What's the best gen 454 block to build?

[75Monza]

Now that my big block thirst has hit me again, thought I would get some input since Iv'e never built a rat before. Looking to land in the mid 500 hp range with this, basically what is the best 4 bolt short block with good aftermarket stuff available. Would probably go with a good set of iron heads, don't plan on giving it spray either. Also, any ideas on staying a 454 vs bumping to 468 vs 496 and is one piece rear main better or just easier on leaks? Keeping it realistic at under $4k total build.

 

[4WDKC]

If you are planning to use a roller cam it makes sense with me to start with one so the Mark/gen VI it is for me. Depending on your plans you may even be able to use the stock efi intake, if not that and the heads can be sold, I see them listed here $500 for the intake and $250 for the heads.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Tall deck 427

 

[75Monza]

Interesting, I know where I can get one of those, complete running 5 yard dump truck for $1k. Never really thought about a tall deck since it's rare you see them around here.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Interesting, I know where I can get one of those, complete running 5 yard dump truck for $1k. Never really thought about a tall deck since it's rare you see them around here.

Nice meaty cylinder walls and the pan rail is nice for building a stroker. Most have forged cranks too to recoup some cash when sold. Not all were 4 bolt main blocks but a lot of them were. I have one tucked away. Lol watch it’s not a 366 they are pretty much useless IMHO

 

[OkieFishMan]

In my case it was a Mark IV block, but I have a mechanical clutch so I need a block that is tapped for the pivot ball mount.

On any of them, for the money you spend buying pistons, turning the crank, resizing the rods, etc., you can buy a stroker rotating assembly already balanced for only a couple hundred more. To me picking up 30 cubes for a couple hundred bucks is a no brainer.

 

[75Monza]

Yeah, I was eyeballin' the full kit from white performance for a 496, it's around $1,550 with shipping for one piece rear external balance
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BBC-CHEVY-...ER-/191951827479?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275
or $1,970 for 2 piece internal balanced kit
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BBC-496-CH...60-/191606434191?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Yeah, I was eyeballin' the full kit from white performance for a 496, it's around $1,550 with shipping for one piece rear external balance
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BBC-CHEVY-...ER-/191951827479?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275
or $1,970 for 2 piece internal balanced kit
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BBC-496-CH...60-/191606434191?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275

If you use a tall deck you need .400 longer rods.

 

[75Monza]

Trying to keep initial cost low, don't plan on paying more than $200 for a good short block, just not sure what the good/bad are between the mark 4, gen 5 and gen 6.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Trying to keep initial cost low, don't plan on paying more than $200 for a good short block, just not sure what the good/bad are between the mark 4, gen 5 and gen 6.

They sell stroker kits for tall decks somebody on here is doing it I believe a newer member

 

[OkieFishMan]

You can find Scat stroker kits online for under $1500 new. Get internal balance too.

 

[hiltijoe]

Tall deck 427

Ya

 

[hiltijoe]

Now that my big block thirst has hit me again, thought I would get some input since Iv'e never built a rat before. Looking to land in the mid 500 hp range with this, basically what is the best 4 bolt short block with good aftermarket stuff available. Would probably go with a good set of iron heads, don't plan on giving it spray either. Also, any ideas on staying a 454 vs bumping to 468 vs 496 and is one piece rear main better or just easier on leaks? Keeping it realistic at under $4k total build.

4 k total build haha good luck go big like honkey and I lol

 

[75Monza]

What, don't think it can be done in the $4k range? I'm talking parts, not machine work. Only machine work I can't do myself is line bore right now.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

4 k total build haha good luck go big like honkey and I lol

Mines a lil guy the next one will be 496 or 505