It's refreshing to see an engine that is built, but still practical. Not an LS. THANK YOU. Most people out here dream of a BB just like this one. Rock solid horsepower for many years without constant fiddling and tweaking and throwing expensive parts at it to get another hundred horses. Nicely done! I was blessed to find a Cad 500 with a fresh overhaul done by an engine builder who specialized in 500s for racing. Unfortunately, he got sick and sold everything to pay for medical bills, and I got his last engine. He told me all the specs, what he did to improve on the entire engine and guaranteed 500 hp and 700 foot pounds. I was sad to hear of his passing. I'm rebuilding a square body suburban for this engine, and I hope it brings honor to the man who built the powerplant for me. Thanks for the video. Please keep them coming.
@jaredallen1149 Cars (and sometimes even engines) mean a lot more to some of us than most people think. They all have a story to tell. I'm sure your friend will be looking down with a smile on that suburban when it hits the road. Thanks and best of luck on your build.
@@vikingmech Thank you for reading my story... Didn't realize I had diarrhea of the keyboard until just now. I appreciate the sentiment and the words of encouragement and I look forward to your future builds.
@dylanfinch6186 Its going in a 1986 GMC K20 4x4 that will be a street/show truck. I'm posting lots of other videos on the progress of the build on my channel so you can check those out if you want. Thanks
@jaredallen1149 No problem brother, I'm just sharing my work in hopes it can help other people out there, and its great when people jump in and share their advice and stories. Thanks for watching and sharing your comments!
@vikingmech nice, I built something similar with the same thing in mind. I used a few different things, though. I used edelbrock 290cc heads and a 219°/227° at .050. I made 482 at 5100. I'm guessing the heads made a pretty good difference. it's on my channel if you want to check it out.
Can't really complain about those numbers. I have a Gen 5/6 hybrid. I'm hoping it makes 375-380hp and close to 500tq. It's a 95 Gen 5, std bore, 96+ Gen 6 flat tops, 96+ vortec heads, edelbrock performer intake, melling retrofit hyd roller 218/226 @ .050 .501/.510 lift 112 LSA. It was built on a budget, limited machine work.
@bluecollarhotrods9781 That sounds like a great build. I'll bet you'll make close to the same power numbers as mine. Especially if you use a bigger carb (I went with a 650cfm for everyday economy instead of max hp).
great build! looks like you achieved your goals. how did you know that you had several bad lifters? would be great if you could do an in depth video, with what you have learned. thanks
@mccoulombe941 You know I'm actually going to do just that. I've had a really hard time getting the valvetrain to run quiet and smooth, and am still in the process. As soon as I get it dialed in I'll make a video explaining the process I went through.
@shootermcgavin2819 Thats strange, so I wonder how much oil you're actually supposed to use with a 6 qt pan. I figured 6 in the pan and another 1/2 to full quart for the filter.
@vikingmech yeah, it's kind of interesting and surprising, isn't it. the test that I saw on engine masters was with an oil pan that had windage trays and scrapers, also. when richard holdener has talked about, I believe it was with windage trays and scrapers in mind also.
@andy347495 Do you remember what size pan was in the video you saw, and how many quarts they put in it? Would be interesting to know if they run more or less than 6qts in a 6qt pan.
What is the initial timing set at? The reason I ask is because I have a gen vi 454 and used the method you showed in one of your videos to set the valves and the engine runs very rough at idle. I’ve read that initial timing should be 4 degrees BTDC and some have said they’ve been up to 16. What would you recommend?
@marlonlove8254 I don't remember exactly what the initial timing ended up at but I think its close to 16. My total timing is 30 and my engine wouldn't even start until we advanced it quite a bit. I would advance yours to maybe 10 or 12 and start there. Then adjust based on best vacuum. There are youtube videos that show how to get your initial timing set correctly once you have it running.
@@rowdy3837 I read and heard people saying the stock heads won't clear much more than .518 lift but thats actually not true. The machine shop that cleaned up my heads said that cam would fit fine, and I measured piston to valve clearance when assembled and I had plenty of room. Then I just ordered head gaskets that gave me around .050 quench and it all worked fine.
@@vikingmech Thanks for getting back to me! I’m in the process of putting together my gen vi build and your videos have been immensely helpful. I’m using the stock heads so PTV clearance is definitely a factor in choosing a cam. Thanks again!
