Chevy 454 Dyno Tested - Big Block Blast

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Nick's buddy has owned his '55 Chevy for more than 40 years. Today the 454 is rebuilt and looking like new, ready to be tested on the dyno.
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Nick's Garage is proud to be supported by Atlas And K Tool.
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[@robertwest3093]

I don’t understand why Nick’s subscriber count hasn’t skyrocketed. He certainly has one of the best car channels on KZbin!

[@NicksGarage]

We appreciate that! Tell your friends for us? :)

[@twgarage-terrywatson1672]

Maybe it’s because his Dyno tests are accurate. You know the other guys that always have to exaggerate the numbers. This is why This channel is one of my favourites. Honest, work for honest people. 👍

[@gordonburnett9672]

Likely an algorithm thing, I've been here for years. And still enjoying the content.

[@taylorsrus9543]

The audience for low power boomer motors is shrinking

[@pb68slab18]

The so-called ''street-racers'' today all drive Kias, Hyundais and Prius!

[@robertwest3093]

I’m glad to see that I am not the only one who read car magazines in school 😅😅 Kudos for never selling your ‘55 Chevy and for keeping it pristine.👍🏻

[@NicksGarage]

Right on!

[@vernonharless3083]

Me too 68 camaro now it's a racecar.

[@lindanelson8400]

Nick opens a cabinet and grabs a carburetor like a kid reaches into a bag and pulls out a piece of candy. 🍬 Gotta love it!

[@nathanmccree2217]

Nothing better than new video from Nick's garage the best car channel on KZbin

[@NicksGarage]

Much appreciated.

[@dukeallen432]

Bonus Big Block Chevy

[@johncornell3665]

This is one of the best engines GM ever built, the legendary 454. Sounds great. Thanks Nick & gang!

[@bobkonradi1027]

I'll say this... the client / customer is getting his money's worth, they're trying a lot of things, a lot of combinations, and he's coming away with an engine that is really dialed in. The cam is putting the power right where a cruiser car needs it. And a good time was had by all.

[@NicksGarage]

Well said!

[@tomkolimatsis8109]

I see someone was following along thanks @bobkonradi1027

[@Bricklinsv1970]

I always liked those 454 engines! If I was up there that's where I would want to be hanging out on my days off. Nothing beats the sound of a Chevy with a cam idling.

[@OlSgtLove]

Love seeing the Chevy 454 put out some good numbers . Beautiful of Chevy the Gentleman has .

[@joshlindig5853]

That engine was a delight. My first car was a 1974 Chevy nova and that was the ultimate goal to eventually have one of those in it but then again I was also 17 and I was like yeah I don’t know what stopping me. I didn’t end up putting 454 in it but I did get a decent little 330 hp crate 350 from General Motors, and it turns out that was plenty. Also, the front seat didn’t latch so that was a thing.

[@ericball6000]

man that was fun, trying different carbs on that big 454, with life long friends, sounds like a good day was had by all, cheers.

[@robertorhymes]

Nick's Garage is busier than Grand National Station Cuz Dirans 454 for his 55 draws admiration He's a Chevy guy through and through Tom has fettled his big block and now it's time to test it with Nick and the whole crew It's ready to make some noise It's got muscle The boys in the dyno room can really hustle Everyone is on deck keeping everything in check Showing their craft the proper respect What an awesome culmination to this project Thanks Nick Diran and George Big ups Tom Manny Maverick and all the guys A visit to Nick's Garage to experience all the engines and cars is very wise

[@acurarl9929]

Hope you finish “OLD WEAKY” 383 on the channel?!?!?!?!?!! We are all looking forward to seeing this 383 get finished up and or what ever it ends up as l

[@NicksGarage]

We will. 👍

[@hippydippy]

Very Impressive! I love 454's. I had a friend in the early 70's who built one from scratch when he was 18. He put it in a beautiful Blue Metallic 1969 Chevelle. He could pop the front wheels in second gear at just a slow roll. It was wicked! Used a tank a gas in no time though. lol.

