More horsepower/ pick up

[ROCKSTAR]

My 02¢.
Yank the current one out, and toss an equivalent one back in. Not all that difficult if you follow the instructions laid out in a service manual that you can find on this site, or better yet a book for your truck available at most auto parts stores.
Once it's up and running, take the old one that's sitting in the corner, put it up on a stand and rip that sucker apart. By then, you should have more confidence and knowledge (due to research) and rebuild it the for the goals you are trying to reach. Maybe get it bored and stroked, new rotating assembly, cam, heads etc.
This forum is great at spending others $$$$, but the knowledge on here is priceless as well. Lots of guys/gals have done what you want to do.
If you are uncomfortable doing the work on your own, reach out to someone in your area via the interwebs, church, classifieds, Goodyear blimp or however you can, and see if someone is willing to mentor you through it.

Awsome!!! I did not even think of that... Amazing, seriously. Thank you very much

 

[ROCKSTAR]

Are you in Colorado?

there are several recent and active L29 454 build threads in here

The Official Vortec 454 Info thread

After the big thread on FSC vanished, a treasure trove of information, tips, tricks, as well as a collection of interesting subjects and cool trucks were lost. This is the attempt to try and provide a database of sorts for these dinosaurs; it seems there's always two or three threads of someone...

www.gmt400.com

99 L29 454 build

I made a few posts on my 454 rebuild and hop-up in the general vortec thread that really should be in a new thread, so here it is.. My 97 K3500 extended cab dually has 230,000 hard miles, so I bought a L29 7.4/454 from a rolled suburban to rebuild and swap in. It allegedly had under 20k miles...

www.gmt400.com

My 454 Rebuild

Been watching marketplace for the last few months for a core Gen6 454 and today was my lucky day (maybe) Picked it up for $300. Looks like a good deal. Guy said it was making a ticking noise sometimes. He said the truck was getting a diesel swap and he just wanted it gone. OK. Let's take it apart!

www.gmt400.com

Bowtie Brody's Namesake 96 454

I realized I probably should've picked a better name than Bowtie Brody, mainly because my first truck was a 97 GMC Suburban that served me faithfully for almost a year and about 12,500 miles totally from August 15th to April 1, I loved the Burb, but it let me down a few times, and it let me...

www.gmt400.com

97 454 L29 build plans

I'm getting ready to rebuild this 454/7.4L L29 motor and want to run the mods past you guys for recommendations. I've been researching all the other build plans and results already to get me started. 1997 chevy K2500 7.4 vortec 3/4 ton long bed truck, NV4500 5spd manual trans, mainly used for...

www.gmt400.com

Another 7.4 l29 cam question...

I cannot for the life of my get a consistent answer on what is needed on a cam swap for a 97' 454. Some people say you can use the stock stuff, others say adjustable is the only way to go...milling valve guides, not milling etc. Would like to clarify for the next guy so it has all the...

www.gmt400.com

check these out, your answers are in them. Hit us up on your plans as you narrow them down

I work in the Denver/Aurora area; but live in rural Nebraska. Its hard to find... expirience/tune up/ hot rod places in my area. So Im kind of limited to Colorado.... Ill check these out, thank you

 

[ROCKSTAR]

High altitude? Mountains? Forced induction wins that game. Ls wouldn't be on this list of things to do.

Sorry, but what does that mean? Like keep the same engine and get new air intake?

 

[618 Syndicate]

Sorry, but what does that mean? Like keep the same engine and get new air intake?

Turbo or supercharger is what he means. Air at higher altitude is thinner, contains less oxygen, thus it makes less power. Forcing air to be inducted into the engine overcomes this.

 

[ROCKSTAR]

Rockstar

I'd put another 454 in her, of the same engine family, either a known good used engine or a long block.
One thing you may consider...Do you, or anyone you know, know of a wrench spinner that makes house calls? If you can get someone proficient at this stuff, you can save a bit with your sweat equity and get an education simultaneously.

Do you have the tools?
Do you have the space?
Do you have the time?

OxDEADBEEF offered sage advice. It depends on what your goal is for this particular truck. Does it have sentimental value? Consider what size and weight camper you may get. Perhaps you won't need a 3500 and 454 for your towing needs.

Please keep us posted on what you decide.

Right, I think im going to get the same engine and like @Drunkcanuk said; work on the old one and do what I want to do on my spare time. I will probably look for someone or get help from my brother in law; he fixes cars but, is very hard to deal with. But very good idea for sure.

