and L19 for TBI. They show the same part number for both codes. I had to stick with stock due to our California smog laws. I'm assuming you don't have those issues where you're at in Texas. This engine has the peanut port heads. Here's what vehicles that engine is for:

L19, LE8
1980 1986 CHEV/GMC PICKUP,SUBURBAN (C2)
1980 1986 CHEV/GMC PICKUP,SUBURBAN (CK3)
1988 1990 CHEV/GMC PICKUP (CK3)
1990 1990 CHEV/GMC PICKUP (C1)
1987 1989 CHEV/GMC PICKUP,SUBURBAN (RV2,3)
1987 1990 CHEV/GMC PICKUP,SUBURBAN (R2,3)
1988 1990 CHEV/GMC VAN (G3)

 

[81c10lsx]

Thanks that will help me as far a what year models to look for.

 

[Craig 85]

One thing to look out for if you have the room to part it out, is motorhomes of the same era with P30 chassis. They have 454's and a TH-400 trans. Some even have a Gear Vendors OD unit. I've seen them as low as $500 for a running motorhome.

 

[4WDKC]

I wouldnt mess with one of the 8:1 compression, peanut port head 454s unless youre goign to put a turbo or super charger on it. They were terrible in stock form back then and look even worse compared to newer engines or ones that have been rebuilt.

 

[1973c10]

I wouldnt mess with one of the 8:1 compression, peanut port head 454s unless youre goign to put a turbo or super charger on it. They were terrible in stock form back then and look even worse compared to newer engines or ones that have been rebuilt.

I have to agree with that I have picked up some 454 out of motorhomes
and unless you put a set of heads and intake on them there not good for much

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Hmm, if you can find a motor home for cheap that you can hear the motor run like Roadkill did, that would be ideal. Those can be some really low mileage, good running motors. I agree that their compression/output is poop, but if the price is right, that can be remedied. You can find carbed 454s in motorhomes through 1989. 1990 went to TBI.