In the future I'd like to replace my stock heads with some good aftermarkets, and keep my current Crane Energizer 272 cam and flat-top pistons. I'd like to get at least 350-370 horses out of my 350 (hoping new heads with a little work can get me there), but keep my compression to where I can predominately run around 89 octane-ish. Is this an achievable goal, or am I looking at a lot of machinework and such? Or if I get 72cc chambers will it be okay? And wondering if any people have any good horsepower numbers with 89 octane. Thanks for your input.

it's very possible to make good power with 89 octane. i've heard of very good combo's that run on 87. i think it was chevy hi-performance that published a book that has an awesome combo that made big numbers on 87 octane. that book has a lot of good info and a lot of combos. cant remember the title, but it has the CHP logo on it. check around at your bookstores

I run 87 octane. 3400# 12.10 @ 111.9
http://www.geocities.com/lonnie67_1966/red.html

Do a search on me using "Fueling" and it should turn up my comments and information the old mag's have put out on doing this. PHR mag. was big in authoring articles way back when....

The combination is for about an 11.2 to 1 CR. motor to run 87 octane.

1. Smallest chambers you can find.
2. True flat-top pistons.
3. Minimum quench in the .035"/.040" range!!!!!!
3. Longest rods you use and afford.
4. Hy- cam up to 280/230.

This combination should work on SB's as well as BB's!! AND there is an old writeup by Mr. Bochaz in one of the mag's on a 502 motor build-up at 12.1 to 1 CR. using Mr. Fueling's BB truck heads and 87 octane gas!!!!! I talked to him on the phone at length one day...

Excellent reading on the subject..

pdq67

I'm running a 355 in a fullsize 4X4 pickup with 9.3-1 compression, 64cc heads, small 260xtreme energy 4X4 cam, performer intake, holley 600, recurved HEI with performance module, headers. DD dyno figures it makes 400ft lbs. of torque and over 330hp. The think spins to 7000 without any problem, pulls hard from idle to 6000. Frys the tires through first and second, I put many hours porting the heads which are about 170cc's. The cranking compression is 190-195psi. The engine really likes premium but after a great amount of carb and timing advance curve tuning I run 87 octane without problem. This engine surprises alot of my friends, sure would be fun in a light car. graemlins/beers.gif