Ok guys. Over the years I have been through 3 different third gens. Ranging from 305 tbi, 350 tbi, and 350tpi. TH 350 and 700r4. Many many many hours into my third gens. Well I have met my love. Back in November I bought a 1987 Z28/Iroc. T-tops and great shape. Right now she has a 350 bored out .030, tpi, big cam. whole 9 on the engine. trans is a 700. Built up. Decent hp out of her, around 400-420. But I want more. Over the course of this year I going to do my final set up with her. I want about 550-600hp on a sbc. I was thinking 383 with a holley carb, but im not sure. So i figured Id put the idea up here and get some ideas rolling.

With the amount of power that I am wanting I am going to replace the entire power and drive train. So I want to know what everyone would suggest and how they would or have done it. With a $10-15k limit because I still have to pay $5k on a nice paint job when all is said and done.

Engine ideas. Should I still go with a 383? they always sound good when tuned right. Ill want a good parts list for all the pistons, crank, cam, heads, valves, lifters and arms.

Tranny? About 2k in the tranny of course. I can get a 700r for about 1700 that will handle 630hp. Anyone know anything better that will handle more and easily go up to this?

And of course the dif. What gears should I be getting and who makes the best rear end for high hp application on a third gen.

Another note: When the engine is built up, I want it to be able to handle a turbo system as well for a later application next year.

Thanks in advance.

 

Trying to get close to 600hp with only a 383 is going to eat up most of your budget.

Suggestions are NOS or turbo to keep it driveable with lower HP levels.

Next suggestion, if you don't want to go to a BBC is to build a 434 SBC. It's a lot easier and cheaper to reach your HP goal with more cubic inches.

Diff choices are limited to the aftermarket 12 bolt, 9" or Dana 60. It's your choice. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages.

If you're building a high HP engine now and plan on adding a turbo later then that's the wrong way to go about it. NA, you're going to want to build a high compression engine to make power. Using a turbo, you want low compression pistons so you can increase the boost to make more power. Decide what you want now, turbo or non turbo and build the engine accordingly.

With high HP comes high torque. With lots of torque, you don't need a low first gear like in the 700R4 to get you moving. If you feel you need an OD, invest in a 200-4R. It has similar gear ratios to the TH350 plus has an OD. My powerglide can easily handle that power level and it only uses 2 gears at a fraction of the cost.

The last decision is what do you intend to do with the car? Street, street/strip or full race? Each choice means a different choice of parts you should be using.

 

will be following this as i plan on doing something similer

 

sell your car, take that budget and buy one already built. You'll save at least 40% of the buildup costs.