HOW TO BUILD CHEAP, EASY, JUNKYARD 400-HP BBC COMBOS! GEN 5 454, GEN 6 454 & GEN 7 8.1L 496 POWER.

HOW MUCH POWER DOES A GEN 5 TBI 454 MAKE? HOW MUCH POWER DOES A GEN 6 454 MAKE? HOW MUCH POWER DOES A GEN 7 8.1L MAKE? HOW CAN I BUILD AN EASY, CHEAP 400-HP BIG BLOCK CHEVY? CAN I RUN PEANUT PORT HEADS AND STILL MAKE 450 HP? WILL A CAM ADD POWER TO MY JUNKYARD, GEN-6, 7.4L 454? DO I NEED A CAM TO MAKE 400+HP WITH MY GEN 7 8.1L? WHICH MOTOR MAKES THE MOST POWER, THE GEN-5 454, THE GEN-6 454 OR THE GEN-7 496? CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO ON DYNO-PROVEN (EASY-TO-BUILD) BIG-BLOCK CHEVY COMBOS THAT EASILY EXCEEDED 400 HP.

[@JGSnipes]

I just picked up a gen 6 454 last week after watching lots of your videos. Can’t wait for the 500-600 hp videos! Thanks for the easy formulas here!

[@timothywood3452]

Same I bought a whole k2500 suburban to swap the whole drivetrain into a short bed single cab k1500, I’m keeping the ifs and four linking the rear.

[@msh6865]

I hope people will keep stuffing big blocks into their projects. I see so many LS based builds nowadays and they're cool. But, there's just something special about a big block. Owned and enjoyed them all my life.

[@jayroc3337]

I have a 8.1 in a 2002 rcsb 1/2 ton gmc Sierra. It’s so fantastic

[@MarkSperlik]

Especially 2 BBC's in a boat cruising along singing in harmony at the exact same RPM with an open dry exhaust system ---- there's no better sound like it, y'all. 👍

[@christopherc3017]

Thank you. I have a mark iv in my 78 single cab dually gets nine mpg if truck is empty or pulling a load. still stock and runs great for what it is. I figured it’s about time to modernize the motor and bring it out of the seventies.

[@NorthNorth80sBaby]

Funny thing is, you make it make more power and will probably gain fuel mileage

[@Bammbino]

Dude your just a proven method man with proven results. Driving my car to my house thanks rich lol. Dude your the goat

[@ricksmith2476]

Good info will watch again

[@iblyles]

Love these videos! I have a Mark IV big block sleeping in an old RV in Texas. Soon I’m going to go pull it out, sprinkle lots of Richard Holdener knowledge on it (pistons, cam, heads, intake and headers) and stick in in my 68 Malibu wagon sleeper project. I’m standing by for the 500 and 600HP videos!

[@richardholdener1727]

Sounds great!

[@daviddavids3468]

Hi, I Also Have A 1987 Motorhome I Bought For The BIGBLOCK 454, Haven't Decided To Pull Motor Yet . It Runs And Drives Good, Poor Gas Mileage, But It Is A 27 Foot Motorhome. JUST WONDERING ABOUT THE HEADS , ARE THEY PEANUT PORTS OR PRE PEANUT PORT HEADS ?

[@daviddavids3468]

@@richardholdener1727 HI RICHARD, JUST WONDERING A 1987 454 IS THAT GEN IV ? AND ARE THE HEADS PEANUT PORTS ?

[@daviddavids3468]

@@richardholdener1727 MY 1987 MOTORHOME HAS A 454 , IS IT A GEN IV ? ALSO ARE HEADS PEANUT PORTS ? OR PRE PEANUT PORTS ?

[@vettedoctor6667]

@@daviddavids3468 the 1987 454 was Mark 4 with peanut port heads. If it has a carb it is usually 2 bolt main. If it has TBI it is usually 4 bolt main. If you remove the valve cover oil fill cap and see the springs are surrounded by a cylindrical sheet metal shield it is usually a 4 bolt main. Hope this helps.

[@keithlane4343]

Awesome. This will be a great series. Even though you'd think it's been done to death, can you do the same for small block Chevrolet gen I and gen II, with part numbers and parts / heads / etc. , available today. It's great to see power verified by the dyno. Thank you

[@jeremydeaderick1324]

Love the videos on the 454 s . Thank you for the info

[@ChevyFtWss]

Love watching these videos!

[@BBBILLY86]

Great series! love the big block content.

[@Haithamz]

Thank you Richard for the amazing contents

[@bradhollinger2532]

Just pulled the 6.0 L out of my 02 2500hd 4x4 4.10 and swapped in a gen 7 8.1 L , yeah the torque is awesome ! Pretty easy swap also

[@shitbox82]

You should post some videos about the swap, I’d like to know more about it…

[@andy347495]

Awesome, bring it on richard!

