I was just given a 1978 kona jet with a rebuilt 454 motor. It has original cam , holley carg, panther exhaust manifolds. Its starting to tick, knock, backfire etc. :crossx: I was wondering what type of replacement crate motor I could put into it. It has a 12J Berkely jet. Does the new motor need a special cam? Any help would be nice. Thx
Welcome to HB...1st off i would ck to see where all the funny sounds are coming from ie: lifters not adjusted rite, timing not set rite, rod knock etc...ck all that & see what happens?, then, if money is no object...i personally would opt for the HP502/502...a very good & reliable motor, on the other hand, if ur mech inclined, i would pull the 454 apart & see what all the funny sounds are?...u can build several good motors from the 454 ie: 460, 468, 480, 496...i would weigh the cost to build one of those against a new crate motor!...add a good cam & manif & ign & ur good to go...just my.02 cents
fastrat