Need help with engine combo [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Need help with engine combo


71 NOVA
Mar 24th, 04, 10:55 AM
Hello! First time poster here!!

I need help putting an engine combination together for a BBC in a 71 nova. I have a 454 block and an aftermarket steel 427-stroke crank. I do have Dart iron eagle 308 heads.
I need to know if a hi compression 427 can get my stripped out nova into the 10’S?
I will be running 28-inch tall tires. A 400 turbo trans, haven’t picked a rear gear yet.

My first suggestion would be about 13:1 compression,
Victor Jr intake
Are the heads too big? Would I be better off with some 049s?
I guess I want to work with what I have rather than buying something else.
I would like to use a Solid flat cam, is this possible?

Fried_Guy
Mar 24th, 04, 1:25 PM
As long as your gearing is right it shouldn't be a problem. I don't know much about big blocks, so I can't tell you which head to use... but with the right heads and a solid cam you can definately get there.

71 NOVA
Mar 24th, 04, 1:36 PM
I'm wondering if the heads are too big, should I go with a dual plane intake?

427L88
Mar 24th, 04, 1:37 PM
FWIW Todd Geisler ( 10secBu) runs deep into the 10's with a heavier ride. He has the stock GM 4 link pretty tricked out with some homebrew fabrication. That's something the engine can't help you with, the chassis. A 10 second ride needs a 10 second chassis, not just a 10 second motor.

BTW, I love high revving 427s, but I'm a nostalgia street freak. For a reliable 10 second car, I would consider swapping your 3.76" crank for a Callies 4.25" DragonSlayer & 6 3/8" rods. You should be able to hit your 10 second goal at a 1000 rpm less. Same heads, camm'd at around 255/263 @.050 , 11.25:1 or better, nice tight 8", 4.10s, off the top of my head.....

Very do-able IMHO with a very well thought out combination.