[@Captainfab406]

I always appreciate all your efforts and the wealth of info, but your on screen specs for the XE268H cam are the small block specs not the big block specs.

[@clintonmaurer5758]

Dart makes a carb manifold for the 8.1, love to see that on the dyno once. Awesome video

[@richardholdener1727]

I have one to test

[@samanthacooper6776]

Richard, I have to deal with CA smog issues in a street driven truck. I have a nice 4 bolt main Mark 5 454 short block with Mahle flat top pistons and a complete Gen 6 top end. What can that do with the factory MPFI system on it?

[@richardholdener1727]

I don't understand the question

[@charliemahaffey3639]

I'd like to see what kind of HP a gen 6 454 would make with a crate gen 6 zz502 cam swap

[@richardholdener1727]

that would be similar to the 276 cam i installed

[@stanleyolson8049]

Could you do a build on a 6.8 v10 triton Ford

[@ImReallyKay]

What would be the biggest cam that can be used in the Gen VI with stock pistons?

[@richardholdener1727]

near 230 intake duration @ .050

[@deraculandrac917]

Question on the GEN 5 454 did you replace the factory non adjustable rocker arms with screw in studs and guide plates?

[@richardholdener1727]

yes

[@deraculandrac917]

@@richardholdener1727 Thank you Richard

[@infamousnova]

Here's the question, will Richard use the special cam in these upcoming test!

[@jeremydeaderick1324]

What would be a good a piston upgrade for a gen 6 454 with stock crank , rods and stock heads

[@richardholdener1727]

any 18-22cc dome

[@RickHaile]

Good video! I built a 30 over 454 about 35 years ago. It had flat tops, closed chamber large ovals with 2:19-1:88 valves and mild porting. It had a Comp Cams 292 Magnum with 244 at 50 and 556 lift cam. Dual plane intake and opened up 800 double pumper carb. Any idea at my H.P. level?

[@richardholdener1727]

flat tops would be low compression. I'm thinking 500-525 maybe.

[@RickHaile]

@@richardholdener1727 Thank you so much for getting back to me! With a 1969 closed chamber head I was guessing about 10 to 1. I may be wrong of course. I know it ran really good on pump gas in my daily driver. A 68 Camaro with a Turbo 400 and a 4:10 geared 12 bolt posi. rear end! Thanks for your input! I didn't think you would get back to me on this. Keep up the good work!

[@NorthNorth80sBaby]

What are those beehive springs you have there? I’m trying to pick out a cam for the gen 6 but I need to keep it cheap as possible. I’m thinking pac 1200 springs with rotator eliminators? Can I put a .600” lift cam in with the stock flat tops and the L-29 heads? Can I use the same valve spring retainer locks as are on my springs now? Part number for adjustable rocker studs? Will my 1.7 rockers work with this setup?

[@richardholdener1727]

not sure on springs for the BBC

[@NorthNorth80sBaby]

@ oh well, thanks for the response Richard! I think the PAC-1220 with the straub rotator eliminators is the way I’m going. Want to go with a somewhat mild .575” lift on 112 or so LSA. I’m thinking of porting the L-29 heads myself to take out some of the casting marks and the swirl ramp. I’ll message back on here with results!

[@divadyrdnal]

Can’t wait for the next combos…How do you know when your oval port heads are the limit on a BB Chevy?

[@richardholdener1727]

FLOW RATE VS POWER OUTPUT

[@daviddavids3468]

HEAD FLOW YES , BUT ALSO COMPRESSION AND ARE YOU GOING TO RUN BOOST ?

[@bradenmolloy7443]

Nice to know the 6.0 ls can make about the same torque as the 454 stock. It can make a big difference how the head, intake, and cam can make a smaller engine make similar power haven’t looked at the stock peanut port power levels 🕺🕺🕺

[@bradenmolloy7443]

Going to after this tho 😉

[@richardholdener1727]

A 6.0L DOESN'T MAKE 454 TORQUE

[@kristopherjohnson5782]

Your torque and rpm will be way out of whack compared to the 454s numbers.

[@AlanRoehrich9651]

Why not test a cam or two in the 8.1? Comp has a nice one.

[@chrisjacobs7352]

I have a 98 Vortec. Can I just throw this cam and springs in and a tune and call it a day or do I need to clearance the valves and install a stall converter? Has headers, true duals, egr delete, new Delphi improved oem injectors, and 85mm throttle body on stock intake manifold with cold air intake, 3.73 rears, 4l80e trans. 98 Silverado c3500 dually.

