I got my '86. Now I have the literally everything I need for the engine end of things except for the bottom end. Now I would just like some opinions on what you think I should do. I was thinking of possibly going with a zz4 shortblock but even with the discounts I'm able to get from GM parts departments I don't really think it will meet the requirement for what I'm lookin to do(just hard to justify). I would also like to lean away from the roller cams and stick with the flat tappet hydraulics if possible. The reason I was looking for this kind of setup is that I already have the parts for a different engine I was going to build but I wound up using different parts and I have alot of reallly great left overs. so let's see what all of your suggestions are cause to be honest on this build up I can go many ways.
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In case you didn't catch the one piece seal thing is because I could like to keep the trans,oil pan and all those other goodies. if your suggesting a 2-piece seal I'd like to hear your reasons and justifications

 

anyone out there have any suggestions on where they would go with this?

 

Pretty vague.

Get a block and build it.

Factory 2- vs 4-bolt mains is of microscopic value for a hot-rod motor. The factory's setup is meant to reinforce for an ENTIRELY different kind of stress; namely, what a truck motor sees. Low to mid RPM loads, constantly; like lugging a 10-ton trailer of construction equipment around or something like that; as opposed to lightly loaded high-RPM usage such as racing. They are basically useless for that.

If you want some actual help, good things to post might include what "really great left over" parts these all are that you say you've got; what your goals are; and your budget. Without that, you're mostly going to get the Internet version of a blank stare.

 

we'll list some of what I have currently available to use for this project.
Air Induction:
choice between weiand stealth and professional products Typhoon intake.
Cam:summit brand 262/ 272, Lift .420/ .442. 1.6 summit steel rollers.
chromemoly push rods.
fuel:110 gph holley mech pump,0-4779c holley carb(750 mech secondaries,mech choke.
Ignition:MSD 6A box,taylor cut to fit wires,ac delco r43ts plugs,msd 8570 mech advance distributor, and a blaster ss coil.
heads: trick flow heads-TFS-30400001
Exhaust is hedman headers and y-pipe with hooker cat back (no cat until it hits the streets.

theres tons of other parts that I really don't have to list but those are the essentials for the most part. If your wondering what else I have just ask.
Now just take into consideration this will have to run on pump gas and I was personally shooting for 9.5:1 compression but whatever you guys think will really work well with what I have I was also looking to use the weiand intake instead of the PP intake.
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If I decided to switch back over to a roller cam I might go to stock two bolt if a stock block gets used in the build up. but personally I hate bottom-end engine work and that's why I was considering getting a prepped or new short block. but keeping the one piece seal and non-roller cam is kinda tough if I go new. This is where I need help making a decision.
400 RWHP was the goal eventually but high twelves regardless. budget with the short block isn't too much of an issue considering I do my own work and everything else had been bought for the vehicle

 

The cam is too small for 400hp. use Crane cams #113802 cam and lifter set. Use 1.6 rocker on intake side only.
if you'll be starting with a late "roller block" use a roller cam and oem roller lifters like the GM LT4 hot cam. (1.6 rockers)
match with 3.42-3.73 gears and a mild stall lockup converter.
2600-2800rpm.

4 bolts mains are not nessessary.

Skip the MSD6 and buy the "Ready to Run" MSD vacuum advance distributor. Its all the ignition power you'll ever need for this motor. has a nice fully adjustable advance curve.

 

those are actually the parts I already have. what I'm really looking for advice on is what shortblock setup should I go with. If I wind up going with a later roller setup then I'll have to change the cam but even if i keep the non roller I probably will go larger but I was thinking of going roller so it'll be easier to get alittle more agressive and get a longer duration without killing my low end.
If I go with a later roller block what should I do about the fuel delivery?