badrad

Check out Summit too, they have aluminum heads rebranded as theirs. Pretty good price too. Step up to RPM intake version, you won't lose any bottom end but gain breathing upstairs.

Crepitus

Sweet Camino Bad! Be sure to check hood clearence with that intake.

badrad

Thanks.

Looks like Summit is now selling top end kits at pretty decent prices.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/D.../?Ns=Price|Asc

texas jim

excellent articles on the GM crate/stock lame 350 engine. My '81 is stock w/ the exception of no emissions, headers, RPM air gap intake and a 600 cfm Edelbrock. It runs great and doesn't burn any oil or smoke. I do want to make the engine alittle more healthy and I think that using these articles as a guide line will do what I want. Thank you f/ this particular info.

from everything I've read and the two friends of mine who run small block Chevys, I agree that the AFR heads are the way to go f/ quality performance. Out of the box, any of the different models are ready to go. Maybe tomorrow there will be something better, but right now, AFR is the one IMO.

540 vette

Well I got the manifold, Performer RPM and the headers, Hooker 1 5/8 competition. Now I am looking into heads, possibly the Jegs brand. They seem the same as the Edelbrock RPM brand and also will be picking the cam today.

MalibuVLX

I did a motor swap on my dad's 83 shortbed Chevy p/u that he has had since new. We bought a 383 stroker off ebay from a company w/ 7 yr/70,000 mile warranty. It puts out 420hp/430ft/lbs. This thing is awesome. We paid $2195 + 250 shp & handling. He is thrilled and burns the tires rolling 25 mph all day long. May be more that you are looking for, but it is in your budget. Keep up posted.

540 vette

The only thing with the crate engine is I don't want to pull the motor right now. I just want bolt ons and then over the winter, next summer or when I have more cash I will do the short block.

texas jim

heads are a vital part of making power, along w/ a cam. CardoO gave you the best info IMO. It's all there. Those articles along w/ the "Miserly Mouse" article from Chevy Hi-Po magazine (FEB. 2009) is the most inexpensive way to 400hp there is. and if you have a small block to start w/, it's just a matter of going thru it. Doesn't get any better than that f/ the price.

63mako

Heads will determine the power potential. Cam will determine where in RPM the power is applied. Since you already have a performer RPM look at the Dart SHP 180 or Brodix IK180 in 64 CC for a lot of head at a reasonable price if AFR's are out of the budget. Felpro 1094 gasket if you have a stock block with pistons in the hole @ .025. Since your planning on a roller cam The Howards line at Summit is a good piece at a nice price.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HRS-CL111145-10/

billla

All good advice. Those heads will easily exceed 350 FWHP.

A lower tier head and a flat-tappet will still get you there and be well under your budget, as will the same kits with a retrofit roller. The SDPC Vortec top kits are a great value.

http://sdparts.com/category/sdpc-vor...-and-head-kits

63mako

Yes, Vortec top end kit will get you where your going. Im not a flat tappet cam guy though. For the few hundred bucks a roller is a good return on investment long term. You are talking about a short block rebuild in the next year so buy carefully so you can reuse most of what you buy now.

billla

I know, and for the most part I agree. The total cost is more than a few hundred bucks, though - and for some folks that's the difference between being able to do a cam upgrade...and not.

Yes, my heritage is Scottish. Why do you ask?

540 vette

I am looking at the heads Jegs has for the small block. They are very similar to Edelbrock performer rpm heads. I am also going to get a Holley 670 avenger carb and possibly a Performer rpm roller cam setup. I also am not a flat tappet guy. I don't like the break in period. I have wiped out a couple of cams.

540 vette

I am going to get the Performer RPM package. I am going to get the heads, which should raise my compression up, the roller cam for the package and I already have the intake and a 750 vacuum secondary carb.
After checking things for about 2 days now this fits right into my budget

billla

You may want to compare the flow numbers of the Edelbrock heads to others in the same price range.

540 vette

Bill there isn't much for $1100.

63mako

Brodix Ik series and Dart SHP both flow better than the edelbrocks for less than $1100. AFR eliminators are $1400

540 vette

They flow better but not alot better. This car will never see the track. I am not looking for every once of power I can get out of the heads or the motor. If I wanted that I have a nice low 10 second 540 sitting on an engine stand in my garage waiting for my 67 GTO to be ready for it.
I want a nice street engine thats it. And I think the performer rpm package will do it for me. I feel comfortable with it. I used it on a 427 I had and it ran strong.
I appreciate the suggestions. And that is why I started this thread to get ideas on what is out there.

bluedawg

I'm not for sure what trans mission/ stall converter & gears, but you might want to ask edelbrock what's recommended.

540 vette

It has a 4 speed in it. And the stock gears.