Re: [Chevelle-List] Big block building questions?

[Rob Thorburn]

Be sure to include big valves 2.19" 1.88" in your budget.  The valves make all the difference on a big block.  This is not so on a small block, so because most of us start hot rodding small blocks first, most of us underestimate the importance of the valves.  Also with 4.11 gears, dare to go a little spicy on the cam.  I would think that 6000 RPM  would give you a nice quarter mile time with a trap speed of 113 MPH.  However, with this much cam, the motor is going to lope.  Noise to some, music to others.  Hypereutectic pistons are nice, 'cause they are quiet.  Forged pistons can make noise when the motor is cold.  They expand more, so the fit is loose.  I like compression, so go 10 to 1, but plan to buy good premium gas.  If you are the type that will try to run regular, and will hate the added expense, go easy on the compression.  With 10 to 1 your motor will be an octane detector.  You will not just have to buy premium, but most likely you will have to drive past several gas stations to buy a certain brand, like Chevron or Union 76 in California.  My big block was picky!  If I put in Arco premium, it dieseled, pinged and knocked for the entire tank.  A big motor that diesels when you shut it off, is a big embarrassment, it's loud!   Good luck, Rob     ----- Original Message ----- From: NoNeck To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 8:27 PM Subject: [Chevelle-List] Big block building questions? Hey gang. I pulled my 454 today as it was making bad noises. I've never had a motor apart before, but it seems to me that the rod bearings on #6 $ #7 are pretty worn. I have a ton of questions as I am preparing for the rebuild. First it is a 2 bolt cast crank motor. I plan on putting a forged crank in it. I do not think I am going to need any machine work on the block. Maybe an overbore or hone. I think I found a used GM 454 forged steel crank. The guy wants $300. Is this a fair price assuming it checks out ok? I am hoping to use my rods and buying new pistons. (It's a 73 Suburban truck motor. 8 1/2:1 compression.) I want to bump up to 10 1/:1 CR. Should I buy forged pistons or hypereuctectic?  I also plan on having the heads ported and gone over. The roller rockers, and springs have less than 50 miles on the and were installed with the Comp 280H cam and match the cam per mfg. specs. I am shooting for around 550 HP. Do i need to spend tons of cash on new rods or will mine be ok asuming they are undamaged? I also plan to put all new bearings in the motor and use ARP main, rod and head bolts. Thanks for any insight. This is my first motor build. (It will be supervised by an accomplished pro mechainc.) I want to get the most performance for my money. I don't want to spend cash on stuff that will have no benefit to me for a street cruiser, but by the same token, I don't want to do this again and would like to be able to occasionally take the car to the track and not be afriad to whoop on it! I was also plannig to have the rotating assembly balanced. I'm running Hooker Comp headers, a Performer RPM intake and a Holley 750 DP. (It's a 4 speed with fresh 12 bolt posi with 4:10's. Thanks again! Josh Gin (NoNeck) Visit my Chevelle website www.NoNecksChevelle.com