[ChevyGuy]

I have a question about 454 blocks. As best as I can tell they came in 3 different deck heights.
The Tall deck which was designed to handle pistions with 3 compression rings 1 oil ring.

The Standard deck used in passenger cars designed to handle pistons with 2 compression rings and 1 oil ring.

The short deck is the one I can't find any info on. What is it used for?

Which of the 3 is best to build a performance engine with?

Thanks any info would help!

[Big Dave]

Close, but no cigar. Std deck is a Passenger (Pass) or HiPerf automobile and light truck engine with two compression rings and one oil ring. The Truck block is also known as a tall deck because it is 0.400" inches taller than a car block (9.800"+0.400"=10.200") to accommodate three compression rings and one oil ring. In the after market there is a taller deck (11" and above) that allows a stroke of up to 5 inches. Number of rings are optional but the piston pin is usually in the ring pack.

Though on second thought there is a "ProStock" block that has a 9.00" deck height and 5" bore spacing to accommodate a big bore and short stroke motor for those leisurely 10 grand shifts. (Olds BowTie DRCE block)

Big Dave

[Philip]

GM produced 2 versions, standard and tall. Tall only being used in large 1.5 ton and up. If looking for a 454 for your car any engine from a 1 ton truck down to a passenger car will have the correct block. Heads would be best off of a passenger car motor or aftermarket.

[Motorhead62]

A standard deck style engine is best in a street driven car. The 2 or 4 bolt main 454 block is a great foundation to build upon. Always build the largest displacement engine you can afford and you can make the most torque possible on a budget.

[Gloryhound]

Then there is the 454 Small block Chevy Hard Core made for a while! Some one may have refered to it as a short deck 454.