My engine will be done in 2 weeks. This is what I'm getting. A 355 4 bolt main. Cast steel crank, I-beam rods, Weisco forged pistons.(9.8-10.1 compression) Using fresh L98 heads with a Lunati voodoo 268 flat tappet cam. Comp magnum lifters and Comp roller tip rockers. Im running this with my HSR setup. Im thinking I will be close to 375ish HP

 

What drove those decisions? Why not just use an L31 Vortec as the base starting point? GM crate L31's are pretty cheap. And used L31's are pretty close to scrap value. Vortec heads will far outperform the L98 heads, and the you start with a hydraulic roller cam. The forged pistons are unnecessary at that power level, as are aftermarket rods if you have the L31 powdered metal rods. Also 10:1 compression will be a little high on L98 heads. You'll be fighting some detonation and it will absolutely require 92.

I'm just trying to understand the decision process. Did you have all those parts on hand?

GD

 

The head decision was cost and my non vortec intake. I picked up the heads for $500 freshly done. I have a non-roller block so that was also cost. I'm building an entire car right now so engine budget goes with everything. I asked the shop to try and keep the compression closer to the 9.8 and yes I use 91-93 anyway. The cam choice was Lunati's recommendation after several calls to them and research. I'm lucky if I drive this car 500 miles a year. Mostly local car shows and events. Oh the forged pistons and such are cause I may want to spray it and or a head swap later in its life when I get bored. lol

 

You'll like the Voodoo 268. Friend of mine has it in his 353...….sounds fantastic, makes really good power, but has really nice driveability too.

 

I think the cam may be a bit much for those heads. ...and I'm not sure those heads will get you to 375. To be fair, I never considered keeping my L98 heads so I never really researched what people are getting out of them in stock form. ...You could sell your heads and pick up some Vortecs with no money out of pocket I think. I've seen TWO vortec manifolds recently for under $300. I think that combo would serve you MUCH better. Gotta pay to play.

 

https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/pts...717525244.html

 

Im running a stealth ram.

I completely understand there are other better heads out there. I was looking at the trickflow heads but these came up so figured what the hell. This setup is far superior to what I had so im sure ill be happy with it.