@@rowdy3837 No prob man, glad the videos are helping you. I had a hard time finding cam options for this. I didn't want or need that much lift, but this was the best I could find. FYI the shop said avoid anything from COMP right now. They're seeing a lot of motors come back with bad cams from comp. Soft metal or something.
Now, . . ya see, . . . this is what I'm looking for. A GOOD TRUCK Engine. I have a Jeep WJ with the anemic 4.0 six in it. I am Not impressed with that engine. Sure, they're very reliable and last a long time but, they are gutless (imo) and if you try to get good power out of them, they flatout blow up. I was wanting to put a Dodge Magnum 318/360 in it but those are crazy expensive to build. So, I'm probably going to build a roller block 350 for it. It's a Jeep. A daily driver Jeep. Not a Drag or Street Rod. LOW RPM Torque. Easy starting, great vacuum, reliable low rpm idle, can't be stalling while I'm sitting and trying to figure out my next move on a rocky hillside. Anyway, how do you like that AVS carb? I am considering getting one that's provisioned for trucks. Looks like you could use a few more subscribers. Subbed, and greetings from the Great State of Alaska. Don't let yer meat loaf.
@RANDOMNATION907 Thanks for the sub! You nailed it...exactly what I was going for. A lot of people probably won't understand the relatively low horsepower number, but I wasn't building this one for max hp. I built it for exactly the reasons you stated. Thanks! This is a project truck so I won't know how the AVS carb works till I'm able to drive it. I'll keep posting updates.
@approachingtarget.4503 Yeah I could have slapped a big carb and bigger headers on and made some glory pulls on the dyno, but as mentioned this isn't a max horsepower build. I wanted big block torque with as close to "reasonable" mpg as possible.
@@approachingtarget.4503 Its all relative. I could have built it for 800hp, high-rpm and 6mpg or 450hp, low-rpm and 12mpg. We all build for whatever purpose we're shooting for. If I wanted really high mpg, I would have put a straight 6 in it.
445 hp is not good for a 7.4 L that has been upped to a 468 7.6L engine and a 225 cam is getting maxed to what a stock converter can handle that’s a hole lot of lift too not good You can make the same hp with a vortec 350 L31 the heads on the later 454 are “JUNK” They don’t flow enough cfm Honestly most big blocks are “Junk” in stock forms because of the heads dont flow well This is a 7.6L engine this engine can be out done by a 5.3 engine with stock 317 heads
@nst9079 I have a 1000hp LS 6.0. Also have an 800hp LS 5.3. Both twin turbos. Have had a lot of other stuff too. I've stated who knows how many times here that I wanted a mild, durable, big block truck motor built for longevity. I built it exactly the way I wanted it. If I'd wanted a 1400hp big block with $4k heads, twin turbos and methanol injection I would have built that. In fact I still might. I have another gen VI 454 sitting in my shop. Thanks for the comments... keep em coming!
You couldn't make less power if you took out a few pistons. Smack a real carb on that motor and it will definitely make more power. And better power too. Motor sounded lazy. Big blocks inherently make lots of power. You have to really screw something up for it to make that little power.
@georgesam7805 Well I screwed it up on purpose. I used a small cam, small carb, stock heads and small headers for a mild, somewhat mpg-oriented truck motor. And even with that I got over 500 ft lbs of torque. Exactly what I planned for.
@@vikingmech if you were only trying to make that little hp or torque, why not use a small block 400. Few hundred pound weight savings....parts are usually cheaper...small blocks always run cooler. Lots of advantages.
It's refreshing to see an engine that is built, but still practical.
Not an LS.
THANK YOU.
Most people out here dream of a BB just like this one.
Rock solid horsepower for many years without constant fiddling and tweaking and throwing expensive parts at it to get another hundred horses.
Nicely done!
I was blessed to find a Cad 500 with a fresh overhaul done by an engine builder who specialized in 500s for racing. Unfortunately, he got sick and sold everything to pay for medical bills, and I got his last engine.
He told me all the specs, what he did to improve on the entire engine and guaranteed 500 hp and 700 foot pounds.
I was sad to hear of his passing.
I'm rebuilding a square body suburban for this engine, and I hope it brings honor to the man who built the powerplant for me.
Thanks for the video.
Please keep them coming.
@jaredallen1149 Cars (and sometimes even engines) mean a lot more to some of us than most people think. They all have a story to tell. I'm sure your friend will be looking down with a smile on that suburban when it hits the road. Thanks and best of luck on your build.
