Originally Posted by whitey70ss
I have a good 454 block with a good steel crank and rods needs bored the shop says .60 will clean it up. how much $$$ do I need to build a high ten second engine? the car will be a 81 malibu all suspesion work is done. is it possible with only 468 cubes?? the engine shop wants to stroke it to 496 and put a roller cam in it with RHS heads the bill will be 8000.00 for a long block, thats a bit out of my price range right now. he said he can cut costs by not stroking it and using a hyd. camshaft. just wanted to see what you more experienced guys think.
Steel crank is a good start. No need for a 496 unless you have the extra cash laying around to spend.
Nothing wrong with GM 7/16" Dimple rods...
If it's a 2-bolt block, just keep the RPM's down (under 7k) and it'll be fine.
Any FORGED (not cast, or hyper-junk) shelf piston is going to be fine. Get the pistons in hand before they hone the block so they can set the piston/wall tolerances right.
If you think you might want some bottle or blower down the road, short fill the block (about 1" below the water pump hole in the front of the block) BEFORE you have it bored/honed with torque plates.
Make sure they deck the block to where the piston is about .010 in the hole (that's my preference anyhow, opinions vary), and put the correct finish on the deck surface for the gasket you'll be using.
That'll get ya a good base.
Buy a GOOD oil pan/pump. You'd be shocked at how many high end engines have junk pans on them, and lose a TON of power due to it. Windage eats HP like mad.
What heads are on it now? Whats the car weigh at the starting line?