That's a very good write up , great info

Although I am going to replace the Plugs and Plug wires, I am getting to the point of being convinced I did damage to the HEI. I thought it was the carburetor, however the hot rod shop says it is in good shape. So a new distributor is on order. Thanks all for the input, will go to Michigan City Next week for the repair. Might also pull the valve covers and look for bent push rods. If I can't fix it I guess it will be parted out.

My list of replaced parts is large and the hours of time I have put into nose might be lost.

Compression check would be gold standard for internal engine condition. If ok proceed with other.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve VW:
Compression check would be gold standard for internal engine condition. If ok proceed with other.

The last time I did a compression test all cylinders were between 125 and 130 psi, I am afraid to do it now. However I will....because Nose is 180 miles away I have already bought the parts..but they were not bank breaking.

Steve Hop in the VW Van come on down to Michigan City, I will buy you dinner!! There is a restaurant called the Swinging Pig, will remind you of the GTG!!

Funny I was the first to engage the TURD FAIRY and it seems I might be the last to get fixed, well Maybe Lulamay might win that one.

Good luck with that trip!

I wish I had another 454 for you. I gave my last one to Mary Ray!

I might know where there is another 454 but you would have to meet the "seller" at night at a remote undisclosed location... Cash only, no bill of sale, no serial numbers, no questions... It will be in a crate marked "scrap metal, not for sale"

Let me know!

I saw the thread showing what you went trough to change the engine in your Regal, I do not have the energy or the strength to build the frame, runway or a lift truck to get it out the door of Nose and put another one back. Dem Days are way behind my abilities!!

I do like the intrigue in your 454 scrap metal box though. Nose is only 25 foot long a 350 fuel injected, resent vintage, probably has more HP. Would it bolt to the TH400 transmission? No ain't gonna do that either!!!

Recent 350 would bolt right up. Your 454 is probably rated about 230 hp. Easy to beat that. 300+ hp no problem in a 350. Much lighter too. Do it, man.

Still thinking on those belt issues...

Good luck with the old Nose!

quote:

Still thinking on those belt issues...

I did come across a serpentine conversion kit with an idler arm for $235, if all works out I might consider that as a fix. It is for the water pump and alternator only, and will probably make the power steering pump belt difficult to change.

Have you considered an engine swap to a v8 Ford or GM Diesel? Way more power and mileage features.

You could go all out and put a Cummins in it

A Barth FRED. I think there are a few of those out there.

Wow, Diesel??

First I have to determine if the 454 is a done dog!

I do not think an engine swap is in my future if the 454 can not be readily repaired. Old Nose will probably be sold as scrap and parted out!!

Really a shame, body and frame are in excellent shape and the interior is ok, for its age.

I just reread SteveVWs' 454 engine swap, I was thinking a junkyard 350 engine, with good compression and a factory fuel injection system, ECM and computer if required. Again ain't gonna happen!!

My neighbor just cracked up his GM Sonoma, pretty sure it has a 350, the insurance company will surely total it, maybe he can buy it back and I will buy the engine from him and he can have the old 454 to junk....No way I am having delusions again!!!!

Little thread drift, but how did your fireworks from the boat go last evening Steve? Still have all your fingers and the Sheriff did not put you in the Klink!

Well if my new distributor shows up, I will be off to Indiana to see if Nose will be saved next week.

I did have a nightmare last night, that the timing chain got stretched during the over heat incident. Not an expensive repair but a lot of work. What is the best way to confirm the chain is good?

Plug and plug wires, replace distributor, reinstall Carburetor, compression test, timing chain check. Drive it back to Iowa. Sounds like a good days work.

Thanks