How to Build a Chevrolet 454 Big Block Part 1: Taking the Cylinder Heads Off!

Today we are starting our build of a Chevy big block series off right by getting it on a stand and taking the front accessories off along with the manifold and cylinder heads. The only way to build a great engine is by first getting all the old parts off the block we want to use. Join me as we dive deep into the amazing world of engine building.
Our engine is a 454 cubic inch generation 4 big block Chevy out of an old heavy duty truck. The perfect platform to build a street big block for cruising!
If you have a car question ask it completely free at www.2carpros.c...
*Disclaimer: Please use all safety precautions

[@beetalius]

Just got a '73 454 from a neighbor. This will be my first teardown and rebuild. And this series will be my guide!! Thanks!!

[@2carpros]

This is my new favorite comment! Thank you so much for watching!

[@rjpadgett1206]

How’s the rebuild goin man I’m about to start my teardown and evaluation

[@AJBoone-jx5zr]

I just want to say thanks a million for making this series!! Looks absolutely identical to the 454 I just picked up, even down to the orange paint, dented valve covers, and thick grime coating, this is truly a life saver and this being my first time ever working on an engine ever I cant say enough how helpful this is!

[@2carpros]

Glad you like them! That's really funny how similar they look. They all do seem to look that exact way and condition. Thanks so much for watching!

[@jacksheep-me]

I've got a '97 K2500 SUB 7.4L 454. This is something I want to do to it to get another 150k miles out of it. Not a mechanic, but I am comfortable turning the wrench. Thanks for making this series.

[@2carpros]

Go for it! Thanks for watching!

[@ggb4327]

You’re the man Ryan, built my Sbf302 last year thru your videos. It came out mint. Starting off my 454 build now for my 81 Camaro. Thanks for making these videos man. ❤

[@bringbacktheclassics]

Just picked up my 454

[@sharonvanert]

Love 💗 great video maybe 🤔 I can do this but base where the big blossom go is small for the soul boat

[@TubeInspire]

I been wanting to build my big 454 block for a long time worked on cars but always afraid to open up my engine, thank you for this very detailed and well explained video, i seen several videos but none of them have made it clear like this one.. appreciate your time and knowledge, you will be my guide 👊

[@2carpros]

You can do it! Please let me know how it goes! Thanks for watching!

[@TubeInspire]

@@2carpros i sure will ! 🤙🏼 I'm on episode 5 i will be watching the whole series before I start then review as I go ... Thank you and blessings!!

[@albertgaspar627]

After you remove the flywheel, its often easier to bolt the engine stand's adjustable mount (seen here in black) to the engine as it bobs around on the hoist THEN you only have to line it up with the stand. Leaving the mount on the stand and then trying to line up each individual bolt can be more of a hassle. Be sure once block is attached to stand, double check the tightness of all bolts. As far as using a skinny screwdriver shaft to keep the engine from spinning around...better to just cut an old mailbox post to fit under the front of the engine for support while letting it sit overnight, if you run out of time to pull the cylinder heads and reduce weight.

[@ags4444]

My kids and I really enjoyed this series. I watched it twice! Have you ever considered doing a Mopar build... say a classic 440 big block???

[@ikigai47]

No way, this is too cool. Great series!

[@2carpros]

Thanks for watching! The next video will be up this Saturday.

[@biggamer45]

I love this series its helping me a lot. Im just trying to learn more about cars

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@Moonshine5.7]

Great video. About to tear down my 454. My first project. This was very helpful.

[@2carpros]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes and thanks for watching!

[@ChicagoDonny922]

This is JUST what I need RIGHT NOW!!!! I’m takin’ a shot towards building a “Mark IV” 2-bolt main 454 at the moment. I have DAMN NEAR everything needed...I mean damn near EVERYTHING

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@loueb4]

About to pull it outta my yacht, thanks man

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@stressfreetv2263]

Thank you

[@synshenron798]

Is it bad that my dad told me to tear apart a 454 engine when I was 12 years old? He bought a 454 and said here's some tools, tear this apart for me and don't hurt yourself.

