Carbureted Vortec 454 in a 95

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Supercharged111

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The springs won't tolerate that much lift, ditch the rotators while you're in there too. I bought a Comp adjustable conversion kit and kept my stock rockers when I did my cam. I think it was about .520/.530 on the lift.
 

sparky

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First off dude, please use some punctuation next time. I had to read that 5 times over before I actually understood it. Thank you for also giving your info on intake manifold compatibility. I’m definitely not going to run EGR. I have to disagree with you though. $1500 will make 400hp. Car Craft, Hot Rod, and just about every reputable gear-head publication that does DIY things, has an article/write-up on how you can make big power for cheap with a BBC. Especially considering I won’t be buying a brand new intake, or carburetor. I’m getting those two for practically nothing. The cam I will be buying new. And yes I will probably get a full kit and do all of the valve-train mechanicals as well as the timing set. However, it is a generally accepted fact that, on roller lifter engines, it is not necessary to replace the lifters, IF they’re in good shape. I’m not going with a big cam by any means. The largest one I’ve looked at was like a 238/242 with .512 lift. And since this is a truck, I won’t be revving it to the moon. I’ll rarely get over 4500. So I could probably reuse the valve springs too being that this is a low mile motor I’m talking about. Like I said, I probably won’t reuse anything, but I could.


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Chillin Dylan

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really sounds like you already know it all

No I definitely don’t. But you were saying things that were simply wrong. I exaggerated a bit to make my point but the gist of what I said was true. Mainly the making power for cheap with a BBC and not having to change out everything in the valve-train to run a mild cam


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rpoL98

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1997 L29 in a K3500. Comp Cams 1411 roller-tip rockers, ARP 135-7102 conversion studs (3/8" bottom, 7/16" top), ARP Perma-loc adjuster nuts which are 1.200" tall. Reason for the 1.2" tall poly-locks is the rocker pivot ball is lower than your normal roller rocker trunion flat. Clears the stock valve covers (orange play-doh). had to re-use the stock pushrod guideplates because of the unique 3/8" stud base, which means I had to re-use the 5/16" pushrods.
 
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L29Sub

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It can be easily done. And codes wont be an issue since you won't need the ECM. I let the ECM run the fuel pump cycle, but oil sender controls the fuel pump when it sees oil pressure.
It's all bolt in. Just be sure to get the correct Vortec flywheel for your externally balanced crank. I used Holly intake, Q'jet with mild jet changes.
Don't know where you are located, but the truck will not pass inspection. Might not be a problem. But, technically speaking, it's "off road" toy.
And your NV4500 will easily handle a basically stock. A Cummins makes 6 cylinder torque st 450-1000+ lbs between 1200 and 3000 RPM. A Cummins will destroy gas engine NV4500s. Even now Cummins severely detunes their manual shift diesel output trucks. Your Vortec will make smooth power up to maybe 450 lbs at 4500 RPM. Huge difference. Unless you go in for major off road....or your transmission is already crap, it will be good behind a gas engine.
Really. The only complicated (relatively) item will relate to creating circuit that protects you air conditioning compressor when operated as stand alone.
The ECM will not allow the AC when it cannot see a run signal. But the AC can be made functional. Cruise will work without ECM as long as the speedo works.
The fuel pump will require changing, or use regulators. I used factory GM FI fuel pump with two regulators. One to get down to about 10 lbs, and the second down to 3.5 lbs. Worked without issues for 5 years.
My conversion was in front of an NV3500.
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Chillin Dylan

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The ECM controls the AC? I’m gonna use at least one regulator too. I think I like the re configuring the relay method for the fuel pump better than letting the ECM do anything. How will the cruise control continue to work? The TBI 454 is also externally balanced if I’m not mistaken, so my existing flywheel will work. The transmission has a fresh rebuild so I’m not worried about that, and I’m not a clutch dumper or hard shifter, not in my truck at least lol.


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Supercharged111

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It doesn't control it per se, but it can cut it off for conditions that it deems fit. I suspect if you give the PCM a few inputs, it'll continue to run the AC just as it would an automatic transmission. I want to 4L80 swap dad's carb'd Monte and the way I'm thinking now is with a chipped TBI PCM.
 

L29Sub

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The fuel pump circuit will need a "primer" switch to fill the carb if it sits without use. A typical carb has mechanical pump (can't do that on a Vortec) that pumped when engine cranked. The fuel pump should maintain the rollover switch and shut off via oil pressure switch. You already have fuel pump relay in the under hood fuse box.
The ECM can be removed without issues. Cruise works off speedo.
I strongly suggest buying a set of actory manuals for good electrical coverage and verify what does what before cutting up your harness. Memorize that puppy. The tach and all guages will function normally with a few new connections. There's a tach feed on the HEI. My AC low pressure hose required considerable modification. No biggy. Going carb will allow adjustable rockers and higher valve covers. Ego, better cam.
Here's a nice recipe for a decent Vortec. The cam kit is ideal for
Vortec.
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