BB 454 performance parts

[lt1firem6]

I am in the process of purchasing a 70's chevy duelly with a 454 and I think a m4,anyway I paln on making this truck a tow rig,can someone point me in the right direction for go-fast parts for that engine and trans,I am new to big blocks used to fooling with lt1's

[five7kid]

Welcome to the Rat world!

A 70's truck, if stock, should have a q-jet on it. Step #1 is to avoid any temptation or "expert" recommendation to put something else on it. If the q-jet has problems, fix it or put another one on it. There are several competent companies out there that can take an apparent FUBAR q-jet and make it like new again.

Next, you need to understand that there is a big difference between "tow" and "go-fast". That engine will not be "go-fast", because it will have something great for tow but poor for go-fast - namely "peanut heads". So, the rest will be based on those realities.

Now, what to do: Always #1 - EXHAUST!!! Headers (don't go nuts on the primary tube size, 1-3/4" will be fine), good-flowing 2-1/2" duals the rest of the way (assuming you don't have catalytic converters). After that, a good intake manifold like the Weiand Action+ (great match with peanut heads), and an RV (towing) cam.

That's about all you need to do. It won't be a barn burner in the quarter mile, but it will pull like the dickens.

[lt1firem6]

Welcome to the Rat world!

A 70's truck, if stock, should have a q-jet on it. Step #1 is to avoid any temptation or "expert" recommendation to put something else on it. If the q-jet has problems, fix it or put another one on it. There are several competent companies out there that can take an apparent FUBAR q-jet and make it like new again.

Next, you need to understand that there is a big difference between "tow" and "go-fast". That engine will not be "go-fast", because it will have something great for tow but poor for go-fast - namely "peanut heads". So, the rest will be based on those realities.

Now, what to do: Always #1 - EXHAUST!!! Headers (don't go nuts on the primary tube size, 1-3/4" will be fine), good-flowing 2-1/2" duals the rest of the way (assuming you don't have catalytic converters). After that, a good intake manifold like the Weiand Action+ (great match with peanut heads), and an RV (towing) cam.

That's about all you need to do. It won't be a barn burner in the quarter mile, but it will pull like the dickens.
alright cool thanks for the info,I guess I should have re-typed go-fast,I mainly want it to pull,sound,and look good,as of know it has a flat bed looking for a reguler dually bed,and also it is a 78

[five7kid]

It shouldn't have a cat, which is nice. Regardless, easy enough to eliminate it if it does.

Doug Thorley headers are a bit more expensive (okay, a lot more expensive) than others available, but they're made from stainless steel and can take the heat of heavy hauling a lot better than mild steel. Plus they're a good design from a flow perspective. Get them ceramic coated and you'll be set for good. Header fatigue is a common problem with tow/RV BBC's (as is cast iron - ever hear one of those trucks with a big exhaust leak under the hood?), so consider that when you look over the choices.

This outfit http://www.aeroexhaust.com/ has an interest concept in muffler design. I put one of their 3" "Turbine" mufflers on our full size van (350, single exhaust). Definately a noticeable difference in power and economy over the stock type muffler. When loaded, at least on our van, it does produce a bit of a drone, but should be better on a truck. A bit pricey, again, but solid concept.

[Turbo-Zone.com]

The QuadraJets are decent if they're working right.

If you want something that works, look at Jegs or Summit, they have kits for different motors. They are packaged for the towing or performance level you want. Check out:
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_761994_-1_123484