[@richardholdener1727]

You need springs and it will have to be tuned-a smaller cam can be used with a stock converter

[@chrisjacobs7352]

@ thanks. I’ve had trouble finding a cam with increased duration while maintaining a stock 480/483 lift. If one exists, would you know the part number?

[@kadehinojos2598]

When you did the aftermarket cam and springs on the gen 6 did you keep the 650 carburetor or go bigger

[@richardholdener1727]

it only made 425 hp-the 650 was fine-but I have run many of these-including with larger 750 carbs

[@angelovasilikos7980]

I love these videos!

[@ac13apollolee77]

Ok all this is fine well and good however is this the right question

[@jimalex8833]

Richard I’m rebuilding a 69 427, block from factory is not notched for valve clearance. Is it needed and will it really make a difference in power?

[@richardholdener1727]

a 427 has the big bore already

[@dadgarage7966]

S.A.E. net ratings are a reality many, particularly old timers, can't or won't comprehend.

[@a1109101112]

Where did you get the long tube headers for the gen 6 454? I can’t find anything

[@richardholdener1727]

same as every other bbc

[@marcusking9078]

Ohh you have my attention now

[@jasondelo4354]

Just got a gen 6 that was a natural gas engine. Has gen 5 933 118 cc heads on it. Are those heads worth messing with?

[@richardholdener1727]

is it a peanut port head

[@BBD40]

I need a recipe for twin marine 454/496 400hp. I have mk4 blocks and stock mercruiser heads to start with. Motors currently have 900 hours and still running

[@richardholdener1727]

making them bigger is a good step

[@oydina-leebanks534]

any header size testing for these bbc's

[@richardholdener1727]

yes

[@oydina-leebanks534]

@@richardholdener1727 having a hard time trying to fit 2 inch headers on my 496 square body 4x4 but cant find any 1 7/8 anywhere

[@christopherbrown1861]

Quick question ... Need simple answer please .... I have a Gen 5 BBC... I'm putting a Howards 555 lift rattler cam in it ... Question is which one do I use .?.?. The MKIV cam or Gen 6 cam ???? Pleeeeeaaaassssseeeeee

[@christopherbrown1861]

@richardholdener1727 please help me which option/options I need to do to run this cam... No gen 5 version

[@richardholdener1727]

a gen 5 uses a flat tappet mark 4 cam

[@brawler3475.0]

Are you changing to adjustable valve train on the Gen 5 and Gen 6

[@richardholdener1727]

we normally do-but it is not required

[@brawler3475.0]

@@richardholdener1727 how much left can you run with a non adjustable valve train

[@dawson7875]

How do you bypass the oil cooler on the Gen 6 454?

[@richardholdener1727]

plugs and removal

[@nickyochem153]

I am working on my Gen VI project and have my eye on gm crate HT502. Do you know if the factory vortec intake will work on that engine? I know i will need a tune, but do you know if the factory computer and fuel sys work as well?

[@richardholdener1727]

the vortech intake is for oval ports-what heads does the 502 have-otherwise it will work.

[@nickyochem153]

@@richardholdener1727 from the pictures online for part #88890534 it is showing oval ports. It also has the center crossover which my current heads do not have. I am just nervous to pull the trigger only to find out my intake setup will not work.

[@danielormsby2201]

Have you ever done a head swap from different generations. Example a gen5 454 with mark4 heads? Good idea bad idea, whats the potential performance of such swap?

[@daviddavids3468]

HI I WONDERING ABOUT THE GEN IV HEADS TOO , I HAVE A 1987 454 , THATS GEN IV RIGHT ? WAS WONDERING IF THE HEADS ARE GOOD ? OR ATLEAST DECENT ?

[@danielormsby2201]

@@daviddavids3468 the gen 5 was 91-95 The 87 you have is a mark IV (4)

[@danielormsby2201]

@@daviddavids3468 what are the casting numbers on the heads you have

[@daviddavids3468]

@@danielormsby2201 NOT SURE MY MOTORHOME IS BURIED IN A FEW FEET OF SNOW STILL .

[@danielormsby2201]

@@daviddavids3468 unless they've been changed, they're going to be peanut port heads.

[@pmd7771969]

400 and 500 can be done on the cheap if you plan smartly

[@gainerman]

Just slapping a crate motor gmpp cam in that throttle body 454 with the original springs should of got you 400 if you had 334 initially lol .that one was a ringer

[@richardholdener1727]

a cam won't get you 400 hp in a Gen 5

[@donksdunks1745]

@Richard Holdener what will?👀

[@RustyZipper]

@@donksdunks1745- heads

[@oydina-leebanks534]

i thought the better heads and 276 roller cam would have made more power than the xe268 and peanut ports

[@vr6swp]

The gen 5 motor had a little more displacement and a lot more compression than stock

[@Harrybowles1969]

Gen 5 sounds like it would be a killer driver

[@oydina-leebanks534]

@@vr6swp yes but still had less than 1 point more compression. gen 6 9:1 and gen 5 9.7:1

[@daviddavids3468]

YES THE GEN V , MADE MORE POWER , CAUSE OF A LITTLE MORE COMPRESSION, BUT WHY THE GEN VI SUCK SO BAD ? IT HAS BIGGER/ BETTER HEADS AND A ROLLER CAM !