[@sarahcox2013]

Sounds like you had a great dad

[@synshenron798]

@@sarahcox2013 Nah he's still around. I'm 17 now and I'm working on a big block with him to put into a drag car. I always thought it was weird my dad let me do a lot of the stuff I did when I was younger cause all my friends had parents that shielded them from everything, my dad exposed me to everything. He gave/gives me lessons on how things should work and he says as long as humans and cars are around they will always want to go faster and that's why we do what we do. Idk I just thought it was strange I learned about engines and how they work at such a young age

[@AC-hv2lk]

* synshenron good dad man

[@WilmerCook]

The only way to learn, good dad.

[@terrydeitz1955]

I was told to do the same thing to a 350sbc at 10 being a gear head is in our blood

[@b71mustang]

Great Job; thanks for sharing!

[@2carpros]

Thanks for watching!

[@R1ATLANTA]

Bro… you really should have wayyy more subscribers.. your vids are soooo informative!! Keep it up!! You definitely earned my sub! 💪

[@2carpros]

Thanks for the sub! You are awesome!

[@michaelcrouse8238]

I plan to get a 1980 Chevy c30 crewcab longbed dualy with a 454 so this series will help me a whole shit ton

[@NDLAP66]

I feel like The Matrix, I just downloaded " How to build my 454 Kung Fu" Watched it straight through long but thorough with great shots and instructions. Thank You.!

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@Omar-ep8do]

Very good video

[@2carpros]

Thanks!

[@malc1012]

I have a c10 with 454. I hope to learn from this video because I just don’t trust any shops working on my truck. Never know what they can steal or swap . Thanks

[@2carpros]

I wouldn't either! Good call! Thanks for watching!

[@themeez1000]

Also, you need to get a stand with a geared hand crank head. Makes life so so much easier.

[@BigGixx23]

This is exactly what I need, THANK YOU!

[@2carpros]

Awesome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@crawford323]

Perfect! Like a LS4 '73 Corvette? Non hydraulic cam?

[@2carpros]

Yep. Thanks for watching!

[@DirtyDickMurdoc]

Freaking good videos dude

[@2carpros]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@designsinorbit]

Hello good sir! So I am finally ready to follow this series bolt for bolt on my gen 4 454. I am very excited and quite nervous. I probably won't have TOO many questions coming your way, but if it's good for your channel I certainly can come up with some. I do have a quick one to start- is there anything that you maybe forgot that's really important in this series that I should be aware of? :)

[@2carpros]

Great question! Nope. This series is the most complete as is possible and I cover everything. If you get stuck on something you can always ask here or on my website www.2CarPros.com Thanks for watching and enjoy your build! You are going to love it!

[@designsinorbit]

@@2carpros Thanks so much!

[@tdhooper3886]

I rebuilt the same motor 30 over. 959 block (11-21-78) but I ditched those 236 peanut port heads and found a set of 820's for $100 that I had redone.

[@davemall1]

What you are calling a rotor is a distributor. The rotor is the plastic piece on the top of the distributor under the cap.

[@jtk5626]

I love this series and have watched it twice. Engine work baffles me - I'm comfortable turning a wrench but knowing which parts go together and why (measurements/ratios/math) is beyond me - I've stumbled into a bare block (14015445) that I'd love to build up for a 68 Chevelle I inherited but no idea on where to start selecting the right components - any resources you could suggest for that? (b/c these videos are amazing at what to do (big thumbs up!)

[@2carpros]

Thank you so much for watching twice! :D Just talk to an engine machine shop, they know all the math and correct measurements behind all of this. They set it up in a way where you can put it back together yourself.

[@jtk5626]

@@2carpros then that's where I'll start - thank you so much! cant wait to see everything come together with your build!

[@gregorytimmons4777]

I learned by reading engine building articles in old Hot Rod magazines from the mid to late 60's and i kept reading every one i found on any engine that interested me. Had good results.

[@Saan455]

There is Mark III big block and Mark IV was 1965 - 1990 after that came Gen V and Gen VI in 1996

[@Patzfan4eva]

Great series of videos! Question...454 BB or LQ9 for an older square body pick up?!?

[@2carpros]

Oooooh man! TOUGH call! Hmmmmmmmm for your application I'd probably go with the 454 with fuel injection for reliability. As far as why the 454 then I just think it looks more correct. To be honest there is no wrong answer. They both would be fantastic!

[@Patzfan4eva]

@@2carpros yeah me too…454 is more year and vehicle correct and with the cost of an LQ9 I thinks it’s not worth the effort. But like to hear experts opinions!

