Big Block Boat Anchor... What next?

[pokey64]

A couple weeks ago our 454 lost oil pressure and developed a low end knock. Got it in to the local shop on Friday. They had oil pressure so I had a little hope for it. They pulled the block, dropped the pan and there were some big chucks of rings in the pans and also a ball of what looks like steel wool which was what plugged my oil pick up and caused the loss in pressure.


They pulled a couple rod ends before the end of the day and found a couple pretty worn bearings The crank didn't look too good either.
Monday they pulled a couple pistons and the cylinder walls and pistons were scored. So they knew it needed to be bored and rebuilt. Today they broke the rest of the engine down and found a few worse cylinder walls and a spun main bearing. The crank was for sure toast for sure at this point.



You can see that the engine was stuck at one time.









They dropped it off at the machinist. While cleaning the block he found a lovely crack through one of the mains.



Now I'm looking for our next step. When we bought the car the plan was to be driving it this Summer not rebuilding it. So we don't want to get stuck in engine jail. We're leaning towards a crate motor and we want to stay BBC. We want something that will be great for street use but some extra HP would be nice.

What direction would you head? What do you think the best bang for the buck is?

Thanks

[pokey64]

Here's what I have left to work with if I don't go with a full blown crate engine.

Stock cast heads.
After market cam but don't know any specs yet. It is more aggresive than stock but nothing crazy.
Cloyes timing chain and cover.
Edelbrock carb. I'll have to grab the model tomorrow.
A mystery Chinese aluminum dual plane intake. Someone ground off the markings and there's 2 coats of paint on it...







With the other bugs we had to work out, we only have driven the car about 50 miles.

Thanks

[GregWeld]

Ed -- That bites! Been there - done that.....

Do a 502/502 complete -- plop it in there and it will spin the tires off... 7 grand and you're all done.

They come carb to pan -- just sell the chinese intake at the flea market where it belongs... you should be able to get enough to get 7 quarts of oil for the new motor!

[Vegas69]

I diagree with my buddy Greg. Those 502's can be out performed fairly easily by a decent engine builder for similar money. They also are known for sucking oil due to low tension oil rings.

[dubbleu]

Find a good engine builder and do a 496 stroker. There's a ton of info on teamchevelle.com Good luck!

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I diagree with my buddy Greg. Those 502's can be out performed fairly easily by a decent engine builder for similar money. They also are known for sucking oil due to low tension oil rings.

FINE!

What you say is true -- my 502 did suck oil....

But they're a good value for $7K

[jski67]

Browse the Performance forum on Team Chevelle...tons of excellent big block info and plenty of ideas on how to spend your money...ask me how I know.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/

Jason

[pokey64]

Thanks for the info guys. I got some calls out and have my gearhead buddies seeing what they can find. I'll check out Team Chevelle tonight.

What is a REALISTIC timeline for having an engine custom built?

[deuce_454]

there are a gazillion ready to ship BBC crate engines out there... just get the one you want, if a 502 is just what you want they are great value, but once you start swapping ot parts its a waste of money... then its better to get one to your spec if you are in the market for a new engine that is...

this one was on my wish list till i sold by BBC car...
http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines/540_realstreet.asp

but a remanufactured 502 with a healthy cam is also a good option

you could also check www.racingjunk.com there are usually some interesting ones for sale