vette dreams part 2a: tweeking a '72 454

I thought I found the ideal car until I realized that the 454 only produces 270 bh; I had promised myself ca. 400. From the description however, the rest of the car is so ideal, it's worth asking about tweaking the engine to produce another 100-130 bhp. I realize this is a somewhat similiar to another current thread, but I hope I get more specific to the following questions:

1) Are there relatively straightforward ways of gaining 100-130 bhp?
2) What is the cost of carrying out these modifications?
3) How long would it take to do such modifications?

Unleaded gas in the UK is ca. 95 octane. Would there be any problelms in running high compression engines.

Kind regards,
David
PS: Please tell me that I need sidepipes this state of tune. :-)

to answer part of my own question; skim the heads + new pistons = raised compression


Any idea of cost ?

thanks and regards

Hi Dave;

I also have a 72 454 that I have just recently started to resesitate from multi year hibernation. Remember that the 270HP rating is a rear wheel value, the 72 LS-5 BB is identical to the 71 engine that was rated at 365HP.

That said, a set of headers, side pipes, a slightly warmer cam, and a newer intake maifold / carb combo will get you approx 50-75 Hp depending how aggressive you get with the cam.

If you want to increase CR, I would suggest new pistons, instead of milling the heads.

Yes side pipes are nice, but after seeing a sweet young thing burn her l;eg getting out of a C2 at a show, I have stayed away from them. Bought a set of the chambered exhaust pipes fron Mid-America, intend to install later this spring.

Good luck.

NJ BB Ken

thanks for your informative reply.

My 7 4 sb is about to go frame off, I'll see what I can do t that

good luck wiith your work