adams.13

ive searched and cant find anyone thats done one so i figured id make a post about it.
i just bought a 92 rs with the 305 and i want more power. i have a 2000 vortec 454 and im wanting to know about swaping it in my car what to do about the fuel injection and wiring for it. i know that headers is going to be a problem and the oil pan to im thinking about running a t56 for a trans. but if its going to cost as much to do the 454 as a ls ill just run a 5.3

AlkyIROC

By the time it's completed, it will probably cost more to do a BBC swap than an LS

Atilla the Fun

You can do your own wiring harness for nearly free, the pinouts are on www.lt1swap.com.
You'll need the GMPP 4 quart oilpan. Hooker makes headers, but if you're keeping the engine stock then better to hammer the floorpan / firewall to fit exhaust manifolds.
You can get this running far cheaper than the 5.3, unless you already have a totalled but complete 2WD 5.3L Silverado.
If you have a T5, the 454 will break it, a 5.3 might not. If you have a 700R-4, then sell it and plan on a 4L80E and the TransGo kit. Plan on a stock 80E converter, stalled is big money, and unnecessary for any cam that'll work with the 454's EFI. Comp has a few cams just for that engine, such as the 01-411-8, that should do well for you, whether you do headers or manifolds.
They also offer a few with a wider LSA, but you'll love the 01-411-8. Anything else is more compromised.
You'll probably need a cowl hood to keep the EFI, but otherwise it should swap like any older carbureted 454.

adams.13

my dad has a complete 454 truck with a 4l80e thats the main reason im wondering about the swap

1gary

Guys will disagree with me on this point,but I don't think you can compare a 454 in the same sentence with a LSx swap.The LSx's have a power curve so much higher in rpm range than a 454.It's all about goals you want.Do think guys are star stuck with 5.3's given their size and what you can get with them,but on the street how often are you going to spin them that high to get use of it is a real question??.

1gary

BTW.......your getting one of the best advise this forum has to offer from him.

Still ref my post too,it is the other side of the story.

adams.13

thanks for the advice im still not really sure what to do the 454 and 4l80e is free thats a plus but i know the suspension and rear end is gunna need some work so im going to have to check whats going to cost to do that

Atilla the Fun

The 454 with a 4L80E and a stock converter shouldn't break the stock axle if you're just cruising around on street radials, even 315/35R17s or 295/50R15s. That, with a 2.73:1 rear, should be capable of 20 MPG when you're trying.
The Vortec 454 is happy to 4500 RPM stock, that cam with headers would make it 5000. A stock 5.3 will pull hardest to 5500, but is happy going to 6000. Getting a 5.3 over 25 MPG would be easy, even with your 4L80E. 30 could happen with 2.73:1s.
Emissions may not affect you right now, but the 454 will never be legal, a 5.3 can easily become a fake E-Rod.
The 5.3 will give better handling. But it being the lesser cost up front? No way. Both will require custom exhaust. Both will require changes to the fuel system. The 5.3 should get by with a 305 radiator.

kcducttaper

From a practical standpoint, I'd vote for a LS1 too, but nothing sounds like a real BBC.

My solution is to throw an LS into you camaro and build a go-kart for your 454.

thegreasemonkey

The purpose of the car should be considered before you buy parts I am building mine knowing it will be driven every chance I get and it's getting a 402 BBC with a carburetor I would recommend getting a tubular k-member and A-arms to help give you more room and the accessory drive will cost a Lil bit if you don't use stock stuff ( I'm not sure if those will fit ) but do your research and mock things up to make sure they fit like you want them to and remember what works for a race car don't always work on a street car