99 7.4l vortec to 502

[smoothdime]

here's the deal. my dad has a really nice '99 obs 1 ton thats payed for and he really likes the truck. but he needs (more on the want side) more power to tow. so i started looking in to some ideas for it. i found the 502 long block at sdpc2000.com and thought that would be perfect. more hp and lots of torque. do you think i would run into any problems with switching the top end onto this engine, i.e. like head-intake not matching. i figured all id need is a nelson computer tune for the truck and maybe bigger injectors. has anyone done anything similar or know some who has. any info or opinions is greatly appreciated. gary

[smoothdime]

i forgot or does anybody have any other ideas to get more low end torque. thought maybe turbo? im really wanting something reliable, not alot of extra parts to break. he does a fair amount of long distance towing. pulling a 36' enclosed isnt always fun

[txarkitekt]

There is a lot to consider when going at a project like this. Mileage on the existing motor, tranny, rearend, etc. A Magnacharger or Whipple would be the easiest and cheaper route than the 502 swap. But if the motor is tired and worn out, then a motor swap may be in the cards... A 502 swap hasn't been done by any members on this site as far as I know. Here is a decent look at a 502 built for towing: Click here. From there, I would recommend (since it is paid for) selling it and buying a diesel since he will be towing...

[smoothdime]

he really isnt wanting to buy another truck. looking to spend around 5-6k in mods. the truck just hit 100k. runs and drive perfect, would love a new truck. but the jump from paid for to 45k loan is hard to justify for a truck thats not a dd. on the subject of whipple, how would that perform with a load over an extended period of time. do they make intercooled versions. anyone have a vortec bb with a supercharger. big difference?

[txarkitekt]

Whipples are very reliable--as well as Magnachargers. Whipple does not currently make a plug-n-play application for the L19 454. Neither does the Magnacharger. Vortech makes one for the 5.7L 350, but not the 7.4L 454. S/C the 100k 454 is not out of the question, it's just that you will need to slightly freshen it when you slap the S/C on... I would recommend a Manga/Radix. Contact them directly and see what they can do for you...

[Sambo]

There is a member over on fsc that has a slammed dually with a whippled 454. His name is physh1 you might get in contact with him and ask him a few questions.

[zeake]

The whipple will last forever under tough conditions. I would slap a whipple on it just because of the low end torque and it will last. There are whipple kits all over ebay for the 454 you just need a little time. They are rebuildable also.
An sts turbo might not be bad either, but the oil issue is what I would not like.