Jasper engines 454

[Tim_Nowicki]

Looking for anyone that owns or have owned Jasper 454 in their motorhome. The good, the bad, and the ugly!!! thanks

Tim

[dkreuzen]

I don't think the 502 came in any production vehicle, only boats. Many people outside of the boating and hi-Performance world don't know about their existence. Look for new crate engines from GM.
I would stay with a 454 or 502 so the external accessories will fit.
Here is a link to a 502 that would be a possible choice (they have 454's too)
Clicky

[Daveinet]

If you decide to look at the 454 GM crate, check what version block they are using, and try to get a gen VI block. Its worth extra money so if it costs extra, spend it.

On Edit, that would be 1996 and newer ie L29. It should still be a nearly bolt in deal still. I don't think they went to tall deck until after 2000. Tall deck just means a different intake manifold. '96 also means it has vortec heads, which I believe are fast burn. This also means significantly more HP as well.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/74-Ltr-454-CID-GM-ENGINE-1996-2000-Reman-12491355-P10715C720.aspx
And then click on spec sheet.
3 years 100K mile warranty, which should be the sames as Jasper. For comparison, you want to also make sure the warranty is valid if installed in a "truck". This voids some warranties, or shortens the warranty.

I should also mention that CrateEngineDepot is where I bought my 502. They were very good to work with, as I had to change my order after I bought it. I picked it up, as they were only about 30 miles from my house.

[hipower]

Summit is a good alternative and fair pricing. Can't address their reliability since I have very limited knowledge so far.

[Tim_Nowicki]

Yup, I talked directly to Jasper at their 800 number in Indiana. Talked with several people that gave me conflicting answers to my questions. Nobody seems to know about a 502 option. So thats where I'm at right now. Right now its looking like Jasper will be my choice for 454. BUT I do like the fact that GM crate is about 1000 dollars cheaper for A BRAND NEW engine. Trying to get past the reman/brand new choice.

Tim

[C-Leigh_Racing]

Tim Nowicki wrote:
Neil, Dave
I spoke with several people at Jasper about the 502 and no one seems to know about it. Are you guys talking about a 502 from Jasper or another source? thanks

Tim

That sounds odd.
Was it the main office at Jasper or a local replacement branch close to you.
I would call Jaspers main office & check on it, but then again maybe they only do regular engine rebuilds, because a 502 would be bit different build from a standard 454

If I had the money on hand to replace the engine, going up to the 502 build (496) would be a good improvement over the standard 454.
Neil

[Daveinet]

From GM performance crate engine. www.crateenginedepot.com If you are a bit of a mechanic, you may want to opt for just the block and drop Edelbrock heads on it. The reason for this is that Edelbrock teamed up with GM to make the fast burn head. Fast burn improves efficiency, as well as allows for higher compression. Get the 502 with the HT cam (high torque) and then use the Edelbrock head.

If you have money to burn, go for the RamJet 502, which is what I wished I had done. For the money I spent on the Edelbrock MPFI, for not much more, I could have run the RamJet. Even though its a very high performance engine, the FI means that it still has gobs of torque in the low end - more than the high torque version.

[Bird_Freak]

Check with your Chevy dealer or Summit Racing for a 502.

[Tim_Nowicki]

Neil, Dave
I spoke with several people at Jasper about the 502 and no one seems to know about it. Are you guys talking about a 502 from Jasper or another source? thanks

Tim

[slemnah]

Years ago I had the opportunity to fly to their factory and take a tour to watch them rebuild engines. I was very impressed at the cleanliness and care they took to measure all of the parts, replace what was out of spec and rebuild the engines. I would recommend them highly. I have 36 years in the automotive service repair industry and am a Master Technician since 1975 . ( not bragging, just saying I know what I am talking about)

[JamesBr]

My frineds shop is a jasper reseller. He likes them because the quality is really good, and more importantly consistant. Sure there are the random bad rebuilds, but he has not seen many. He also likes them because of the national warentee. Take any Jasper rebuild to any certified reseller and they will honor the Jasper warentee.

[Daveinet]

C-Leigh Racing wrote:
Hummm, a 502 would be nice, since your already replacing the engine anyways.
Neil

X2.
It is an easy swap. Everything is design to be a direct bolt in, including my old headers. The only difference I found was the bolt holes on the front of the engine were one size larger. I had to drill out some of the accessory brackets, but no big deal. The huge advantage of going with a 502 is that you get the GEN VI block, which has roller lifters, and significant changes made in the oil delivery paths. This made the engine tons more reliable. The 502 is bullet proof and is designed to scream all day long if you want to. Gobs of torque and effortless acceleration.

If you plan to keep the coach, its a no brainer. Stock 454 is not really compatible with modern oils.

[chevyman2]

We put a Jasper 454 in our old Winnie 32' MH. It was a good investment.

Futhermore, we used to run dirt track race cars. We ran in the stock class. We always used Jasper engines. We found it cheaper to purchase a Jasper all ready to go, then to rebuild our own. (By the time you do machine shop stuff ETC). Yup those Jaspers held up real well. Even in competition.

[lyle_47250]

Had a Jasper 454 in my 82 Revcon for several years, no oil leaks or use. Sold the engine and went with a 8.1 and fuel injection.

[hershey]

Jasper is one quality engine re-builder/supplier. I must have bought at least 3 or 4 dozen engines from them, all Chevy, for a fleet of delivery trucks. I can't remember a problem with any of them.
I have no reservations in recommending them.
Unfortunately none of them were 454's so I'm making an assumption that the same quality would go into them as the smaller V8's.