1987L69

So down the road this year I am going to build a 355 for my 84 Z28 5 speed with 3.23 gears, this is what I am kicking around the idea of.
1979 350 2 bolt main .030 over
Flat top pistons with 4 valve relief's
L79 cam
Jet stage 2 Q-jet
Street warrior intake
1967 461 double hump heads with screw in studs and 2.02 valves that have been drilled for accessories
Hooker headers with matching Y pipe and edelbrock TES cat back exhaust system.

I just want to make sure that this system will work and not be soft on the bottom end and will make good vacuum for my brakes, I already have a non CC distributor, any input or experiences will be greatly appreciated.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Is there any reason you're avoiding newer Vortec heads? They'll make a heck of a lot more power.

There are so many choices of great aftermarket cams, don't know why you would fiddle with GM factory cams.

1987L69

I already have the 461's, I got them both from a buddy for 300$ fresh out of the machine shop, they installed harden valve seats as well, they should measure just shy of 64CC

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Then sell it.

The only thing between you and better heads is just a little more time to save up a few hundred dollars. The power is found in the heads and cam.

1987L69

Im not looking at making a 400+hp small block, I just was wondering if this set up would work well together in my Z28. I already have a race car with an aluminum headed 427 in it, just looking to make my Camaro a little more fun to drive.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

I was looking to make your Camaro a little more fun to drive too.

1987L69

I also already have the intake, not looking to spend more on a vortec intake. I know that it is only a few 100$ more, but im buying a house soon, and E5 pay is not the greatest in the Coast Guard lol

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

I have a feeling you already have everything..... just put it together and tell us how it does.

1987L69

I just was hoping to get the warm and fuzzy from someone before I spend the money to build it. But I think the combo should be a great street engine and quite a bit more fun than the LG4 is! Other option is a 6.0L truck block with trickflow heads and a big cam in it, it has the wiring harness with it, would just need intake, fuel system, oil pan, and exhaust....... and a T56 lol, it made 435whp in a 240 with a TH350.....

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Your setup will be great upgrade over the LG4. Probably over 100HP. Pretty tame cam so you should be ok on vacuum. It will consume a lot more gas no doubt. Even though we all know Vortecs and a more modern roller cam setup would be better in every way I think you will have a decent setup. Ive watched a pile of smallblocks on old camel humps running 12s at the track they used to be the go-to thing.

dlinger

iTrader: (4)

Are the heads drilled for accessories? If not you may have to do that or get brackets that work without the holes.

1987L69

They will be drilled when i take them in to have the valve springs set up for the cam im going to run

naf

iTrader: (7)

consider the cost of the head work vs. selling them and getting something newer that's going to provide better performance and efficiency.

re-using your LG4 heads on a 350 is an economical and viable option. they're the '305HO' heads. less than $100 in z28 springs, new seals and shims and you can set them up yourself. they were the budget performance head of their time.

redneckjoe

i like the idea of freshening up the 305 heads. the increase in compression would make the motor very torque happy. instead of putting money in the camel humps, i'd have 2.02's and screw-in studs put in the 305 heads. sell the camel humps. JMO.
either way you should have a fun toy.

1987L69

I put together a 355 about 9 years ago with HO heads and the edelbrock RPM performer cam, it ran very very well in a 77 Monte Carlo with a TH350, stock converter and 3.42's it ran a 9 flat in the 1/8th. I just think this combo will do better with the larger valves with the 461 heads.

cuisinartvette

why put on an even poorer flowing head?

OP just put it together it should run pretty decent for what it is
Sure the heads/cam are dinosaurs but doesnt mean it wont still be fun.