I found a 454 engine complete, was pulled out of a boat had a cylinder sleeved, rebuilt and reinstalled in boat only to have the other engine blow. So boat owner installed 2 new engines. I have been offered this engine for $300. I am wondering if the block is worth building, it was sleeved due to a piston pin scratching a cylinder. The heads on the motor are #6272990. Are the heads good for a hi-perf engine? I have a set of 6272292 heads already and was wondering if the 990 heads are a better.

If the sleeve was installed correctly, I wouldn't worry any about it. It shouldn't give you any trouble. What are your intentions for this engine? Those 990s are worth a few dollars, and if you are going to run it on the street, I'd use a good set of oval ports.

why would you use ovals instead of rec. ?

Oval ports are better for torque,especially if you have a small BBC.

MBHD

Rectangular intake ports are too large for a 454 until you've got the rpms up near 5K or better. Odds are you'll only spin it that fast every blue moon.

So if I am building a street car I should use the 292's, If I want to build a car for the strip I should use the 990's ? I am assuming that $300 is a good price, seems that way for the whole engine, but what would the heads be worth? Also would 600-650hp be possible with these heads?