[@joeljenkins2876]

Another fantastic Monday at Nick's garage, with a gang of gearheads gathered around to see what Nick will wring out of the latest dyno beast!!!! That 454 is putting down some pretty good numbers: I'm sure the owner will be pleased with its performance, courtesy of Nick and the guys. Fantastic week, guys!!!

[@tomkolimatsis8109]

Thank you, and the goal is to make the customer happy, I could make alot more power but built for customers needs

[@wokewokerman5280]

525Hp 454 is just about right for a great streeter.....

[@cannarris]

So good to see all the boys together ,blast from my youth . Hi Perry,Diran,Tony and the rest of the crew.

[@Eric-n3q]

Hands down the best mechanics and old school shop on you tube

[@garageassembled4701]

I like the fact all the guys wear their supported hobby? Going for the same goal!

[@tttam96]

I go to Nick's video when I want to learn something more about these engines and the man is a master Craftsman whoever was his mentor did a really good job

[@kevinbrucestevens7747]

It's great to see mechanical craftsmanship such as this.

[@OlSgtLove]

Was reading Hot Rod mazine at a early age with Dad ,took them to school and read them at breaks and library time ... Fell in love with Muscle Cars long time ago .

[@mynameis9057]

I'm thinking Nick, pretty soon with all of the people who like watching you run Dyno pulls at the shop, you might have to install bleachers or set the Dyno room up like a Greek or Roman amphitheater so you fit everyone with plenty of room to be comfortable. Then you can have catering and we all know how much y'all love great food and drinks. LoL! Thanks again guys.

[@videomaniac108]

I wish that I could have had a teacher like Nick when I was young and learning about cars. I was entirely self-taught, reading all the books, magazines and manuals I could get my hands on and then going out to work on engines in auto junkyards. Finally, I got tools and instruments and began working on my cars and other people's. Nick is a great teacher, with his enthusiasm and passion showing through. I tried to be a good teacher like that later in life as a college physics instructor.

[@randylear8264]

Another great Monday, Monday at Nick’s. I am Mopar through and through. But I love watching this 454 beast being wrung out on the dyno. Great numbers and what a legend it is. Both 55 Chevy and a 454. What a combination. Thanks Nick for allowing one more to watch you work your magic.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Always a pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@bobgrim9605]

You gotta love a big block chevy ! Everyone had a great time in the dyno room. Great video

[@NicksGarage]

You got that right!

[@bogiewheelman71]

Like the think tank Saturday edition of Nick's Garage.

[@brianhdueck3372]

Man what a cool bunch of guys. I recall a hot rod magazine which on the cover had the front end of a beautiful blue 55 like this with the hood open, or off I forget a little. In front of the car was a teenage looking guy working the carburetor. I thought it was the coolest picture in the world! Congrats on preserving your 55!

[@Tschida2004]

Way too many cooks in the kitchen on this episode, just people randomly increasing throttle and jumping behind the Dyno controls. Just sit back and let Nik do his magic guys. 😂

[@gordowg1wg145]

God, yes! The amount of repetition from just Nick in a normal video is bad enough, but when you get a bunch of people, who aren't that smart, parroting each other's inane comments - EEK! That said, I'm amazed by Nick's patience - I'd be WELL past the STFU and let me do my job point early on.

[@hk45c62]

There is too much liability standing in the dyno cell. The only people that should be there are the customer and people who work for Nick.

[@dukeallen432]

Eh I think they all worked together well.

[@hk45c62]

@@dukeallen432 , a friend of mine is an engine builder and tuner and for sure wouldn't let anyone but himself or one of his employees touch an engine in the dyno cell while it's being tested. Too much liability.

[@tomkolimatsis8109]

Well since I built the engine to Dirans needs and Diran wanted all his close friends there, only Tony and Perry did the adjusting as per Diran! It's exactly what Diran asked for, if that don't please you guys well there's nothing else I can say to too many cooks...

