can some one run a simulation on this or give an educated guess?
355, bottom end balanced,stock crank and rods,.100 dome pistons,882 heads
465/488 summit cam,msd ignition,holley 750 carb,wiend intake.exhaust dumps after the headers.

 

280-300 HP

I've built that same combo, over and over again, for people who refused to listen. And every single time, no exception, they were underwhelmed. It hardly matters what cam you use, it will come out a pig, but that is one particularly useless cam, almost as bad as a 151. FYI, Edelbrock sells it as their "Performer RPM" grind, and it's just as worthless with their name on it as it is when you purchase it as a Wolverine, or an Elgin, or Summit, or from any other generic source. Those heads are a contenda for the worst SBC heads ever. I cannot tell you how many extremely disappointed people there were back in the early 80s with that exact combo.... "pop-ups" and the stock 350 heads of the day. Dome pistons and large chambers will produce an inferior engine in every respect, compared to flat-tops and mid-chambers, or dished pistons and small chambers, every time. Guaranteed.

Throw those heads away and get something with some potential, and use a modern cam. Step up and claim the other 100 HP you could be making with better choices that will give you better gas mileage and better driveability besides.

 

Hey RB what is it about that cam you dont like and what would you suggest as a replacement. I am putting a combo together now 350 standard with flattop pistons ported and polished 416 heads with 1.94 intake valves and not sure of the intake I was thinking about the typhoon from Proffessional products. This will be balanced of course. I was considering the same cam profile as mentioned above. I seem to consider your advice and a few others here exclusively so your input is appreciated

 

Yea, I'm with RB here.... go find some 416 or 601 heads off a 305 and use some slightly dished pistons in your engine to get around 9.5-10 to 1 CR... those heads/pistons will make far more power than the 882 doorstops you have now.

 

I found people who actually look for 882 and 993 heads in my area- guys who run Pure Stockers out at my local dirt track- because those are the heads they are limited to if they run a 350.

Eric

 

Sorry if I'm hijacking this thread. This is my first post. What if someone used a cam that was .465/.465 with 1.6 exhaust rockers and mildly ported (opened to 62/64cc's) 416's with 1.96 valves? (Flattop pistons) Would that be better or worse than that combo? Just curious, a guy at my machine shop says he can help me make an engine like that for cheap and he says it'll be over 300 hp. (With Performer RPM intake and 1 5/8 headers)

 

It would be better. Don't be shy on the head porting.
Give 'em a good hoggin'. Use 1.94" intake valves and 1.60" exhaust valves. get a quality valve job done.

What cam are you refering to? 224-224@.050" .465/.465" lift 112 LSA? Should work fine with that.
Should make 350 to 375 BHP.

 

look at my combo and that will give you an idea on what your missing out on -

also, i can get the heads a little cheaper for ya if you live near ct- lemme know...

but that combo you have listed will be a dog... even if you go vortec heads they will be 10x worth the cash