@@vikingmech Thank you for reading my story... Didn't realize I had diarrhea of the keyboard until just now.
I appreciate the sentiment and the words of encouragement and I look forward to your future builds.
Looks like a solid 454. What's it going in?
@dylanfinch6186 Its going in a 1986 GMC K20 4x4 that will be a street/show truck. I'm posting lots of other videos on the progress of the build on my channel so you can check those out if you want. Thanks
@jaredallen1149 No problem brother, I'm just sharing my work in hopes it can help other people out there, and its great when people jump in and share their advice and stories. Thanks for watching and sharing your comments!
530 lbft of torque out of a very mild 454, that’s bbc power all day long! Nice build👍🏻
Thanks 👍
@vikingmech nice, I built something similar with the same thing in mind. I used a few different things, though.
I used edelbrock 290cc heads and a 219°/227° at .050. I made 482 at 5100. I'm guessing the heads made a pretty good difference. it's on my channel if you want to check it out.
@andy347495 Nice, I'll check it out. Thanks!
Can't really complain about those numbers. I have a Gen 5/6 hybrid. I'm hoping it makes 375-380hp and close to 500tq.
It's a 95 Gen 5, std bore, 96+ Gen 6 flat tops, 96+ vortec heads, edelbrock performer intake, melling retrofit hyd roller 218/226 @ .050 .501/.510 lift 112 LSA. It was built on a budget, limited machine work.
@bluecollarhotrods9781 That sounds like a great build. I'll bet you'll make close to the same power numbers as mine. Especially if you use a bigger carb (I went with a 650cfm for everyday economy instead of max hp).
nice! that will will definitely get r done!
Nice low rpm street build👍
Thanks 👍
Nice build
@craigtripp5509 Thanks!
great build! looks like you achieved your goals. how did you know that you had several bad lifters? would be great if you could do an in depth video, with what you have learned. thanks
@mccoulombe941 You know I'm actually going to do just that. I've had a really hard time getting the valvetrain to run quiet and smooth, and am still in the process. As soon as I get it dialed in I'll make a video explaining the process I went through.
Funny because DZ Performance ran into the same issue with oil pressure. Took out oil and the oil pressure and horsepower went up.
@shootermcgavin2819 Thats strange, so I wonder how much oil you're actually supposed to use with a 6 qt pan. I figured 6 in the pan and another 1/2 to full quart for the filter.
@vikingmech yeah, I wonder if you had some windage issues. that could possibly be the cause of your oil pressure dip.
I'll have to keep an eye on it but the oil pan does have a windage screen and oil scrapers.
@vikingmech yeah, it's kind of interesting and surprising, isn't it. the test that I saw on engine masters was with an oil pan that had windage trays and scrapers, also.
when richard holdener has talked about, I believe it was with windage trays and scrapers in mind also.
@andy347495 Do you remember what size pan was in the video you saw, and how many quarts they put in it? Would be interesting to know if they run more or less than 6qts in a 6qt pan.
Cross-plane gas V8 one of the best inventions along with an air conditioners.
Who makes a adjustable timing set for a vi and 2 piece timing cover
What is the initial timing set at? The reason I ask is because I have a gen vi 454 and used the method you showed in one of your videos to set the valves and the engine runs very rough at idle. I’ve read that initial timing should be 4 degrees BTDC and some have said they’ve been up to 16. What would you recommend?
@marlonlove8254 I don't remember exactly what the initial timing ended up at but I think its close to 16. My total timing is 30 and my engine wouldn't even start until we advanced it quite a bit. I would advance yours to maybe 10 or 12 and start there. Then adjust based on best vacuum. There are youtube videos that show how to get your initial timing set correctly once you have it running.
@@vikingmech Thank you for the information. Going to try this out.
@highspeednoblesgarage2 Do a search for "thunderhead289 initial timing". He has a good video on how to adjust initial timing.
what camshaft did you use? what was the duration at .050?
@andy347495 Its in the video description. Right below the title.
Sorry if this has been asked and answered but how did you get over .550 lift with stock l29 heads?
@@rowdy3837 I read and heard people saying the stock heads won't clear much more than .518 lift but thats actually not true. The machine shop that cleaned up my heads said that cam would fit fine, and I measured piston to valve clearance when assembled and I had plenty of room. Then I just ordered head gaskets that gave me around .050 quench and it all worked fine.
