454 conversion finally!!

nealsw · 03-02-2007, 01:11 PM

Changing from a 305 to a 454, 67K mile 1984 chevy 4x4, original owner, perfect truck (other than the 305) Any help on anything/ hidden problems on this conversion please... Also ideas on acc. brackets with A/C. Want to stay stock looking, I think??

75K30 · 03-02-2007, 02:04 PM

Sounds like a great upgrade. Is that trans gonna be up to the task?
I can only wonder about the weight of the 454, ( I assume with iron heads, and intake, ouch heavy), and the torsion bars. The diameter of the bar might be questionable. It is going to require quite a bit of pre-load (tension) to give the truck the altitude it needs to stay level. With that much pre load, you might run the risk of breaking a bar with the added weight. I can also see a heavier drivetrain in the future, pretty sure that the little axles are going to struggle with the added torque of that "Fat Rat"
Should be a fun truck though, keep us posted on the results.

mrjohnwayne · 03-02-2007, 05:53 PM

84 should be straight axle eh?

75K30 · 03-03-2007, 01:43 AM

Missed that altogether mrjohnwayne! Somehow I saw a completely different year!
Wasn't even drinkin, man that is bad...........

mrjohnwayne · 03-03-2007, 09:32 AM

hey it happens!

0425004x4 · 03-03-2007, 06:35 PM

You will need to upgrade to the 3/4 or one ton springs shocks etc. The trans will hold up if the motor is stock with a mild perf. rebuild. The stock axles will also hold if the motor is basically stock and you stay 33" and under tires. It should be a blast because it can be built with stock parts and no fabrication needed.

nealsw · 03-03-2007, 06:47 PM

I have already changed to Big Block springs up front, then raised the rear 1". Trans waas just beefed up . Thanks for all the info.

03-02-2007, 01:11 PM	#1
nealsw Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6	454 conversion finally!! Changing from a 305 to a 454, 67K mile 1984 chevy 4x4, original owner, perfect truck (other than the 305) Any help on anything/ hidden problems on this conversion please... Also ideas on acc. brackets with A/C. Want to stay stock looking, I think??

03-02-2007, 05:53 PM	#3
mrjohnwayne Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 3,722	84 should be straight axle eh? __________________ John Wayne 2000 F-350 7.3L Powerstroke 4x4

03-03-2007, 09:32 AM	#5
mrjohnwayne Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 3,722	hey it happens! __________________ John Wayne 2000 F-350 7.3L Powerstroke 4x4

03-03-2007, 06:35 PM	#6
0425004x4 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 79	454 swap You will need to upgrade to the 3/4 or one ton springs shocks etc. The trans will hold up if the motor is stock with a mild perf. rebuild. The stock axles will also hold if the motor is basically stock and you stay 33" and under tires. It should be a blast because it can be built with stock parts and no fabrication needed.

03-03-2007, 06:47 PM	#7
nealsw Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6	Thanks I have already changed to Big Block springs up front, then raised the rear 1". Trans waas just beefed up . Thanks for all the info.

03-02-2007, 02:04 PM	#2
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Sounds like a great upgrade. Is that trans gonna be up to the task? I can only wonder about the weight of the 454, ( I assume with iron heads, and intake, ouch heavy), and the torsion bars. The diameter of the bar might be questionable. It is going to require quite a bit of pre-load (tension) to give the truck the altitude it needs to stay level. With that much pre load, you might run the risk of breaking a bar with the added weight. I can also see a heavier drivetrain in the future, pretty sure that the little axles are going to struggle with the added torque of that "Fat Rat" Should be a fun truck though, keep us posted on the results.

03-03-2007, 01:43 AM	#4
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Missed that altogether mrjohnwayne! Somehow I saw a completely different year! Wasn't even drinkin, man that is bad...........

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