Just read an article in CHP about an LS1 408 build up that made 591 HP. Granted they used some trick heads and a fairly stout roller cam, but essentially this is a street engine that supposedly runs on 93 octane pump gas. OK so why can't I duplicate this on my 402 BBC chevelle? Is the fuel injection/intake runner system that superior? I have never seen a street 600 horse 402 buld up yet.I was thinking Merlin oval ports 11:1 compression and a similar spec roller cam should come close.For some reason I just dont want to jump on the 454 bandwagon. What do you guys think?

I don't know why it would be that difficult. My baby rat has over 500 hp and right at 600 f#tq and I am only at 9.48-1 compression using stock, ported iron 063 heads. I would think that with some worked over aluminum 100cc heads, bumping the compression to say 10.5-10.7 to 1, high lift long duration cam, you would be there. And, you would be much less on the "ragged edge" of reliability. That 408 SBC may be strong but how may runs and cruise nights is it going to be around for?
Regards,

I know what you mean about staying with a 396/402, I have one myself, a stock 402. I think there's to many big block guys that go straight to the 427-502 BBC, even though that some nice power. Some just don't want to make it work with the 396's and 402's, but I'm a creative person, and would like to turn my 402 into a 500hp or more streetable engine. I'm thinking of stroking it to a 434 which is a 454 crank in a 402 block. For compression, I would only stay around the 10:1 region. I wouldn't mind 11:1 but I'm not going spend $5-7 bucks a gal. for 100 octane all the time, because they say the pump gas isn't like it use to be for those kind of engines.