[@crautoguy8384]

Seeing weren't things with distributors sounds like that they might advance too quick but if I had a guess that things stuck at that power level because that's all that cam Will breathe into that motor. But that thing's over one foot pound per cubic inch Which is Real good

[@anthonymavrick7238]

Fantastic Dyno session, Keeps getting better all the time. Great teamwork and great to see all those longtime buddies enjoying the day

[@bigbearvenom6145]

I love the way you guys worked to get this dude up it's potential. It's there you just have to find it.

[@blinkie1523]

Wow that was pretty damn good with those consistent numbers there Nick so the owner should be very happy and Tom did a beaut job on the build too. Great filming once again George nailed it nicely. Have a beaut week Nick & All.

[@vinceyoung5912]

Oh yeah Big Block Chevy

[@NicksGarage]

Yes!

[@keithharris7365]

Very impressive blasts Nick and crew awesome build Tom keep them coming and see you Friday

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks!

[@robertforget6369]

that was so cool wish i was there got to love a big block great show

[@scottscott6794]

Thanks for your comment, Nick Old friends are hard to come by.❤

[@danielrose-tt7os]

Watching Nick struggle with replacing and gapping breaker points in a previous episode(we have all had bad days) motivated my comments and questions. Points and stock electronic ignition are dead on in regards to HP. Dual points beats stock electronic ignition in regards to HP. Electronic ignition systems while not maintenance free are more reliable. Learning how to trouble shoot electronic ignition systems is not difficult, for most of us. When under hood space is minimal using a big distributor cap electronic ignition system (like what is used with GM's HEI system) can be a problem. Since Nick uses so many points style distributors a distributor setup/diagnostic machine would be a benefit. Adding an oscilloscope (aka a "Sun Machine") would be a great addition to the dyno room. One of those big screen Sun machines with all those dancing secondary waveforms would photograph so well. It is not very hard at all to develop basic waveform analysis skills. I did it when I was only 18 years old. Not too much use for a Sun machine with todays ignition systems but they are a perfect fit in the dyno room. Setting initial basic static timing (like with a engine rebuild or with distributor removal/install) is easier with a points distributor as all you need is a test light. Why so many points style distributors here?

[@bthomas6381]

Wow, great paint and great blue color on that ‘55 Chevy..!

[@czechappy]

Like they said in the old days to many chief not enought indian, I'm sure there all smart at engine building, But I think Nick is in his area of expertise on the dyno and a adjusting for max horsepower. Also rebuildng. I love the sound of that 454 at idle remind me of the old days..

[@J-dizzle2021]

NICK IS THE MAN. Congrats to all. Great video.

[@NicksGarage]

Thank you!

[@1980bwc]

Enjoying the diversity, of all the recent dyno content. Even though I'm a Chevrolet guy, I'm still fascinated by all the classic American performance V-8 engines, from all the makers. I'd love to see folks bring Nick some 427, 428 and 429 Ford engines, to dyno.

[@ourkid2000]

Yeah I agree. It seems like they make you think the only thing anyone is interested in is Mopar engines and it's always made me wonder why no love for the others? Every show over the years seems to be Mopar only and it's kinda boring after a while

[@harrywalker968]

there a power nation vid. between a 460 & 454.. seems they threw the shop at the 454 to make 7 more hp.. the 350 is a chunk of an engine. its very 1930 old skool compared to a 351c. in design.. in history, there were 3 engineers, working for a car co. they had an argument on design, so they split. this is why a lot of engines are designed the same, but dodge ford have better heads. even though dodge still have simese ports.. not good. clevo, fit a cam, job done, no speed shop bs.. our xy gt ho, 4v, did 160 mph, 4sp. the film was doctored to 140.. ausie..

[@johnpopoff7950]

Needs a single plane intake.

[@SpecialAgentJamesAki]

Yup gm guy here too (Oldsmobile) I was ecstatic to see the 455 olds video. We seriously do need some big block ford action at nicks garage! I love everything vintage I’d even love to see a 30 hp vw single port on the dyno!

[@staceygandy2009]

After trying everything possible for the highest numbers it is what it is. I think numbers are really good.

[@juanzayas7719]

I am ready to see the Big Block Perform.

