Hello guys, here's what i'm thinking. I basically have a 1972 350 that hasn't run in about 10 years. There is no ridge on the cylinder walls so I think that I would be O.K if I just installed a set of new rings. The pistons are "slightly" dished and have 4 relief indents. The heads are 1.94's 76CC. So i'm trying to figure the compression ratio here. It's out of a car so i'm thinking that the ratio is about 9. Right? Now i'm looking for a cam that will rump but not overkill. To match the cam I'm thinking of getting an "alright" stall converter. Should I decide to get the heads worked on, what needs to be done to them? What modifications will I have to make to run this cam? I'm looking to make at least 250 horse. I also want to get the stealth intake.
Now i'm thinking here, If i'm going to do rings because the walls look good. I should just change the pistons as well to raise compression right? As you can see i'm looking for low level performance parts. Would it be to much work and money to put new pistons and rings in? I don't even have a clue as to what pistons to choose. I want great compression but still be able to use pump gas. I don't race a lot but I like to know that I have a mild performance engine. There's nothing like the open road.
Here's some parts that i'm looking at

Crane Cams Energizer Cam & Lifter Kits
270-100082
Advertised Duration: 282º
Duration @ .050: 226°
Lobe Separation: 106°
Gross Lift: .470''
RPM Range: 2300-5800
$101.99

Jeg's Torque Converters
555-60401
10'', 2700-3000 Stall
10.75'' Bolt Pattern
$189.99

-Rob

 

Your compression ratio is going to be low. Lower than you think.
Less than 8.5:1. Probabily more like 7.9:1...

Depends on your piston deck clearance and which head gasket you use.
The trouble with "loppy cams" is they need more compression.

You should try to get your true compression ratio up to 10:1 or
as close as possible.

Shaving the heads and using a thin shim style head
gasket will help.

You can improve your stock "low perf" heads by porting them your self. Search the past posts, there is lots there on the subject.
Your motor is a prime candigate for a 305 head swap.
305 heads have small valves but full sized ports and small combustion chambers. They are also cheap to buy 'cause ever one thinks they are crap.
Well once you "home port" them and install larger 350 valves (1.94x1.60) you have a great budget hi flow high perf head that will raise your compression ratio to right about 10:1.
Now your "loppy" lil crane cam will boggie. These cams need to be installed advanced as on the cam card included.
It is worth the trouble to "degree in" these cams to ensure the are installed properly. You'd want to get some better stock diameter "no machineing" valve springs to go with your cam.
Crane's 99846 are the ones to get.
They sell this as a "Saturday Night Special Kit" ( cam lifters springs etc)

You can install new rings on used but good cylinders but you have to hone the cylinders some.

If your intersted in the 305 head route, I have a set for sale.
Check the Ontario board classifieds for info.
They are done to the max and ready to go. And Local...

 

Hmmm... I have 2 sets of 416's in the garage. I think it would cost some bucks to have valves put in them etc.

 

Yes it would but the results are worth it.

thats the way to wake up a low compression 350 on a budget.
Did you check that ad in the Ontario classifieds

$600 can $380 us You can drive up and get 'em tonight if a ya want. Niagarafalls