I recently bought a 24 Python that supposedly had a newly rebuilt motor. We couldn't run it because the valves needed adjusting (solid lift cam) other than to crank it on the water hose. Long story short after I got the valves adjusted and ran it there were motor problems. Tore the motor down and it had wiped 9 lobes off the cam. The motor was a 454 bored 60 over with Ross pistons and Scat I beam rods with a stock GM crank. The cylinder walls need to be taken to 70 over to clean up and I need new pistons. So I am looking for a 454 block or a new motor. I have found some good deals on a
540. My heads are part #353048 that have been gasket matched to a dominator single plane intake with 2.25 and 1.88 valves. I have been told that unless you have 781 or 049 heads porting them hurts them. I know these heads aren't optimum for a 540 motor but how good or bad are they?

From what I understand they're large oval heads, similar (and maybe even the same as) the 049 heads.

I wouldn't use them on anything bigger than a 496, but if you're staying mild with a rebuild they should be fine.

On a side note... If I just bought a boat that was told needed a valve adjustment, couldn't be ran, and had a wiped cam, I'd be looking toward the seller for recourse.

For the price I paid for the boat with alot of highend extra parts, the motor issue is not that big of a deal to me. If I can't find a good 454 replacement block I am going to go with a Dart Big M standard block and make it a 540 with eagle crank, eagle rods, and SRP pistons.

Those heads will choke a 540.

I do have a cherry 454 4 bolt main std bore block if you need one...$600 Rob

EZ thanks for the offer. I have a couple of options locally I am trying to get panned out. If they fall through I will get in touch with you.