454 more power???

Well I got the truck in the shop now doing the bag setup and rims. I have this odd problem tho, when I press the pedal down it doesn't quite go as a 454 should go. I'm sure the motor is tired. It's a 79 and well the odometer reads 32,xxx I'm sure it's been turned a couple times. The truck has true duals with flow masters turned out in front of the back tires, well I guess my problem could be fixed by having more power! I was curious before I go pulling that ole 454 and replacing the motor if there are other options that can give me more power, more HP. Please give me some good feedback as the truck sounds mean as hell but it's all bark and no bite!

'79 454 is gonna be low compression smog era motor, not huge power, but should definitely wake up when you mash the loud pedal. Before writing it off do a compression check to be sure it's healthy at the core, then check your ignition timing (not sure what spec should be on a '79 454 but maybe someone has a manual or your emissions sticker still lists it) and things like the vacuum advance may not be any good, mechanical advance weights may be sticking, carb might need to be rebuilt or adjusted, even something stupid might be tripping you up like the throttle linkage isn't letting the carb go wide open. With the engine off have someone put it to the floor while you look at the carb to see if it's getting there.

Richard

Thanks for the info.