496ci Engine Build - Big-Block On A Budget

After setting the crank, Shawn torqued the main caps starting from the center and moving outward, continually checking for any hint of bind.

Ironically, at first glance the buttoned-up bottom end of our budget beast looks like any old 454 full of cast stock stuff. Oh how deceiving appearances can be.

We don't believe in skimping on the oil system, so the pump was stepped to a Melling high-volume with a special pickup for our Moroso deep-sump pan from Summit Racing.

The clear zinc-coated Moroso pan holds 8 quarts and of course offers much improved oil control under hard acceleration.

After decking the block, the Probe pistons were 0.005 inch below the deck, which should net us a compression ratio of around 10.3:1.

Down in the valley, sneak a peek at the gnarly stick known as the Big Mutha Thumpr. Admit it, you love that name. The sound and the fury comes from 243/257 degrees of duration and features 0.570/0.554-inch lift on a 107-degree lobe center.

Summit's assembled iron heads spec out quite nicely with 119cc combustion chambers and 308cc intake runners. You'll need 0.200- to 0.250-inch longer pushrods. We need to mention that the exhaust ports are raised 0.300-inch, but they'll still work with most standard headers.

The 1.550-inch outer diameter valvesprings have an install height of 1.900 inches with 145 lbs of seat pressure and can handle up 0.660-inch lift. We're well within that. Adjustable Dart pushrod guides are included.

Actuating the 2.250-inch intake and 1.880-inch exhaust valves are Summit's 1.7:1 aluminum roller rocker arms.