I am in the process of locating a 400 block for a winter project for the Beau. I was planning on using my vortec heads and air gap intake. My question is if I were to go to a better aftermarket head (afr, trickflow etc.)if funds are available,would that let me use a milder cam and still make equal power. This is for a street application.


Thanks
Jerry

Yes, you can use a superior head and a milder cam. AFRs are generally considered the best, but pricey. I'm really happy with my Trick Flow/mild cam combo.

Originally posted by Unclepennybags:
Yes, you can use a superior head and a milder cam. AFRs are generally considered the best, but pricey. I'm really happy with my Trick Flow/mild cam combo. Which trick flow heads and what mild cam do you use?

Just how mild a motor are you building? If you build it to about a 5000rpm max use the Vortecs there torque production will absolutely astound you.

Mike, I am probably like everyone else, I want my cake and eat it too. I want very good performance while maintaining pretty good street manors. I need vacuum for brakes and want to be able to cruise with it. Right now I am planning on the vortecs but just thinking out loud about afr's
Appreciate the input

My 355 is very mild and runs goo.

355 9.5-1
218-230 Nitrous HP cam 113 LSA 462-469 lift
Canfield heads 195cc ( $1055 dollars)
performer RPM
750VS elec choke
1.75 headers
2.5" dual ex.

makes 292 RWHP @ 5900 421 TQ @ 2100

Has no lope at all, and runs smooth as can be.
car 3130 with driver 3.07 gear
12.63 @ 109 on motor
11.38 @118 on a 100 shot

Mike

Originally posted by Mike Feudo:
Just how mild a motor are you building? If you build it to about a 5000rpm max use the Vortecs there torque production will absolutely astound you. The only problem is the 63cc chambers..with a 400 that puts the CR out of pump gas range with a mild cam...un less you run dished pistons.

I have a so called plan at this point. Have the blocked decked to 005. Wiseco 22cc dished forged pistons, scat 9000 crank and scat icr rods. I have everything priced with a local guy. I am just waiting for a few leads on a block to turn up.
I believe I should be around 9.8-1 with the 64cc vortecs and quench would be .044 with the felpro .039 head gaskets. This is my first build and I want to get it right. I figured I could use the vortecs and later on maybe upgrade if I wanted. 1 other option for heads would be the eddy e-tecs. That would save me the cost of another intake. Just thinking out loud

Jerry