[@karlsracing8422]

Finally! Ls videos are so boring

[@ac13apollolee77]

Now how do I get the widest power curv/ tork curv let's say above 350 and below 500 horse. Now that we have a real question talk to us balled y I know you have the answer your flower the Bloody knuckle!

[@richardholdener1727]

use your words

[@donksdunks1745]

@Richard Holdener I have a BBC casting #12561357 non roller & head#12562932 what's the biggest cam kit??, I can go with without any problems!! Thanks Cam+lifters+springs are a must!!!!

[@richardholdener1727]

i need more info and P-V will determine the cam

[@donksdunks1745]

@Richard Holdener it's basically a stock 454 I'm doing a carb,intake, distributor,headers swap decided to do a cam,spring,lifter kit while it's out! Idk compression etc. I'm learning as I go bc nobody wants to work & I'm tired of depending on others!!!! It's gone Go or Blow🤷🏾‍♂️😂 May just order crate motors from now on.... SMH This is not FUN AT ALL ANYMORE PPL JUST TAKE YOUR $$ & RUN😠👿

[@briankiker8272]

I've got A 598 big block Chevrolet. Ready to be put together I'll send it to you. Everything but the heads. 800-1000hp

[@richardholdener1727]

no thnx

[@donksdunks1745]

😂🤣

[@TheProchargedmopar]

👍💪

[@thegdfp6447]

400? Pull a plug wire.

[@pmd7771969]

I know all this

[@unclesquirrel6951]

Personally I blame squirrels

[@thereluctantgearhead4544]

If I was young and trying to learn about engines, this video would make me think bigblock Chevys suck. But since I've been building engines for 40yrs and many of them were bigblock Chevys, I know better. A 400hp bigblock Chevy is a waste of space. Properly built, not many engines can compete with the Rat. NHRA legal "Stock" LS-5s with the Q-jet and cast iron intake are making over 600hp these days, NHRA Superstock L-88 427s are over 900hp with a single 850 DP Holley and run mid 8s in the 1/4. It's almost like this is a anti bigblock Chevy video making the youngsters think the big Rat is junk and the LS is way superior. But go to any dragstrip on any weekend and you'll see plenty of big Chevys kicking everyone else's ass. I tried competing with them on the street back in the day with Pontiac and Olds engines, it just showed me how good those Rats really are. Those late model 454s already had their balls cut off. The old ones are the ones that really have the potential in stock form. But any 454 can be built into a monster real easy. Ole Steve Brule knows....

[@richardholdener1727]

90% OF BIG BLOCKS ON THE ROAD ARE LIKE THESE-JUST A STARTING POINT FOR MORE POWER

[@thereluctantgearhead4544]

@@richardholdener1727 most all the bigblock Chevys I see these days are in drag cars and pulling trucks. Pretty rare to see them on the street these days. I see more smallblock Chevys being built than all other engines combined. But sadly, not many folks of the younger generation even cares about this stuff, it's mostly just us old guys keeping hotrodding alive. Trying to hold on to the good ole days.

[@thereluctantgearhead4544]

@@richardholdener1727 With these gas prices, I expect to see even less hotrods on the street. Especially equipped with thirsty Rats.

[@richardcoleman9645]

330hp- 450tq normally, should not be hard to make 400hp.

[@EChunter]

400 hp bbc should be considered a failure.

[@richardholdener1727]

its stock with a cam

[@EChunter]

@@richardholdener1727 I stand by my original statement, a 400 hp bbc is a failure, this isn't 1970.

[@NAPAuniversalJoints]

@@EChunter not when its in the old tow rig or farm truck or a weekend offroader

[@EChunter]

@@NAPAuniversalJoints yes even then .

[@87FoRunner]

I bet it drives great. I bet it makes fun noises in a street rod. I bet it does not lack power or vacuum for us running larger cars in the real world.

[@michaelangelo8001]

There's no such thing as a big block "chevy".

[@Harrybowles1969]

There is no such thing as a Chevy!

[@michaelangelo8001]

@@Harrybowles1969 Exactly.

[@mikehunntt5338]

Well if someone says they have one send it to me for disposal

[@richardholdener1727]

Chevys are the best motors around!

[@michaelangelo8001]

@@richardholdener1727 You poor illiterate... There's also no such word as "hunderd", or "ecksetera".