I used to own one of these also.

One thing I would look into is the overdrive kit for the turbo 400.I can't remember who makes it.

 

Gear Vendors, either that of a 700r4 built by Phoenix transmissions in Weatherford, tx (highly spoken of on 454ss.com)

and the blocks did not have roller provisions from the factory in these trucks, hydraulic flat tappet only

 

That blows. I don't understand how some 350s did have provisions, and the 454s never had any.

Hydraulic flat tappet isnt terrible I guess. Just sucks to break the new cams in.

 

Convert with hydraulic-retro-fit roller lifters, they are cheap now ~300$, Then you can throw a hydraulic camshaft in it and be good to go. Get some good heads, AFR, TRICK, etc. You may also want to ditch the TBI now and go to a good MPFI, with a big throttle body. I bet you that thing will shut alot of people up after you tear them a new one.

 

I had a buddy in college with one. It was fast! That big block is a perfect platform don't let anyone try to bs you about 5.3 cleaning your clock unless they are FI. That engine and drive train is bullet proof leave it all alone, with the exception of a transgo shift kit in the TH400. The cam that came in it, is as mild as you can get to meet the emmisions of the day with 454 cid, and TBI is dogshit!. Get a 270's advertised duration cam, LT headers dual 3" exhaust, a aluminium intake, and get a CARB!!!! My buddies had a stall but I wouldn't if you do a lota highway driving. A good cam from comp or lunati is gonna make that thing a rocket, plus cams for those old motors are cheap! The carb will still be plenty streetable and give you way more air fuel. Next SPRAY PLATE! A big block will take an *** load of spray in stock form. They are built like a brick **** house. I've known guys to spray a 250 shot easily with ZERO problems. Its got a transmission and rearend you are never gonna hurt!!!! It also has a GM electric fuel pump which means more then enough fuel for a Carb and Nitrous system!!! That thing could clean house at the track and still be very streetable.... Terry's ran 11's NA, 10's on 150 shot of spray with a big cam mid sized stall, traction bars and slicks! A decent cam and spray will be awesome!

 

Lower gears 4.10 at least. 91 up SS come with them stock. Higher stall converter and transgo shift kit. Long tube headers. ATI Procharger. Then be ready to buy rear tires often. LOL

 

I'd stay away from a very high stall on this one unless its not gonna see much highway driving. TH400 converter won't lock. You won't tell much difference between 3.73 and 4.10's. Pro charger really isn't a good option. Your EFI and ECU is too outdated to really work well and a blow through carb is not cheap. Plus even though you will have it all the time you won't make as much power as spray even if it is for short bursts, like a 1/4 mile...

 

60-65% more hp all the time. I'd take it. http://exoticperformanceplus.com/per...html?item=1024

He said he had a DD for gas mileage. I don't know what the stock stall was on the ones I've drove but it really needed more.
275/60-15 stock tires are 28 tall. So 4.10s would be ideal but if they made 4.30 for the 14 bolt sf would rock. 4.56 would be too low unless 1/8 mile racing. http://www.ringpinion.com/PartsList....ID=48&CatID=10


Be sure when you get headers get coated long tubes.

 

mpfd reminded me, make sure you replace that stock posi unit. the first time i launched mine hard with slicks it became a one wheel wonder (everyone else i know that had one had the same problem)

i wouldnt change the gears. big block torque, th400 and 3.73s make for an amazing launch anyway, i would get a small stall probablyno more than 3000 or so. anddont go fi, like mentioned above these engines will handle just about all of the nitrous you throw at them, within reason

 

You should check out 454SS.com also.

As far a transmissions if you are going to make a lot of horsepower and torque like in the 500 range the 700r4 is not for you.
You could do a 4L80E swap and you would get your overdrive so you could use the truck more. These transmissions are a lot more durable than any 700R4. Here is a place in Sanger TX(north of Denton). They also have ecm's to control the 4L80E.
http://www.jakesperformance.com/

The 700r4 is an ok trans if you keep your 454SS stock, anything more than that and its on borrowed time.