[@TubeInspire]

Can I do this same build minus the machine shop work? Thanks in advance 👊😉

[@emilymae6840]

I want to replace the crank shaft, but can I do that while the engine is still in my RV? It’s a 1991 Fleetwood Bounder, we don’t want to have to take the entire engine out, but we’re pretty sure the thrust bearing is broken. What would be the best way to go about this without pulling the engine out?

[@2carpros]

Oh man good question. I'm sure people have done it in the past especially in RV applications. I wouldn't and here's why: gravity really helps you set the crank back in and not disturb the bearings. If those bearings aren't happy they will spin and destroy your engine. Not to mention the bearings in the connecting rods I have no idea how you would go about doing it. I would bite the bullet and take the engine out. Thanks for watching!

[@crackseller321]

I dont care how long this great video is. Im getting the popcorn ready and im going to sit back and enjoy.

[@2carpros]

Awesome! You got 16 more videos in this series and like 14 for our LS not to mention our Ford 302 we just started. Thanks for watching Larry!

[@guyb6665]

I liked the DOS game Street Rod as a kid

[@2carpros]

I remember older kids playing that game! Thanks for watching!

[@mr.badluck8004]

What GEN is the big block? And I have one from a 73 G.M.C. I'm looking to buy the same year so I can learn to rebuild. Thank for your vid

[@seanclrk0]

its a gen 4. same as your 73

[@madrabbit9007]

Minor slip up...you pulled the distributor, not the rotor. Gonna go through and watch this tear down while I wait for more on the 5.3.

[@2carpros]

Yeah A LOT of people have pointed that out. It was just a misspeak. Thanks for watching!

[@brandoncostner7437]

Holy crap why am I even watching this I'm struggling just trying to figure out how to remove the engine and put the new one in 🤣

[@2carpros]

Well thank you so much for watching Brandon! It is all just nuts and bolts. Take your time and be methodical and you will be just fine.

[@adhithyasodhi3203]

Did you check the head codes before tossing them? Might be good ones

[@2carpros]

I did, they were not anything special. Total boat anchors. Great question! Thanks for watching!

[@robertorodriquez9615]

I messed up and all the lifters fell out... How bad did I mess up?

[@jagermain4658]

what website do you use to order the parts to rebuild?

[@2carpros]

I love www.SummitRacing.com Thanks for watching!

[@professional9814]

So that motor's cylinder is 4.25? That means it's not been rebored? If it had been rebored, can you rebore it a 2nd time? Or is there another way to recondition it a 2nd time?

[@2carpros]

Correct. It is the stock bore from GM. Traditionally you can first bore to 0.030 then the 2nd time to 0.060. Thanks so much for watching!

[@magnusosmond9557]

This is nice I'm doing the bigblock I put tiny 1969 chevel ss

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@keithwhitlock726]

Thanks. Working on a 1985 Fleetwood RV.

[@2carpros]

Very cool!

[@orlanmedina3693]

What's the HP on that one?

[@traviswebb625]

This is awesome. I have a 454 from my Grandpa's '84 Chevy pickup that I'm working on. One of the pistons is frozen, so I'm trying to think of an easy way to break it loose without rebuilding the engine. :) I bought a breaker bar to try to turn the crank over...any tips/ideas for that?

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Are you trying to break it loose while still in the car with the heads still on?

[@traviswebb625]

@@2carpros Yes, that's correct. Trying to do everything I can to not remove the engine if possible.

[@Vonrak]

Try mixing trans fluid with mineral oil 50/50. Take all the plugs out and fill the cylinders full. Let it set for about a week and try the breaker bar again.you may get lucky. It work for me. Be sure to change the oil and a tune up. Good luck 👍🏻

[@traviswebb625]

Ended up pulling the engine last weekend; excited to follow this playlist to rebuild it!!

[@mattdavis5994]

Marvel mystery oil

[@johnzeller9542]

Need help with vac lines. 454 7.4 l big block. P30 cassie. For my motor home

[@JGW-81]

Good vid but its a distributor not a rotor but all in all a good vid

[@2carpros]

Correct. Was a misspeak. Thanks for watching!

[@Wanous-hv7zo]

You don’t have to install rockers in the same location it makes no difference where they go. You better make sure you put the head bolts back in the same location and use the same impact and socket to

[@Fritsvrolijk]

thanks pro

[@2carpros]

Thanks for watching!