I have some tools, not super extensive but always willing to buy more over time
I have space, or Ill make space
And time is the one I don't have. I work 60+ hours a week. But eventually I can get to it

@0xDEADBEEF did say that. And no bro, I do not take offence. I know what my skillset, I'm just really eager to learn.
And I'm not sure what Ill need, it was just a good deal I couldn't pass on. I just love the GMT 400 series trucks. They are my favorite, so its like my daily driver/project truck. Unless I just end up buying another to do a speed performance style truck.
The camper is a few years away, so Im yet not sure. And i will keep you guys posted

 

[ROCKSTAR]

@Erik the Awful @Supercharged111 @Drunkcanuk @Hipster @yevgenievich @RDF1 @618 Syndicate @b454rat @Piratehunter @shovelbill

Thank you all for the support and assistance. Im still learning and building my experience; as I've said before I didnt have anyone to show me. But thanks to this forum (I tried Reddit), I now have lots of information. I really do appreciate it! And Im glad theres so many of you willing to give your expirience and knowledge. I will keep you posted and add some pictures when I have an opportunity. Again, THANK YOU ALL!!!!

p.s. If I didn't tag you, sorry; I'm still getting used to the layout of this site.

 

[shovelbill]

@Erik the Awful @Supercharged111 @Drunkcanuk @Hipster @yevgenievich @RDF1 @618 Syndicate @b454rat @Piratehunter @shovelbill

Thank you all for the support and assistance. Im still learning and building my experience; as I've said before I didnt have anyone to show me. But thanks to this forum (I tried Reddit), I now have lots of information. I really do appreciate it! And Im glad theres so many of you willing to give your expirience and knowledge. I will keep you posted and add some pictures when I have an opportunity. Again, THANK YOU ALL!!!!

p.s. If I didn't tag you, sorry; I'm still getting used to the layout of this site.

Welcome to the community...

 

[ROCKSTAR]

@Erik the Awful @Supercharged111 @Drunkcanuk @Hipster @yevgenievich @RDF1 @618 Syndicate @b454rat @Piratehunter @shovelbill
Hey guys, got an update: So, Im buying the same engine, and having it be put in. I will keep the old and try to rebuild it. SO.... now I need some advice on getting the engine and what other parts I might need for the install.
Now I want to get the engine online somewhere and have it shipped to the shop. I do not want to have the shop order it since they're quoting me around 10k for engine + install. So, I figure I can save money by buying it myself. However, I'm not sure what other parts are going to be essential in buying for the install. I know they can transfer most if not all the extra parts from the old engine. BUT, I'm guessing there's some I should replace. Either its valves or hoses, etc. Could you guys advise me on this? Thanks again for all your help!!!

 

[Erik the Awful]

If you're looking to do a straight swap, one of the 50-state legal engines is probably it, but call Summit or Blueprint before ordering to verify.

BluePrint Engines Crate Engines Engine Assemblies Engines & Components - Chevy Big Block Crate Engine Family - Free Shipping on Orders Over $109 at Summit Racing

Find BluePrint Engines Crate Engines Chevy Big Block Crate Engine Family and get Free Shipping on Orders Over $109 at Summit Racing!

www.summitracing.com

A new water pump is a good consideration, but the old intake, exhaust, and distributor will be reused. If any of the accessories are dorked or leaking, now's the time to rebuild or replace them because the entire accessory drive will need to be swapped over. If the radiator is crusty, replace it as well.

I'd replace:
Water pump
Intake gaskets
Exhaust gaskets
Spark plugs
Thermostat
Radiator hoses

 

[Hipster]

@Erik the Awful @Supercharged111 @Drunkcanuk @Hipster @yevgenievich @RDF1 @618 Syndicate @b454rat @Piratehunter @shovelbill
Hey guys, got an update: So, Im buying the same engine, and having it be put in. I will keep the old and try to rebuild it. SO.... now I need some advice on getting the engine and what other parts I might need for the install.
Now I want to get the engine online somewhere and have it shipped to the shop. I do not want to have the shop order it since they're quoting me around 10k for engine + install. So, I figure I can save money by buying it myself. However, I'm not sure what other parts are going to be essential in buying for the install. I know they can transfer most if not all the extra parts from the old engine. BUT, I'm guessing there's some I should replace. Either its valves or hoses, etc. Could you guys advise me on this? Thanks again for all your help!!!

Check with the shop. They may not want to do a customer supplied engine.