1973 LS4 454 TRT code any good??

**2qwik2c** · #1 11-19-2009, 01:35 AM

I have a 73 454 complete motor, block # is 3999289 with a D-11-73 casting date and the heads are 353049 with D-13-73 casting dates. The front pad is stamped TO419TRT. Is this a good motor to built up abit??? From what other sites say this motor is NOT a tall deck right??? ( tall deck = bad for building???)
Thanks.

VintageMusclecar · #2 11-19-2009, 01:50 AM

Andrew;

TRT code is for a truck application in `74 and `79 according to the NastyZ28 database. Yours is obviously the `74 version as denoted by the cast date.

As far as being a tall deck, there were no tall deck 454's, only 366 and 427 cubic inch versions were built with tall deck blocks.

It should be a fantastic foundation for anything from a daily driver to a serious ground pounder. The 049 heads will easily support 600+ HP with minimal work as will a garden variety 2 bolt block.

Hope that helps.
Eric

**markjohnson** · #3 11-19-2009, 02:01 AM

Those 1973-74 454's are the best years of building a great street/strip 454. The #049 cylinder heads are the best cast iron oval-port heads the General ever produced. As far as the block, it is NOT a tall deck. Real quick here.......have a good cylinder head shop fit those heads with the larger 2.19/1.88 Manley Valves (the cheapest ones!) and some very minor port work, a Comp Cams 288 Street Solid Roller, a set of forged TRW's, Edelbrock Performer RPM and an 850 Holley and you've 550-560 horsepower. You have my favorite foundation for a great 468 CID that'll tear your head off from idle to 6500 RPM and probably cost you your drivers's license if you're not careful!

**2qwik2c** · #4 11-19-2009, 02:14 AM

Thanks for the help with the info guys. I do not need this motor anymore and will be selling it. I wanted to find out more about this motor before selling it. What is the motor worth??? Its complete minus the carb and distributor. Has a edelbrok open plenum intake and edelbrok valve covers. Thanks Andrew.