Hi guys, I have a stock rebuilt 454 that I purchased from a machine shop about 4 years ago. I have just now got it ready to fire for the first time and was wondering about a few things.

It is 8.75:1 compression, I'm not sure about the cam (probably close to stock), bored .060 over

My main concern is that it has been sitting in my garage with no spark plugs in the holes. The cylinders were coated with assembly lube, but a little bondo dust (NOT much at all) may have gotten in there. I am also worried a little about moisture since it is very humid here in GA.

Is there any preventative measure I should take aside from pulling the heads? I can't visually see any rust or dust in the plug holes with a flashlight, but how sensitive are these things? My dad says I should try some brake fluid and turn it over with the starter before firing it. I was thinking about trying to vacuum it with a shop vac. I have only turned it over by hand so far.

Thanks!

 

was the rest of it sealed well?

 

Dont try and just turn that motor over its been sitting for a while. You need to prime the motor first before you try and run it so its properly lubed

 

If it was built with assembly lube and never primed, there's no need to prime it.

I don't think I'd be too terribly concerned about some dust in the combustion chambers.

 

It has always had an oil pan on it and plastic over the intake. The exhaust ports have been uncovered as well as the spark plug holes. I took the intake off and the valve covers and there was a little dust but overall it looked pristine.

I was going to prime it, I'm just worried about the shape of the combustion chambers/cylinders more than anything.

Is there any concern over the rings seating, or possibly even breaking?
What weight oil should I use? I have heard you should do an oil change after the first 30 minutes or so?

I appreciate everyone's thoughts/suggestions.

 

Is it a roller cam, or flat tappet?

 

It is a hydraulic flat tappet cam.

 

You'll need to follow the break-in instructions of the cam manufacturer then.

 

If it makes you feel more comfortable, spray fogging oil (NOT WD 40)in each spark plug hole for about 3 seconds each then install plugs. This will lubricate the upper cylinders until the oil gets up there on initial start up. This will burn off as a thick white smoke for about 15-20 seconds out the exhaust, so don't be alarmed. It is best to do this before storage to prevent corrosion. We do this on all motors we build and in all boat motors that get stored over the winter months. Really can tell a difference when looking ten years down the road on a motor that only sees periodic use and gets the cylinders fogged every year. Fogging oil can be purchased at any marine store.

 

This might help:

http://mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm