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355 Top-End Recommendations? Help spend $3000?

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squid

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a 68 with a four-bolt, 355, KB Hyper Pistons, stock crank and rods. Pocket ported 1.94 iron heads, 1.52 roller rockers, 268 HE Cam (218 degress on both sides, .454 lift, and 110 degree separation), Edelbrock EPS manifold and carb. TH-350, and a 8.5 ten bolt with 3.73's to be placed shortly.

I was looking to pick up a little power, I don't mind losing a little streetablilty as it's a toy. But I understand I am limited by the crank and pistons.

What heads, intake, and cam (hydraulic roller?) would be a good set-up for autocross; more torque than top-end desired? I have about $3000 to spend and like the AFR 195s, but also like the idea of a fully ported head that looks like an old camel hump.

The engine was rebuilt several years ago, but still looks really clean inside and out.

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/148_0306_chevrolet_355_engine_build/

Any changes to the above article?

Thank you.
 
#2 ·
I have the profiler 195s with a mild port job done and got the same flow cfm but better port velocity than the afr heads Wichita will get you the torque you want. Also check out the prc 108 cam I have it in my sb 396 and it pulls hard from 2500 up to 6900 with my combo. I have also ran this cam in a 355 very streetable and great low to mid torque. It is however a solid flat tappet cam. As for an intake I'm running the weiand stealth airgap but the edelbrocks are just as good. A duel plain like one of these will be good to get you the low end torque you want for Autocross.
 
#4 ·
I got them from profiler. But I just got the bare heads and had my machine shop do the work and order the parts for them. If you want to order them already done speier racing is one of the best it the business for 1700 you get his econo port job and fully dressed heads check out there web site speierracingheads.com
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
I emailed him and contacted him through his website when I originally posted and never received any reply. I guess I should have called. I think I am going to go through Eric Weingartner at wengines.com He's been very helpful and recommended the SHP 180's.

Thank you for the replies.
 
#6 ·
I would contact Chris Straub over at our sister website (Team Chevelle). He has put together many HP engines and is the guru over there. He can dial in anything you want and is considered an expert in the field. Money well spent.
 
#8 ·
I would think the 195's would not be the best for low-end power.

Edelbrock sells a vortec head in aluminum that they use on their crate engines up to ~450 hp. It has a 170 cc port and that should be ideal for what you want.
 
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#9 ·
squid said:
I emailed him and contacted him through his website when I originally posted and never received any reply. I guess I should have called. I think I am going to go through Eric Weingartner at wengines.com He's been very helpful and recommended the SHP 180's.

Thank you for the replies.
Click to expand...
Eric is good people. If I can help let me know.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Thank you for the responses. Eric has been really helpful and patient with my questions.

Everett, what heads and EFI do you recommend for less than $3000? What about other upgrades, cam?
 
#11 ·
EFI would be either Holley or Fast EFI,
Heads would be a good 180CC alum, 2.02/1.60's
Cam would be a hyd roller 220°@0.050", 110° LSA, 0.500" lift (1.5 rockers).
But then I'm not an engine builder.
 
#12 ·
squid said:
Thank you for the responses. Eric has been really helpful and patient with my questions.

Everett, what heads and EFI do you recommend for less than $3000? What about other upgrades, cam?
Click to expand...
The cost of an EFI system is just the start. Lines, fittings, tank mods are all the little stuff that ads up quick. A $3K budget I dont' feel will get you heads, valvetrain, and a complete EFI.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Thank you for all of the help; $3000 seems tight with heads and EFI. Eric Weingartner has been super helpful and I've decided to go with his heads and recommendations for the engine. If all goes well, I should have a new set of heads in the next six weeks or so.

He recommended a set of SHP 180's with a matching cam and RPM Air Gap. This spring should see a better performing Camaro.
 
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