[@johnnyrouse2713]

This has been better entertainment than anything on the TV that's for sure even though I was watching a Chevrolet motor😅😅😅😅😅

[@danaglass5394]

Dana "60" Glass. I had heard that the factory 450 hp for the LS6 was tested with headers, while other engines were tested with manifolds. This motor you're testing is absolutely amazing. A big block Chevy with that much advance normally wouldn't spin over that easy, especially hot. My compliments to the engine builder.

[@leelavoie6753]

A Holy Grail of Motors…a 454 built like this will thrill a long time. Soooo Sweet!

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you are enjoying it.

[@user-oe7pb2lz5g]

Hello guys great videos 🎥 S love Chevy Engines but also Mopar! And others as well Thanks ❤. Power More,👋

[@crautoguy8384]

You are the man Nick so patient got all those cooks in the kitchen. You handle all the input Like The master that you are.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

I try my best working with everyone.

[@perrykioussis9741]

way to many cooks in the kitchen, wait a second I'm one of them, lol great friends dating back a very long time

[@NicksGarage]

The best!

[@13coyote13]

Back in the 80's my buddy had a 55 Chevy with a 454 LS6 with a B&M blower on top and a B&M built TH350 and, a 58 Pontiac rear-end, it was calculated to be making about 700hp with the 900cfm Holley 3 bbl race carb on it, it sucked in air so hard you couldn't hear the exhaust over that giant vacuum cleaner, it was a beast.

[@realazliving]

The rpm of the torque and power are from whatever cam you have in it. I think that’s an excellent engine for a street car and I wouldn’t change a thing. Over 500 lbft of torque everywhere. The response when you hit the throttle will be so satisfying. Great work guys.

[@4ondflor]

What a gorgeous motor! Beautiful!

[@jeffhopper3526]

Excellent 454. Smooth, consistent, powerful. Would be great "test mule". Interesting to see how Holley Sniper works on it. Nick's Garage rocks and rumbles!

[@Scubasteve22]

It's really nice that all the guys are there and having fun. We just took my sons street 377 sbc to the dyno on sat. So much fun......It made 535 hp @6500 and 500 ft lbs @ 5100 . Nice little street deal.. Thanks Nick

[@musclebone7875]

High compression, healthy camshaft and good aluminum heads... I bet😆

[@Scubasteve22]

@@musclebone7875 Decent heads, street roller, and pump gas compression... I thought it was decent.. Figured it would be closer to 550 once its broke in and with decent temps..

[@MikeJBlues]

Awsome Monday Dyno Big block, Bad ass 55 too

[@thomast6759]

To many guys. Everyone needs to let nick work his magic.

[@tomnekuda3818]

I, too, was caught in class with a magazine, gazing at the centerfold......different magazine, tho..... They took my magazine and threw me out of school for 3 days. LOL! Nick, I watch all your videos....dunno whether I will stick with it in the future...too commercial and too damn many guys in the dyno room. I still think your uploads are the best for guys putting muscle together but your program sure has changed.

[@lesliesmith2586]

My high school had a couple subscriptions in the library we could check out. People started stealing them, they quit buying them. My dad used to tell me all the money I spent on magazines, I could’ve had a nice car.

[@norrismulgrew859]

I totally agree. Personally, I believe Nick has the best channel on KZbin. Nick is very organized and explains everything he does in detail. I also there are some secrets as a engine builder he needs to keep to himself. I'm a Mopar Man first and foremost and I will say this. Love Nick's show and we all can learn alot from Nick.

[@themacgyverinstitute5340]

Good video , I don’t know how you can tune the engines with 20 people / opinions in the room , good build on the engine , not a crazy combo should drive nice and well over 500 on both Hp and Torx …. Well done all ….. owner looks pleased as he should be

[@tomkolimatsis8109]

The most important is the cust is happy since its his engine and built for his needs!

[@benzband]

I’m really disappointed on the amount of horsepower this 454 setup got. I would have thought it would have been around 560 horsepower. Great video for sure! Nick, you and your crew are the best.