[@matthewmayfieldjr.7263]

so, gen V heads would be the same removal process? or, since mine is throttle body injected, would the intake manifold have different bolt placement so I could just unbolt the intake with the TBI still attached?

[@2carpros]

Yes it is very similar. You can unbolt the intake with the TBI still on if you can get to all the bolts for the lifter valley. Thanks for watching Matthew!

[@kentrelljonesgetitdoneauto3467]

I would've used an electric impact wrench instead of air or turn em by hand don't want to rethread the holes

[@aladwanit]

Hi there , how do you the numbers of the heads and pisteins the steady one and the unsteady ??

[@2carpros]

I just label them as GM did odds on right evens on left. Thanks for watching!

[@Fergdog4Ever]

I picked up a truck for the fresh 396 BBC to use in my Chevelle I’m pulling the motor - haven’t pulled one before Question for you - I want to leave the 4 speed in it and remove engine only. Can I pull it by just removing bell housing and converter bolts? Any tips? Thank you in advance!

[@2carpros]

Very cool! Yes you can. You just have to secure the front end of the bell housing with some wire or a ratchet strap. Thanks so much for watching!

[@mrblanche]

Most of us geezers call the "rotor" a distributor. Picky, picky, picky.

[@speeddemon8091]

if you still have your intake i would like to buy it

[@2carpros]

Sorry, sold it long ago. Thanks for watching!

[@MT-jf1tn]

I have no clue why I’m watching this! I’m those guys that open car hood scratches the beard and pretending that I know what I’m doing 🤣 Q: why do you throw away the bolts?

[@2carpros]

I'm so glad you are here though! Thanks for watching! Some bolts I'm saving due to them being in good shape and expensive like the flywheel bolts. Others aren't in very good shape and I can replace them easily. It is a condition VS cost thing. Great question!

[@albertgaspar627]

Don't toss any fastener until you've already replaced it with a good one. You never know when you need the old one to compare lengths and thread count to make sure the replacement is in fact the correct one...after you've torqued it a few times and wondered WTF :)

[@rocco3686]

I may just be paranoid but every fastener that came with a replacement part was sub-par quality and I usually use the ones that we’re original

[@Whoisroccoruzzo]

How much money have you invested with parts and all out sourced labor start to finish on this????

[@2carpros]

So, if you buy aluminum heads like I have it's over 4000. But if you re use the iron heads it would be right around 2300 bucks or so. Thanks for watching!

[@noahalcoser1977]

I really want to rebuild a 454 hope to god I can find something on Craigslist

[@2carpros]

That's where I get my engines or eBay! Thanks for watching!

[@bobv2247]

subscribed

[@2carpros]

Thanks for watching Bob!

[@Fermin817]

How many hours of labor?

[@2carpros]

To build the engine? Probably like 60 or so. Thanks for watching!

[@ImSoHuhj]

How many horsepower are we talking at the end of this?

[@2carpros]

I have seen similar builds right around 550 horsepower. We are looking into dyno the car after it is running. Thanks for watching!

[@deadshot5543]

Looking to put a gen 4 in an '79 Z28 camaro

[@2carpros]

Sounds like a sick build! Thanks for watching!

[@outsidethelines2162]

e'ast supa cool

[@full_metal_everything6929]

What engine is better ls2 with full bolts on + cam or.. 454 engine with full bolts on + cam?

[@c0c0asauce]

The 454 is bigger so it can make more power with the same quality of parts. The LS2 will be significantly lighter. I guess that also depends on what you call a bolt on.

[@full_metal_everything6929]

@@c0c0asauce 😚😚😚😚

[@orlanmedina3693]

Wonder whats needed to get 500hp out of one of these? Or even a 350

[@2carpros]

My build up with my compression should do 500 no problem. With a 350 you are really going to need a routy cam and high compression. Thanks for watching!

[@orlanmedina3693]

@@2carpros awesome build up. I want to put a V8 in a toyota starlet. Old school. So a 350 would do it. Maybe not a 500hp but even 300hp that's alot for that little car

[@curtissanchez8555]

How much an engine 454 like this one running for?

[@2carpros]

I bought this one from a junk yard for 500. Or did you mean complete and running?

[@rudyfuentes2674]

Wish i had a gen 4...got a gen 5

[@2carpros]

They are the more desirable ones Gen 5 is still good though! Thanks for watching!

