How much can you bore a 454?
07-22-2003, 03:44 PM
#1
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How much can you bore a 454?
I have been debating SBC vs BBC for some time.. I was going SBC because of cost. already have a trick set of aluminum heads, 400 block(may be junk, not checked yet), rollers, etc..
However- I ran into a deal that may tilt the scales the other way. A prepped 454 block, forged pistons, rods, and crank. Basically, a $3000+ short block that a friend will trade for some of my SBC stuff.
My question is this- he said it is bored .120 over?? How much can you go on these and be safe? I have heard of .060, but never more than that.
Thanks
However- I ran into a deal that may tilt the scales the other way. A prepped 454 block, forged pistons, rods, and crank. Basically, a $3000+ short block that a friend will trade for some of my SBC stuff.
My question is this- he said it is bored .120 over?? How much can you go on these and be safe? I have heard of .060, but never more than that.
Thanks
07-22-2003, 05:37 PM
#2
Team Owner
Re: How much can you bore a 454? (Weird Science)
That is the max bore on a good BBC. I owned one. That bore and a 4.25 stroker crank is how you make @510 cubic inch big block chevys
[Modified by gkull, 4:38 PM 7/22/2003]
[Modified by gkull, 4:38 PM 7/22/2003]
07-22-2003, 08:27 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Re: How much can you bore a 454? (gkull)
That is the max bore on a good BBC. I owned one. That bore and a 4.25 stroker crank is how you make @510 cubic inch big block chevys
07-22-2003, 09:10 PM
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St. Jude Contributor
Re: How much can you bore a 454? (Weird Science)
There are blocks out there that are for racing applications that can be bored .120 over. Thinking that the *bowtie* blocks might be some of them since they have thicker cylinder walls. Here's something I ran into tonight at a racing engine site:
"The bore sizes for the factory big block engines was as follows: 396 - 4.094", 402 - 4.125", 427 & 454 - 4.25", 502 - 4.47". We do not recommend boring a production big block for street use more than .060". It is suggested that any production block bored more than .060" have the walls sonically tested to assure the block has adequate wall thickness & has not experienced core shift and water jackets filled with a block hardener. The factory 9.8" deck height block will accommodate a 4.25" stroke. The 10.2" deck height "truck" block will handle a 4.5" stroke. A longer stroke will require a raised camshaft. Aftermarket blocks such as the World Products "Merlin" may be safely bored to 4.625" and are available in 5 deck heights (9.8", 10.2", 10.6", 11.1" & 11.625") some with a .400" raised camshaft location which will accommodate strokes up to 5.5."
"The bore sizes for the factory big block engines was as follows: 396 - 4.094", 402 - 4.125", 427 & 454 - 4.25", 502 - 4.47". We do not recommend boring a production big block for street use more than .060". It is suggested that any production block bored more than .060" have the walls sonically tested to assure the block has adequate wall thickness & has not experienced core shift and water jackets filled with a block hardener. The factory 9.8" deck height block will accommodate a 4.25" stroke. The 10.2" deck height "truck" block will handle a 4.5" stroke. A longer stroke will require a raised camshaft. Aftermarket blocks such as the World Products "Merlin" may be safely bored to 4.625" and are available in 5 deck heights (9.8", 10.2", 10.6", 11.1" & 11.625") some with a .400" raised camshaft location which will accommodate strokes up to 5.5."
07-23-2003, 01:24 AM
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Re: How much can you bore a 454? (bgrice)
There are blocks out there that are for racing applications that can be bored .120 over. Thinking that the *bowtie* blocks might be some of them since they have thicker cylinder walls. Here's something I ran into tonight at a racing engine site:
"The bore sizes for the factory big block engines was as follows: 396 - 4.094", 402 - 4.125", 427 & 454 - 4.25", 502 - 4.47". We do not recommend boring a production big block for street use more than .060". It is suggested that any production block bored more than .060" have the walls sonically tested to assure the block has adequate wall thickness & has not experienced core shift and water jackets filled with a block hardener. The factory 9.8" deck height block will accommodate a 4.25" stroke. The 10.2" deck height "truck" block will handle a 4.5" stroke. A longer stroke will require a raised camshaft. Aftermarket blocks such as the World Products "Merlin" may be safely bored to 4.625" and are available in 5 deck heights (9.8", 10.2", 10.6", 11.1" & 11.625") some with a .400" raised camshaft location which will accommodate strokes up to 5.5."
"The bore sizes for the factory big block engines was as follows: 396 - 4.094", 402 - 4.125", 427 & 454 - 4.25", 502 - 4.47". We do not recommend boring a production big block for street use more than .060". It is suggested that any production block bored more than .060" have the walls sonically tested to assure the block has adequate wall thickness & has not experienced core shift and water jackets filled with a block hardener. The factory 9.8" deck height block will accommodate a 4.25" stroke. The 10.2" deck height "truck" block will handle a 4.5" stroke. A longer stroke will require a raised camshaft. Aftermarket blocks such as the World Products "Merlin" may be safely bored to 4.625" and are available in 5 deck heights (9.8", 10.2", 10.6", 11.1" & 11.625") some with a .400" raised camshaft location which will accommodate strokes up to 5.5."
hmmmm.. I found out this is a tall deck block. Also, it has 11:1 pistons. Real nice parts like childs & albert rods, je pistnos, 4340 crank, etc.. I don't want tall deck and 11:1 is more than I want to run on the street. So, I decided to pass on this. I think if I was going to drop good $$ on an engine, I would stick to .060 over max.
07-23-2003, 01:07 PM
#6
Drifting
Re: How much can you bore a 454? (Weird Science)
Structual soundness of the cylinder walls is why .060" is the safe limit. Even at .060 cooling can become an issue and warpage with heat. .120 is way out there and IMO a serious risk.
