Ok, so I have a 1983 Trans Am and I am putting a 400 chevy small block into it.
So far I have purchased the Cam and am waiting to purchase the rest until i have enough money for everything (minimize rusting etc)

The planned components are
400 chevy small block rebuilt (most likely .030 over)
SDPC vortec high lift heads
Performer RPM intake
Edelbrock 800 cfm carb
1 3/4 hooker long tubes

Estimated CR will be around 9.5:1 - 10:1
Harland Sharp Roller Rockers

The cam I purchased is a Crane Cams Z-Cam, supposedly similar to the voodoo cams with the quick lift technology.

Specs
Idle Quality:Good
Operating Range:2200-6400 RPM
Duration Advertised:274° Intake / 280° Exhaust
Duration @ .050'' Lift:224° Intake / 230° Exhaust
Valve Lift:.473'' Intake / .486'' Exhaust
Lobe Separation Angle:110°
These are with 1.5:1 rockers
I have considered 1.6:1 rockers putting the lift at .505 and .518

Will this combination make 450 hp? Will it be ATLEAST 400? At the crank.
Would the 1.6 rockers be better choice?

Or, should I drop the cam all together? I would prefer not to do this b/c i already have it...

I figured making 1hp/cu in shouldnt be too hard to do and still drive it every day and 1.2 hp/cu in puts me at 480 so short of that on pump gas shouldn't be impossible.
Any Ideas or reccomended changes to the plan?

 

What to the heads flow? Are they iron heads or aluminum? The heads will be the key for potential power. Go with the 1.6 rockers and don't look back.

 

They are just a stock casting with modified guides and high lift springs. They are cast iron. I have heard nothing but good about these heads and at $325 a piece you cant go wrong.

 

I would say no to 450hp and yes to 400hp. I have seen alot of 400s run the comp cams 274 with 230 236 dur and 487 490 lift run between 420-440hp with vortec heads but you will probably run close to 500ftlbs of torque!!!The heads are what will limit the hp.With 170cc head it will make great torque but hp will not reach that high.Either way it will smoke the hell out of my car and still run you in the 12s.400's like 200+cc to flow all those cubes.