454 in 3rd Gen Camaro

[oramac5891]

Just curious if anyone on here has installed a 454 in a 3rd Gen? I was given an early 70's 454 4 bolt main engine in a trade for some work. I have a 1985 Z28 that currently has a 1970 Vette 350. I'm assuming swapping to a 454 will require some suspension upgrading. Also, my car currently has a 700r4 trans which will be changed to a turbo 400 more than likely if I go through with the swap. Thanks in advance for all info and advice.

[Trash man]

its been done. www.thirdgen.org will have the info u need if ur search for it. i almost bout one. it was a 88 iroc with a 70 ss chevelle LS6 454 with a t-5(its headed for a early death). not much room thats for sure.

[oramac5891]

Thanks for the info. There's definitely not a bunch of room under the hood for a 454. I was actually planning on turning my 350 into a 383 stroker when I was offered this 454. I need to run the numbers on the block and heads to see exactly what I have. I'm also concerned about my 9 bolt rear end holding up to the higher torque output of the 454. Thanks again for the info.

[Trash man]

9 bolt will break if u hook up decent over time. i got a webpage so u can look up the numbers. let me find it for you real quick

edit: here it is http://www.mortec.com/

[Dave Vince]

This is a common swap. There are plenty of them at the track. If you keep it mild your rear should hold up. If you put good heads, roller cam, good induction, converter, you are looking at about 650hp which will take out the stock 10 bolt. The tightest spot will be the drivers side header.

[oramac5891]

I checked thirdgen.org and found some valuable info. I think for now I'm going to stick with the 350, buy a stroker kit for it, and go from there. My goal is to have this car running high 12's with a 383, 700R4, and 3.45 gears. Do you all think that's realistic or wishful thinking?

[Trash man]

high 12s are done with LS1 cars, so u could see 11 seconds if its done right and nothing breaks. but word of warning, the 9 bolt isnt that much stronger then a 10 bolt