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I'd have to vote for rebuilding the original motor. A valve and/or ring job may be all it needs to eliminate the smoke issue. And keep the electronic ignition.
Replacing the gauges would not be that difficult or costly if you truely don't like the electronic/digital ones.
And I agree that the only way the fuel economy on a 454 is going to really improve is to just not start it. 
But if you plan to drive the car cross country a lot you may want to consider swapping the tranny out for an overdrive unit (didn't see whether you have an automatic or manual) or change the gear ratios in the differential (you may want to do this regardless of which engine you choose to go with).
But if you plan to drive the car cross country a lot you may want to consider swapping the tranny out for an overdrive unit (didn't see whether you have an automatic or manual) or change the gear ratios in the differential (you may want to do this regardless of which engine you choose to go with).Also agree that if you decide do go the crate way hang on to the 454. If the next 'caretaker' of your car doesn't want it you will have some extra pocket change to play with or one heck of a nice power plant for a project car.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
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G
Lifetime Member
Send PMJoined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo
1969 Convert Big Block
1996 Grand Sport Convert
Before You decide I'd figure out what shape the Original Motor really is in. Do a Compression Check or better Yet a Leak down Test. Look for signs of Rebuilding. If it stiill has the Original Numbers on the Deck Surface look close to the Head to see if any Machining has been done "up close" to the Numbers. Its possible to deck a Block without Hitting the Numbers. Are the head Gaskets Stock??? Most aftermarket ones will be Blue or some other color than Stock. Pulling an Oil fill cap you might be able to see if it has Aftermarket Valve Seals. These are all common signs of Rebuilding. As far as Gas Millage goes Fuel Injection and a 5 Speed Trans would probably do the biggest Gains. There is no Reason a Big Block can't do Ok Millage. A new Z06 has a 427 and gets 26MPG. If Your going to do Engine Mods I'd Park the Stock Motor and Start with an other Motor wether being a Machine Shop or Crate Motor. Richard.....
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s
No Question, keep what you got !!
(Click image for a bigger version)
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b
Hey guys, thanks for all the response. Got some good info, and I think i'm leaning toward rebuild the 454 and make some performance upgrades. I'll keep ya'll updated on the progress. Thanks again
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g
I'd have to agree with everyone, but especially Norsky or Gale Banks. A tranny swap, rear end swap or fuel injection would help with the fuel economy. Either way, I would keep the 454. Having the original kind of gets in the way; however, it is cool when friends come over and start looking at the block on a stand!
My .02
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V
TAKE THE RAT OUT , DUNK IT , GUT IT, PUT ALL KINDS OF NEW GOODIES IN IT, DRESS IT UP, PUT IT BACK IN THE CAR AND DRIVE LIKE HELL. NEVER SHELVE A BIG BLOCK.
THAT`S WHAT I`D DO. GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY THE RIDE
THAT`S WHAT I`D DO. GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY THE RIDEBe the first to like this post
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V
FUEL ECOMOMY! WHAT`S THAT! BUY A VOLKSWAGON. OR A NEW C6.
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in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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