I have a 454 Chevy Engine and a 87 Firebird to put it in I have the 5 speed tranny to go behind it I know I will have to strengthin the body since it is a sub frame The engine is rebuilt bored out 30 over Edelbrock Torker 2 power package with a Edelbrock 750 cfm Carb pushing out 530 hp on pump gas now thats alot of demand for the drive train too. I was wondering if any one has put a big block under that hood. so I can finnish my install. like will I have to remove anything or cut anything out to have access to the spark plugs/ What kind of shorty header should i get/ Rearend recomendations currently it has a posi disk rearend out of a IROC-Z I know my car is turning into a pontrolet but thats ok we are all family. any help will do Thanks
454bird

 

Welcome aboard.

It's discussed often. Try a search.

Some things you're going to have to understand:

454 + T5 = ground metal.
454 + any stock 3rd gen rear = ground metal.
454 + 3rd gen = $$$$$

But, no particular reason you should be discouraged into not doing it.

 

I know that it will be a problem for me. I understand that the T-5 is a fairly Tough / fragile tranny. I read up on it a little and dont quote me but I heard they can handle 450 hp but I am unsure if those numbers are even close to the truth. whats the max that is known how much it can handle before its trash. and what rear end is capable of turning my horses did Chevy under rate them to beat the life expectancy of the competition as it is known in the history of the buisness. Thanks
454 bird

 

BAHAHAHA.... I wish they could handle 450hp... but my 190hp 305 put it on the ragged edge of destruction. Its just barely holding together now.

If you want to use a 454 in your car, get your hands on either a Muncie or Super T10 four speed. Spohn makes torque arms that will work with these trannys, as well as the TH400 auto.

(Sorry for laughing, but I got a kick outta that)

 

For a rear, get a hold of Moser ( www.moserengineering.com ) for a 12-bolt or 9".

 

i`d go moser 12-bolt, definately. a little pricey, but well worth it in strength, durability and versatality.

 

another good trans to use is the T56

 

Yep.

 

I second T56, love the way the thing feels on shifts, another option is the Tremec TKO III 5 spd, it can handle about as much as a t56 and everything bolts up to the car original equipment.

 

or you could do like I did, put it in and wait, then when it`s ground metal, kick it to the curb and upgrade!...I don`t think you`ll fit that rat under that stocker hood, unless you don`t believe air filter`s. Once you go rat you`ll never go back! I finally found someone to build a 700 that`ll hold for sometime, took a while though....the punny pig back there..mmm...all I can say is I fell sorry for it when I step on the loud pedal! LOL I would be happy to help you with any obstacles you run into if you need help that is. take a look at mine, I had to run a three inch crowl


http://members.cardomain.com/greezemonkey

 

If you want to shove that rat in there, then do it!! Just research as much as you can, then plan on spending a bazillion hours working out the kinks. Heck, I stuffed a 455 Buick in a '77 Olds Starfire (like a Monza). Had to move the steering and do a whole host of fab work, but I figure if I can get a big block in one of those, than anything is possible. (I might mention the body didn't last too long, though).
I have a '73 Firebird with a 427 alcohol injected, but then those came factory with big blocks.
Cars are a hobby and a challenge, go for it!!

 

torque is the killer of transmissions.. +hp = +torque though.. was told the mustang t-5's were rated at like 260ft/lbs.. though that seems low since a 305 puts out like 300ft/lbs.. essentially same transmission
but even 300ft/lbs.. a 454 30 over.. prob puts 300ft/lbs out at 1000rpm

nevertheless.. a 454 stuffed into a 3rd gen at a car show.. that would be an eyecatcher.. at the track you should wax your tail lights real good.. that's all anyone will see...


goodluck..

 

Go for it, just be patient. I did it, just need to get the car and engine compartment looking a little nicer. Love the power, and well worth the time.