I would like to get your guys' input before I start buying parts. First off I have a 400 sbc 2 bolt main standard bore with stock crank (plan to run carburated) that im gonna throw in my 91 Camaro RS. I want to know what kind of heads/cam/intake/pistons/rods- length and any thing else you guys would recommend for me, I eventually want to run a 150-200 shot of NOS in it so I would like it to be able to stand up to that. My friends dad said that I should use a set of 305 heads and put some roller rockers on them and get the steam holes drilled for them, but on here I have heard lots of talk about Vortec heads so I am debating between the two. The car is not gonna be a track car just my daily driver that I mess around with (I know gas milage is non-existent lol). Any input that you guys have for me I would really appreciate. Thanks in advance for reading my post and any info you might have.
p.s. newb question (when would you recommend boreing a block .30 over, not sure if mine needs it)

Codey

 

moo

 

not sure how often you'll be sprayin it, but you'll want a nice strong rod and piston combo. atleast a forged piston.

as far as cam/heads combos go, that depends on how much power you want. Vortec heads arent bad but work better for smaller motors since they have smaller runners.

for somewhat cheaper, i'd go with a Dart Iron eagle 200 or so head. get the platinum series as they flow alot better than the old iron eagles. that will be a good head for most street applications.

 

I have to say, the late model 350 vortec heads look and work pretty well for warmed over engines. In the early 90's I used some TPI heads from a 350 (not the 305 ones) and drilled them with steam holes for the 400. They worked really well with a little porting. You almost can't beat new aftermarket heads for a Chevy nowadays, though, because they are so cheap to buy unless you are on an extreme budget.

 

As mentioned, there are alot of options. If you plan on spraying forged pistons and good rods are a must. 4340's should be fine for 100 shot. I'd go with a 5.7 rod compared to the 5.56 the 400's have stock. Using the 5.7 rods also gives you more of a piston selection. Keep in mind using the longer 5.7 rod you will have to grind some off the rod bolt to clear the camshaft. IMO, a 200cc head is a good pick for a 400. However I would be interested to see how a set of vortecs do. escpecially the 200cc vortecs.

So a search for my 406 build up. There's lots of info in there.