eng rebuild RWHP

[dnrnflcpl469]

Hey hello everyone i have BB Chevy 454 and want to add a new cam, lifters,rockers a set good for at least 7000 rpm plus. also while im tearing things apart what can i do to develop some great RWHP.
any and all advise appreciated thanks one and all Dan

[dimefury]

I'm not well versed in chevy engines, but the following tricks can be done with any motor to increase RPM and power........
-weigh all moving parts and remove some material (through mild grinding) to get all like parts identical in weight (rods, rockers, etc.) then polish them
-get forged pistons
-if available, get a fully counterbalanced crank, then knife edge it
-have the block gone over by a machine shop, bore, deck (will give you a slightly higher comp. ratio)
-replace all belt driven accessories with electric units (fuel/water pumps, etc.)

....just a couple ideas off the top of my head.....chevy guys could probably help more....

[-The Stig-]

add some form of forced induction: Supercharger, Turbo or Nitrous.

Those always help. hehe.

[Andydg]

Cam and heads always help. I'm not sure how far you're tearing the engine down but you could get a stroker kit for it too.

[MrPbody]

To rev a 454 up there, you must have a forged steel crankshaft. We've seen MANY failures of cast cranks (iron AND steel). Due to the long strokes used in these engines, harmonics are a bitch. As another said, have it internally balanced, lighten it up, use only GOOD parts, etc.
We usually use Dart heads for race BBCs. Some customers opt for iron. Heavy stuff. We've also installed a couple pair of the "Jeg's" BBC aluminum heads. Not bad for the money! Not Darts, though.
You'll need at least a flat tappet solid lifter cam, and probably a solid roller would be the better choice.
What kind of vehicle are you installing this in? What is the origin of the engine(car or truck)? What are your fuel requirements (octane)?
All this is doable. You must establish a budget (being certain it's realistic). Then prioritize the steps. You will certainly need the assistance of a high quality machine shop (automotive).
Boring, balancing, good head work, right cam choice, are all part of the package. Tell me as closely as you can, what exactly your performance goals/needs are, and I can put together a suggested package for you.

Jim

[boarder_punk]

DO NOT stroke it if you want high rpms. This will just make it more difficult for the reciprocating assembly (pistons, conrods) to change direction at the end of each stroke. It would actually help with rpms to DE-stroke it.

You will need the best of everthing when it comes to your valvetrain; maybe see what Jesel Valvetrain Innovation (www.jeselonline.com) has to offer for your application. Or you could try Coates International Ltd. (www.coatesengine.com/technology.html). They offer a very innovative camshaft design that will handle extremely high rpms.

[MrPbody]

Borderjunk is correct. Stroking it will pull the power band "down". We seldom see any BBCs with the 4" or longer strokes revving higher than 6,500, except in all-out racing applications.
We have one 427 (bored .100" to 447 CID) that turns on the shift light at 8,000 and bumps the chip at 8,400. Just over 800 horsepower. NOT a "street" engine. The shorter stroke makes the revs livable.

Still waiting for a more definitive answer to the application.

Jim