I have a 454 .030 over in a 1979 Z28 I bought this engine ready to go from a friend. I has good parts but I want a total screamer! Here is what the engine is like now.

454 .030 over
comp cam
.022 valve adj on both intake and exhaust
.595 lift
.248 duration @.050 both sides
cam id # is pa8737 (2945)

intake is a performer rpm airgap that has been milled to match heads

heads are casting # 336781
large cast oval
ported and cc'ed
milled
ss valves

The problem is that the guy I bought it from cannot tell me exactly what the compression is or what pistons...that type of thing. He believes that it is a 10:1 engine. Like I said I want to make this car scream so I was considering having the engine taken out and torn apart to see what I have exactly. My other option is to just go with a different cam and a new set of aluminum heads. So I have a few questions for the guru's of this board.

1. The engine is stout now so would you tear it down or just go with new cam, heads, and intake?

2. I was thinking of going with a roller cam...are they worth it?

3. What brand of heads would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

I would say don't touch it until you NEED more power. The parts you have with unknown pistons are still good for over 500 hp.781 heads will support over 600 hp. You alredy have the right parts from what you listed.
Get your combo optimized and learn how to tune it before you open your wallet.

Ditto what Bob said


Milan

Don't touch it , but I sure would like to know what CR. it has just to know???

pdq67

Another thing I should mention is this. When I had radial tires you could just destroy them...even rolling at like 20-30 mph. Since I have put on the mickey thomson e.t. streets the car seems sluggish. I think the stall sucks...its a hole shot 2400 and I don't think it stalls to 2000! The trans is a 400 TCI. I have called a few places about a new convertor and may go up to a 3000-3500...how much would that help? thanks again!

You could most likely benefit from more converter. Id guess around 3200 or a bit more. As far as gears, you will want about a 3.55 or a little more. The right tuning and drivetrain should provide for 11 second timeslips even with improper compression....at lest low 12's.