1998 454

EODMike

EODMike

Active Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2011
Location
New Bern
I have a chance to pick up a 1998 454 MPFI engine with 148,000 miles on it for $500. I would be putting it in my 72 blazer, just wanting to get some opinions on what everybody thinks, is it worth? I haven't found alot of aftermarket performance parts to increase the HP. Any opinions and ideas would be welcome before I drop that cash for this engine. Thanks
 
Are you planning on using it "as is" or freshening it up?
These were solid motors but you are at the end of the service life as it is. Rings and bearings are going to show some pretty good wear by 150k miles. A lot depends on the maint. and how hard it was used. Run a compression check on it. It will tell you what you need to know. Good luck!
 
If the 98 454 didn't have vortec heads, you're gonna have to throw a ton of cash at it to make decent hp numbers. For the same money spent, you could almost build a SBC of equal performance with a bit less weight. If anyone tells you different, let me know. I've been looking for economical performance mods for my 95 non-vortec 454. Now, if it's a vortec motor, you could sell just the heads for more than $500. That would be a worthwile investment.
 
willness33 said:
If the 98 454 didn't have vortec heads, you're gonna have to throw a ton of cash at it to make decent hp numbers. For the same money spent, you could almost build a SBC of equal performance with a bit less weight. If anyone tells you different, let me know. I've been looking for economical performance mods for my 95 non-vortec 454. Now, if it's a vortec motor, you could sell just the heads for more than $500. That would be a worthwile investment.
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the 98 "should" have the Vortec heads.

They are good motors...but it just depends on what you are trying to do with it. Tow rig? sure. Hotrod muscle car? potentially. Rock buggy? dont waste your time.

I have one in my tow rig and while it will pull a damn house down; it wont do it quickly and youll have to stop for gas halfway.
 
Thanks for all the help every one, I was going to get it to put into my 72 blazer that is my off road rig. I have a Gen I 383 stroker converted to propane in there now. I think for simplicity I am going to keep that and build it up instead. Thanks again for the the info and opinions.
 
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