I'm finalizing my 454/powertrain combo, wanted to throw it by you guys and see what you thought.

Mark IV 454 14015445 casting ('77 truck block, 4-bolt main)
bored to 468CID
stock GM cast crank
stock GM rods from block
ARP bolts/studs ETC
Brodix Race Rites, 115cc with CNC chamber, assembled
SRP 139515 (23cc dome)
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake (alum.)
Muncie 5-spd=M22 ratios with .68OD
4.10 rear with posi

That's what I have so far. I am going to contact Harold soon for a solid flat-tappet cam. I haven't seen him on here a while lately and I thought I read he was out somewhere doing some testing or something..anyway as far as that goes I'm shooting (DCR-wise..or is it ECR-wise now) to be able to run 93 octane. With the chamber and piston, I think I should be at 10.2:1 static. For a bit more I can get a 110cc chamber, and bring me to about 10.7:1 static, is it worth it? For the cam I need first and foremost for safety to be able to run my power brakes and steering, and I use A/C sometimes in summer. Also compression, then power and a nice lopey idle.

For carb I'm thinking, with a manual tranny and those gears, an Holley double-pumper...does a 750 cut it or does an 850CFM sound better?

Any thoughts on anything? What rocker ratios I should use or if I should use roller rockers, etc? I know without a cam it's hard to say completely but that's the basic set-up and would like to know what you all think and depending on the cam what kind of power I could be looking at..thanks!

Oh I guess I forgot about exhaust. I don't know what size headers would be best but I know I'm liking to run true duals, probably 3'', to Hooker Aerochambers...probably 2.5'' tails. I'll probably get electric cutouts just for fun right after the headers, too.

I don't think I'd mess with electric cutouts,,get the flange type that uses 3 wingnuts to hold it on. The heat will destroy the electric ones in short work. 1.75" dynomax coated headers will get the job done. You'd definately be happy with a Holley 950HP carb too.