350 Engine Build

[vicnation]

Needing more torque from my 76 K10 and with a limited budget, I am considering rebuilding my 350 around the comp cam 12-231-2 setup. I'm looking for a recipe to get me over 400 lb ft of torque. Does it make sense to go with a Vortec setup? If so, what head/intake/carb combinations would be recommended? What are realistic performance numbers from a fresh build?

If I stayed with stock heads, what intake/carb combination would you recommend? What torque could I expect to get with this setup and a fresh rebuild of the lower end?

The truck is for street only but I'd like to pull a boat. I will be adding a 700R4 and 4.10 gears.

Thanks...

 

[bucket]

With an auto, I think you could probably go up a notch on the cam and still make good torque from a standing start. Unless you run a real tight converter. What heads do you currently have? 882's?

 

[vicnation]

It has stock cast iron heads but I'm trying to determine if I should replace them with aftermarket, possibly Vortec, or just rebuild them. Would the extra money for a Vortec top end be worth it or can I get over 400 lb ft of torque with stock heads and a dual-plane intake? Is holley the way to go for carburators and what CFM should I consider for my performance goals?

 

[vicnation]

BTW - I would like to retain a fairly smooth idle but have the torque at the lower end of the RPM curve.

 

[Jarhead79]

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/148-0306-chevrolet-355-engine-build/

 

[Jarhead79]

I'm currently trying to build a motor, but the shop that has it has been super booked up but I'm wanting to do a 383 but if my bore in my block is good I'll stick with a 355, but you can get a good set of aluminum heads for 500-700 and add 125-150 dollar cam and really bump it up some. All hinges on what my block needs as far as Work.

 

[vicnation]

What would you recommend for replacement heads? The article mentions AFR 195 heads but has anyone had good torque gains with other, less-expensive heads? For the Xtreme 4x4 cam, aluminum heads and a dual-plane intake, would a holley 650 CFM carburetor be enough?

 

[4WDKC]

What would you recommend for replacement heads? The article mentions AFR 195 heads but has anyone had good torque gains with other, less-expensive heads? For the Xtreme 4x4 cam, aluminum heads and a dual-plane intake, would a holley 650 CFM carburetor be enough?

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/ccrp-1209-eight-budget-sbc-head-shootout/

 

[rich weyand]

Couple things:

The 12-231-2 cam with a dual-plane intake manifold and headers will give you 418 lbft @2500 and 285 hp @4000 with everything else stock, including the 882 heads.

The Holley is a great racing carb. Street, not so much. Stick with the Qjet and put a rebuild kit in it.