[@themeez1000]

Sorry, it's called a Mark IV, then Gen 5 and 6 The only big block before the Mark IV is a W head big block.

[@2carpros]

Technically true because of a lawsuit with Ford but ehhh it's close enough and people know what I mean. Connotation VS Denotation and all that. Thanks for watching!

[@marshallbeard6082]

Hey brother i got a 454 that i want to rebuild

[@2carpros]

Then do it! This series will completely hold your hand! Thanks for watching!

[@cesarv337]

I need to replace my push rods! Help

[@2carpros]

On March 2nd the valve train video should be uploaded! So check back then!

[@cesarv337]

Thank you!!

[@LastGunMan]

tap the heads with dead blow hammer you will not have to pry on them

[@2carpros]

You know I tried that, didn't work. Really needed some leverage. Thanks for watching!

[@franklyle2798]

Great video series...but damn there's a lot of talking.

[@Affordablebath_remodel]

part two?

[@2carpros]

We actually finished the series last week. All the videos are in this playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLe3kz1i_LrtXZbYeeGRLIODtFY_Zy1lWa Thanks for watching!

[@robertferraro4739]

About how much was this build

[@2carpros]

I haven't added it all up honestly but if I had to guess probably right around 5k or so. Thanks for watching Robert!

[@triumph928]

Find it difficult to put faith into an individuals mechanical knowledge that refers too the distributor as a rotor.

[@2carpros]

Because people never misspeak. Sorry my teleprompter and director and writer and giant TV network must have taken a snooze that day. Thanks for watching!

[@dustingoad6430]

Distributor not a rotor and they are called push rods not rods.

[@yaboiimanuel8952]

It’s a distributor 😂😂

[@2carpros]

With a rotor on it. I misspoke I am human. Thanks for watching!

[@jacobpierson8995]

Man the water jackets were pretty cruddy

[@2carpros]

Yep. Pretty icky. Thanks for watching!

[@jacobpierson8995]

@@2carpros I've got a 350 in my 95 silverado, I just rebuilt the top end of my motor, I love watching stuff like this

[@prestonking5736]

It's not called a rotary it's a distributor

[@2carpros]

Yes, as I have said in the other 3 comments of people saying this. It was a simple misspeak. I am human. Thanks for watching!

[@grantlucas6678]

Why don't you clean it before you pull it apart .you don't no the first step

[@2carpros]

Wrong version of "know" first off, secondly you don't need to clean an engine before you take it apart as we hot tank it when it gets machined. Thanks for watching!

[@timothygeiger8271]

GM made the 454's up until the late 90's, i think it was 99._

[@2carpros]

Yeah something like that for the GEN 6. My Dad has a GM based motorhome that's a 1999 with a Vortec 454. Runs great and really makes the big heavy thing move. Thanks for watching!

[@timothygeiger8271]

Honestly GM small & big blocks were almost indestructible, if they were halfway taken care of. They were so versatile, which made them so popular with virtually everyone😊

[@timothygeiger8271]

@@2carpros your videos on rebuilding the Chevy small block (5.3L) is interesting. I've torn down the old small blocks, the 70's & 80's before. The new design should have helped reduce oil leaks. The cross bolts on the outside of the block is the same trick dodge did with the Hemi blocks😄

[@ramon9199]

I want to take out a stuck fuel push rod on my 454 how would I go about doing that ? @2carpros

[@scottkaercher1733]

You dumped a bunch of dirt down into the block.

[@2carpros]

Considering we are doing a full rebuild like I said it's not a big deal. Thanks for watching!

[@Dr_pepper.stunts]

Hit the gym bro. Hearing you strain is brutal

[@dustintunis9347]

FYI, that is a distributor, it has a rotor on it... Sorry, I'm sure it was just a brain fart, but you kept saying it.

[@2carpros]

I mean the rotor was removed the distributor just came with it. Yes brain farts happen to even me. I'm not perfect. Thanks for watching!

[@brandonbell8159]

You damn sure ain’t the smartest lol

[@2carpros]

Thanks bud.

[@egeorge2207]

He's sure is more informative than you lol

[@066montana]

It's not a gen 4 it's a mk1V. Lost me right away

[@2carpros]

It's a gen4. 2 piece rear main. Thanks for watching!