Ive started to slowly accumulate parts for a short block 350 that I plan to assemble when I get all the parts for it. The blocks brand new 4 bolt main and 1 piece rear main seal. So far Ive purchased an Edelbrock Air Gap RPM Intake, Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam, 1.5 Roller Rocker Arms and the RPM Cylinder Heads. I would like to ask those of you out there what my next move should be. I was thinking carb but how many cfm's should I go with 650 or 750? And would anyone venture to guess how many ponies it looks like Ill be able to make with the parts I have right now? Any input would be appreciated.

 

Need more details on the cam.

Is the block machined for roller lifters? I'm guessing it is not.

 

No its not machined for roller lifters. The duration on the cam is 278/288 and the lift is .420/.442.

 

Im sorry I just completely lied to you. I was looking at something else. The lift is 488/510 and the duration is 234/244. Sorry about that

 

:barf:

The RPM cam.... (or the Summit, Melling, AMotion, etc. etc. etc. copy of the same Stone Age design that the Edelbrock is also a copy of)

Throw that away, and get a Comp XE274. It'll make somewhat more power, and have VASTLY better driveability.

You'll want a 750 CFM carb; preferably a Holley, with manual secondaries.

Yes I know Edelbrock says the RPM kit gives 420 HP. What they mean is, the MOST they ever got out of it, when installed on a totally tricked out and perfectly set-up short block, was 420 HP.

I think with the RPM cam you'll get about 375 HP or so, depending on your compression and your exhaust system. With the Comp you'll get about 15 more HP and about 2" better idle vacuum, and maybe your fuel consumption will be measurable in miles per gallon instead of gallons per mile.

You'll want 3.73 or higher gears; 3.42 would be the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM. If this is an auto car, it'll need about a 2800 RPM converter with the Comp cam, and about 3400 with that crappy RPM cam.

 

400HP is truly enough power for me. Im a guy of moderation. Besides anything more than that and your reliability goes down considerably. And thats a mark I want to hit is a 400HP Camaro reliable enough to use as a daily driver. Any suggestions on parts that improve reliability. Any ideas on what kinda compression ratio to go with? Thanks for the input so far and please keep the ideas and opinions coming Im open minded.