[@chadhaire1711]

560 gross is only 445 net....big deal

[@hangfire6368]

Love some Big Block Chevy. That is going to be a blast with a 5 speed. Torque and Hp always cross at 5250 as far as I know.

[@scottscott6794]

Too many people in the shop neck it is not a good thing let the master do his work without interruptions. I'm sure it's hard to concentrate when you got so many people not paying attention to what they're talking about. We love you Nick from PA.

[@NicksGarage]

It’s all good. Old friends.

[@FreedomRock44]

Nick on Full screen it is like we are in the room with all of you!!!!!! Bring it!!!!!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

I'm sure it is.

[@eugenecastles7475]

Hi Nick & George, A great way to start off the week with a 454 BBC on the Dyno. Always something different a t Nick's Garage!! Hope you guys have a great week. Here We Go!🏁🏁🏁

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks Eugene. We hope you love the show. We sure had a bunch of friends with us that day! Take care.

[@eugenecastles7475]

@@NicksGarage I loved the video George!! You did an excellent job with the camera work, great angles & content despite Sanding Room Only, in the dyno room. Lots of friends that go back a long way. I know they had a great time.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

@@eugenecastles7475 ...Always a great time.

[@eugenecastles7475]

@@nickpanaritis4122 I'll bet y'all had an even better time after the Dyno session, lol.

[@leelavoie6753]

Thank you! That was fun. What a great group of people with loads of talent. 454 cubes of perfection!!

[@randymiller1330]

❤❤❤❤ Not a 454 anymore, they bored it to 460.4 cubic inches...they said that in the video ❤❤❤❤

[@adriandeluchin5982]

A room full of experts lol but there's only 1 puppet master,🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@battyice]

Great video. The camera work and music at 52:00 is awesome.

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@johnmagnus1016]

Very nice engine for the street. Only needs more cam for higher RPM power. BBC forever. LOL

[@tedslife7086]

Hey nick I finally figured out why my 496 was not producing much power for the last 2 years ...I had a bottom stock radiator hose that was collapsed and just caught it ..I put in a spring today and holy crap man the motor was cooking the tires and the motor was running at a steady idle not up and down like it was before ..I did not know those lower hose need a spring

[@Orcinus1967]

Great music throughout. Well done.

[@FreedomRock44]

Great Job Boys.....Nick you are the master!!!!!! Diran that is one SWEET ENGINE!!!!!!!!

[@NicksGarage]

Sure is!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

l enjoyed the guy's more than the engine running.....Thanks to all and God Blessing to all as well 👍 Old F-4 II Pilot Shoe🇺🇸

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@65sohc]

Great episode. It rated two glasses of cabernet.

[@thomasseliger2982]

Good job on 454.

[@jeffrey4547]

i got 3 of the 450 hp 454's with 4 inch stroke steel crank heavy rods 10.5 to 1 compression high flow heads plus they all came with the 02xx trans

[@jeffmccormick5648]

Need a bigger spectators room Nick. Maybe set it up like theater seating. You could sell popcorn adult beverages 😂

[@nickpanaritis4122]

I installed the largest Bullet Proof glass I can install in the Dyno room. Good start.

[@pappy017]

Evenin Mr George an Mr Nick! Have a Great week!!

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks, you too!

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Way to many people in the dyno room! Great running engine Nick, and thank you for another Great Dyno Night!

[@margarita8442]

rev it out till it throws a rod, take 200 rpm off and u know the rev limit

[@NicksGarage]

Lol. Be nice.

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

Very useful takeaways from this video, my nephew just built a 70 Chevelle LS-6 tribute car, with a similar 496 big block build. He has the total timing at 42 degrees, that I thought is too much, but this dyno test confirms that another big block likes 42 degrees. Also his 496 engine plug read indicates too rich, that the dyno engine likewise had a similar plug read. Nick adjusted leaner, that produced even better results. Just as an afterthought, leaner maintains cleaner valves and chambers/ piston tops. We have to consider efficient running on the street. Excess carbon buildup, looking ahead, could cause preignition, and more weight on the valves. Carbon buildup on the valves decreases power.. leaner may produce very slightly less torque, (and more power) but a clean engine will continue to run well, and not lose power.

