I'd like to build a moderate 350 roller engine for street use with a T-56 trans, and was hoping to get some ideas/thoughts on where to take the build? I have read Atilla's best builds and many of the other engine build threads on here, but it's always nice to get feedback on what you're trying to do specifically so:

I'd like stick to traditional-style carbed builds while getting a lot of low-end torque for hard launches. I'd like to see around 400hp if possible, but I also don't want to choke the engine performance wise as it will be run in my DD. My budget is around 3-4k but is flexible as this will be a long term build. I have a basic outline of which direction I may want to head, but my options are open, let me know me what you think!

350 L98 Roller Engine (used)
96+ OEM Vortec Heads (used)
Professional Products Hurricane Single Plane Intake
Lt4 Hot Cam
1.6 Roller Rockers
Eagle Cast Steel Crankshaft
Eagle Cast SIR I-Beam Connecting Rods
Hypereutectic Pistons (dished?)

 

One of these things is not like the other. One of these things, doesn't belong.

The dished pistons also make no sense.

 

Lol, well I tried I know you know your stuff Sofa, I've seen your posts, especially on Online170's T-56 swap. I don't know a whole lot about the principles of building high performance engines but I'm trying to learn as I go along

Instead of a single plane intake and dished pistons, what would you recommend?

 

400bhp is very doable for a street car. But I wouldn't do it in a 350, I'd build it into a 383. Easier to make the HP and gobs of torque. I built a 320hp 350 and I"m very happy with it in a street car. Also still getting around 14mpg in town. 18 on the highway. As a DD, surviveable with today's gas prices. 400hp, you'll be around 10-12mpg in town, and that's if you keep your foot out of it. Fuel injected you would get more out of it. Just my two cents after building my motor.

Also, if this is the first time you're doing this, take your budget, and double it. You may get lucky, but I know I didn't. Just the shop's prep work and parts alone cost me 3500. That didn't account for the install cost which is was another $1000 (I screwed up the timing and had some settings way off that they had to fix), then all the misc stuff that's there, like coolant, oil, etc. It'll just nickle and dime you to death.