OK, it's on to the next step in my project -- performance!

Here's the setup.

1990 model 454, 4 bolt main. Bottom end is "supposed" to be forged crank and 10:1 TRW forged pistons. Heads are unknown but probably the original "peanut port" heads. Edelbrock Performer 2.0 intake, Edelbrock Performer 750 carb. Cam is a 272H10 Energizer.

TH-400 trans with a shift kit in it. Converter stall unknown, probably a stock converter.

Rear end is the original 12-bolt posi, 2.73 gears. Tires are 28" diameter.

The car is pretty lazy. I'm not looking for a race car, and it may never go to the track. It's not taken on long freeway trips. I just need it to have more balls for cruising around town.

My thoughts:

1. Upgrade rear end gear. I'm thinking Eaton 3-series posi carrier and a Richmond 3.55 gear set. Opinions?

2. Replace the cylinder heads for better flow. But with what? Edelbrock Performer aluminum heads, or a rebuilt set of iron heads? Oval port or rectangle? Which casting number. Any other tips or advise here?

3. Leave the cam alone, or swap it? Thoughts?

Like I said, I'm not looking to build a race car. Something that would run solidly in the 13's is basically what I'm after. My A/C, power steering and power brakes are staying. And I am not made of money smile.gif

Thanks in advance for your thoughts...

Assume the motor has flat top pistons and its 8.0 to 1 compression with 119 cc chamber heads.With that in mind,I'd go for a pair of closed chamber oval port heads (101 CC's),which will get the compression up to 9 to 1 (look for casting #'s with the last 3 digits of 063,215,390) I run #215's on my car,and they have the 2.06/1.72 stock valves,and NO port work.
Intake (I use a Performer as well) and cam are fine,but you will need 3.55-3.73 gears,and a stall convertor.Low 13's are do-able.I could tell you how to get into the 13's with 2.73's,but you would need alot more compression and a bigger cam,none of which would effect streetability either.

Thanks for the reply. I've always been impressed by the times in your signature, and have wondered what your car would do with a different gear.

but you would need alot more compression and a bigger cam,none of which would effect streetability either. I'm curious... How can you add a lot of compression and cam and not affect streetability?

Thanks for the compliments.
The reason why I mentioned more cam/compression is because my combo uses a cam that builds alot of cylinder pressure,plus I have a true 10.59 to 1 compression.
210 lbs. of cranking compression too.
Idles smooth as well and runs fine on 92/93 octane,even with up to 40* of total timing.
Totally streetable and docile.