For my 77 350V8, I was planning to purchase the GMPP Vortec Heads with GMPP 350HO cam for a 330hp build. I saved up little more and now I am really considering the Edelbrock E-Tec Top End Kit #2099. This is the 435 hp & 435 ft/lbs. w/ retro-fit hydraulic roller cam kit.

After looking at all of the kits, I narrowed it down to Eelbrock for two reasons.

1. The power is rated with a 9.5:1 compression which is where I am going to end up.
2. Edelbrock actually make crate engine with this setup – proven kit?

Edelbrock E-Tec Top End Kit #2099.
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...ek_chevy.shtml


What is interesting about this kit is that the performance results are obtained on a 350 c.i.d. shortblock w/ 9.5:1 compression. Additionally, Edelbrock sells a complete crate engine with this top end built with a new "ZZ" 4-Bolt 1-Piece Rear Main Seal block with compression of 9.5:1.

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...etec_435.shtml


My 77 motor has 8.5:1 (maybe 8.2:1) compression with 76cc heads. With 64cc heads I will be around 9.5:1 (or 9.2:1). The thing I am not too crazy about is the cast crank and two piece mains. I want to pull my motor out only once and I have a feeling I am going to regret it if I don’t get Edelsbrock’s top end kit for more power.

My car is not a daily driver but just a weekend fun car. With my setup Edelbrock (most likely) or Vortec, I am planning on 2500 stall converter & 3.73 gears. I really want the 4.10 but with a TH350, the engine would be running high rpm at highway speeds.
I need some thoughts and opinions on this kit (pluses and minuses).

Thank you,

Waid

 

As they say on TV ;actual results may vary.

I would research what the real world results are; not on a in house dyno
You may achieve same or better results for less than the Edelbrock kit
The Edelbrock heads are not generally highly rated compared to others in the same price range

 

What he said^.

I bought a Camaro from a friend who had installed a 4 bolt 350 and the "Edelbrock Performer RPM" package. Only he swapped in TFS heads in place of the Edelbrock heads. The package (back then) was rated at 430 hp with THEIR heads, and I think most would agree that TFS heads are better. Anyway, when I got the car, I put new exhast on it, spent a lot of time tuning it in (he hadn't tuned it well at all), and took it to the Dyno. It put down 310 to the wheels which is about 350 at the crank, IMO.