Can a 454 engine fit in a 1986 caprice?
Of course it can and with ease. Motor mounts are in the same
place as its little brother 350 ci. Go with aluminum heads to keep
the weight about the same and make sure you install the heavy duty
radiator that was an option to the public and standard with the
police models. The 700 R4 transmission is marginal in being able to
handle the massive torque the rat delivers so a performance rebuild
is a great idea. As far as the rear end goes, a 373 gear would be
perfect with a posi chunk. If you treat the drive train with a
little respect the rear axles will probably hold up unless your
running slicks or some other high traction tires. If your
rebuilding the motor and have a few extra bucks, drop a stroker
crank kit in and increase your cubes to 496ci. Now you can really
impress your buddys by boiling the tires through the first 3
gears.