[@tomkolimatsis8109]

Chamber shape and design is what determines timing, the Edels used had almost oem chambers. If we would of used cnc afrs they would of needed less timing but would not be ideal for cruising , my hands were tied for cam, heads, and intake

[@vhp454]

@@tomkolimatsis8109 Tom you are so correct about chamber size and flow to determine timing, we old school techs understand that.most younger people do not even understand the timing light.

[@tomkolimatsis8109]

Well glad someone is paying attention, thanks Vince

[@haroldhawkins9370]

Nice video Nick and friends.

[@anthonycieplik33]

Nick, you do a great job on the paint work with those engines!!!

[@NicksGarage]

This one was Tom’s work. 👍

[@billbrown8291]

Your family has my most respect. WOW, Momma, get it on. Fun Fun, and more fun. Thx for giving us a true family sport. Please give us more!!!

[@gersonhay984]

That was a Fun Hour, Thank you for bring us along. !!

[@petersdraggon]

Dialed in! And where else can you go and see even a small cubic inch mopar hemi from the 50s run on a dyno, lol.

[@lonnyjaw]

I can't wait to see that inline 6 that Nick said he wanted to try on the dyno awhile back.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Trying to make time to get working on it.

[@mickangio16]

I was hoping to see some progress on Weaky today but all good. Monday was never a day to look forward to until Nick came along😊

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Stay tuned

[@uranodas]

Man nick you need a bigger Dyno room🙂🙂✌️❤️and muscle cars.

[@bigmountain7561]

1979 I was 19 and watching you senior citizens blow wrist pins out of the sides of their blocks!!!! LMAO!!! I had a 454 in my 3500 series single cab roll off. It always told me Feed Me!!! Today I am into straight sixes, 5.9 liter Cummins First Generation. Nice Post Car was it originally a three pedal or a slip and slide?? Great Video I don’t see any canes or walkers so you seniors must be doing well!! God Bless 🙏

[@bigmountain7561]

Oops I forgot the Greek Food Here Especially in Tarpon Springs is Awesome and I Regularly Partake!!

[@setha360]

Built a 1977 454 last summer used 10cc dome pistons , to raise compression, its towed 6k , the turbo 400 trans is smooth ,

[@NicksGarage]

Sounds good.

[@488ci]

A engine builder in Ontario uses the quadrajet on his Chev engines and has the numbers to prove that GM made the perfect carburetor for there engines. I find this stuff very interesting.

[@Mr.Frost181]

Nick about to have that 454 dancing room 😂😂💪🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@Mike-ie6ee]

That was quite something to see. Alot of expertise in the room

[@lucascady4992]

The guy who keeps saying 5,400RPM, That's all the RPM the value train will handle without floating! 😅

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Good point.

[@justinkorpela7955]

Awesome video beautiful 55 and that is a beast of a engine 😊

[@brucelewis1017]

Wish i was closer to nicks shop im fixing to buy a 454 to to in my pickup id take it to nick and let him work on it

[@dustyscott759]

Nick your gonna have to add a bench seat behind your dyno chair along that wall for spectators to watch,

[@yarrdayarrdayarrda]

An open spacer on a dual plane might be worth a few numbers on the dyno, but it creates adverse drivability conditions once it's in the car. If you want a spacer on a dual plane, a 4 hole phenolic is a safe option.

[@kevinwoolmer5478]

Nothing like a bunch of old buddies huddled over a motor and swapping experience, does it get any better❤

[@davidholcomb9961]

The horsepower and torque peak rpm's are determined by the cam. You guy's should know better than that. You won't see much in the way of shifting in the power curve with changes in carburetors. As stated earlier, because of the cruise rpm with the 5 speed tranny you went with a milder cam. The Edelbrock heads aren't any better than a good set of early oval port heads with the same size valves and a good valve job.

[@msh6865]

Edelbrock heads are definitely better than any factory cast iron heads. This engine is limited by the cam and intake. Still a solid mill though. Better numbers than a factory stock LS6. A nice cruising motor.