Need advise restoring a 1971 454 t-top
07-03-2004, 05:48 PM
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3rd Gear
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Need advise restoring a 1971 454 t-top
Hello, I’m a new member to your site (by the way, good job to whoever put it together).
I’m in the process of restoring a 1971 Vette, T-top with a 454 TH400. There’s many areas I need help in:
1. I plan on building the existing engine as follows: 496 cubic inch stroker crank, using exisiting #820 open chamber heads, high lift cam, 850 Demon carb, possibly headers. Horsepower goals are in the 500 to 600 range. I recently had the rear end freshed up with new bearings/seals. The TH400 will be rebuilt to handle bigger HP. My questions are as follows:
- Will the stock rear end & suspension handle this kind of horse power?
- I’m playing with the idea of re-gearing the rear end from 3:08’s to 4:11’s then replacing the TH-400 with one of the newer GM overdrive transmissions (I believe called 700R). Has any had any experience in using this 700R trans. in a C3 & will it withstand the 500 to 600 horsepower?
- The #820 open chamber heads are the large oval port type. I understand these can be ported and larger valves installed. Has anyone done this? Do the current head configuration flow well enough?
- I understand the aluminum radiators work best. Does anyone have a good source for these?
- Headers make horsepower & I’ll need a set to make this engine breath. Has anyone put headers on a 71 C3 454? It’s already a very tight fit with the stock cast iron manifolds. Headers look like a nightmare to install?
- I found a couple of sources for new 2 ½” exhaust kits on the internet. Can the car handle 3” exhaust from header to mufflers (keep in mind the exhaust runs through a cross member)? Do you have any sources?
2. I need a source for all of the emblems, weather striping, bumpers, interior seat covers, center console, door & kick panels, etc, etc, etc. There’s probably hundreds of companies on the internet selling these items. I would like the best price but don’t want to sacrifice quality. Who has the best quality at a fair price?
3. All of the vacuum junk under the hood will need some attention (wiper doors, H/Light doors, etc). Does anyone know of a good book on diagnosing these devices?
4. Does anyone know of a good instructional book on fiberglass repair.
I’m in the process of restoring a 1971 Vette, T-top with a 454 TH400. There’s many areas I need help in:
1. I plan on building the existing engine as follows: 496 cubic inch stroker crank, using exisiting #820 open chamber heads, high lift cam, 850 Demon carb, possibly headers. Horsepower goals are in the 500 to 600 range. I recently had the rear end freshed up with new bearings/seals. The TH400 will be rebuilt to handle bigger HP. My questions are as follows:
- Will the stock rear end & suspension handle this kind of horse power?
- I’m playing with the idea of re-gearing the rear end from 3:08’s to 4:11’s then replacing the TH-400 with one of the newer GM overdrive transmissions (I believe called 700R). Has any had any experience in using this 700R trans. in a C3 & will it withstand the 500 to 600 horsepower?
- The #820 open chamber heads are the large oval port type. I understand these can be ported and larger valves installed. Has anyone done this? Do the current head configuration flow well enough?
- I understand the aluminum radiators work best. Does anyone have a good source for these?
- Headers make horsepower & I’ll need a set to make this engine breath. Has anyone put headers on a 71 C3 454? It’s already a very tight fit with the stock cast iron manifolds. Headers look like a nightmare to install?
- I found a couple of sources for new 2 ½” exhaust kits on the internet. Can the car handle 3” exhaust from header to mufflers (keep in mind the exhaust runs through a cross member)? Do you have any sources?
2. I need a source for all of the emblems, weather striping, bumpers, interior seat covers, center console, door & kick panels, etc, etc, etc. There’s probably hundreds of companies on the internet selling these items. I would like the best price but don’t want to sacrifice quality. Who has the best quality at a fair price?
3. All of the vacuum junk under the hood will need some attention (wiper doors, H/Light doors, etc). Does anyone know of a good book on diagnosing these devices?
4. Does anyone know of a good instructional book on fiberglass repair.
07-04-2004, 11:20 AM
#3
3rd Gear
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Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: Downey CA
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Re: Need advise restoring a 1971 454 t-top (RHD '68 L89)
Thanks, I'm really enjoying (and benefiting) from all of your discussions. Hopefully I'll be able contribute my expertise, as well.
Alan
Alan