@@vikingmech Thanks for getting back to me! I’m in the process of putting together my gen vi build and your videos have been immensely helpful. I’m using the stock heads so PTV clearance is definitely a factor in choosing a cam. Thanks again!
@@rowdy3837 No prob man, glad the videos are helping you. I had a hard time finding cam options for this. I didn't want or need that much lift, but this was the best I could find. FYI the shop said avoid anything from COMP right now. They're seeing a lot of motors come back with bad cams from comp. Soft metal or something.
Now, . . ya see, . . . this is what I'm looking for. A GOOD TRUCK Engine.
I have a Jeep WJ with the anemic 4.0 six in it. I am Not impressed with that engine. Sure, they're very reliable and last a long time but, they are gutless (imo) and if you try to get good power out of them, they flatout blow up. I was wanting to put a Dodge Magnum 318/360 in it but those are crazy expensive to build. So, I'm probably going to build a roller block 350 for it. It's a Jeep. A daily driver Jeep. Not a Drag or Street Rod. LOW RPM Torque. Easy starting, great vacuum, reliable low rpm idle, can't be stalling while I'm sitting and trying to figure out my next move on a rocky hillside. Anyway, how do you like that AVS carb? I am considering getting one that's provisioned for trucks.
Looks like you could use a few more subscribers. Subbed, and greetings from the Great State of Alaska. Don't let yer meat loaf.
@RANDOMNATION907 Thanks for the sub! You nailed it...exactly what I was going for. A lot of people probably won't understand the relatively low horsepower number, but I wasn't building this one for max hp. I built it for exactly the reasons you stated. Thanks! This is a project truck so I won't know how the AVS carb works till I'm able to drive it. I'll keep posting updates.
Jeep 4.0 straight six is absolutely NOT reliable..
445 hp 500 ft lbs plenty street power them vortec gen 6 454 always 30 degr total timing no more or less by 1'
@rooster68able Thats interesting, and good to know. Thanks!
Anything less than 1hp per cube is underutilized .
@approachingtarget.4503 Yeah I could have slapped a big carb and bigger headers on and made some glory pulls on the dyno, but as mentioned this isn't a max horsepower build. I wanted big block torque with as close to "reasonable" mpg as possible.
@@vikingmech big block for fuel mileage? No matter how efficient you try to make it. You won't get fuel economy.
@@approachingtarget.4503 Its all relative. I could have built it for 800hp, high-rpm and 6mpg or 450hp, low-rpm and 12mpg. We all build for whatever purpose we're shooting for. If I wanted really high mpg, I would have put a straight 6 in it.
445 hp is not good for a 7.4 L that has been upped to a 468 7.6L engine and a 225 cam is getting maxed to what a stock converter can handle that’s a hole lot of lift too not good
You can make the same hp with a vortec 350
L31 the heads on the later 454 are “JUNK”
They don’t flow enough cfm
Honestly most big blocks are “Junk” in stock forms because of the heads dont flow well
This is a 7.6L engine this engine can be out done by a 5.3 engine with stock 317 heads
@nst9079 I have a 1000hp LS 6.0. Also have an 800hp LS 5.3. Both twin turbos. Have had a lot of other stuff too. I've stated who knows how many times here that I wanted a mild, durable, big block truck motor built for longevity. I built it exactly the way I wanted it. If I'd wanted a 1400hp big block with $4k heads, twin turbos and methanol injection I would have built that. In fact I still might. I have another gen VI 454 sitting in my shop. Thanks for the comments... keep em coming!
You couldn't make less power if you took out a few pistons. Smack a real carb on that motor and it will definitely make more power. And better power too. Motor sounded lazy. Big blocks inherently make lots of power. You have to really screw something up for it to make that little power.
@georgesam7805 Well I screwed it up on purpose. I used a small cam, small carb, stock heads and small headers for a mild, somewhat mpg-oriented truck motor. And even with that I got over 500 ft lbs of torque. Exactly what I planned for.
@@vikingmech if you were only trying to make that little hp or torque, why not use a small block 400. Few hundred pound weight savings....parts are usually cheaper...small blocks always run cooler. Lots of advantages.
@georgesam7805 Probably true, but I had two of these Gen VI 454s on hand.
@@vikingmechmakes sense. Keep on keepin
you don't really sound like you know what you're talking about. you must know very little about camshafts also.