489ci tow build...

[Z28 Guy]

This is my tow build here for my 1987 R20 pickup. I have a 20ft trailer and a 2000 Z28 that i will tow on occasions or as needed. The truck is a camper special model. The truck has a 454/400 setup right now from the factory but it dont handle the weight of a trailer like a big block should. So i want to do a 489ci build that can run on 87 octane and make as much TORQUE as possible under the curve. At 70 mph my truck is at 3100 rpm or so with the 4.10 gears . I have several questions. I have LS knowledge but not big block knowledge.

What heads , cam and intake should i look into ?
Is the Vortec heads better than the peanut heads ?
Who port cast iron heads?
What compression should i be aiming for?

After digging and digging for info i did come across a (article) hand ported vortec headed 489ci engine that made 420hp/555TQ with a 204/214 crane cam.
Should i copy that combo ?

I want/need the truck to pull my car with ease up to LS Fest yearly in Bowling Green Kentucky which is 255 miles each way for me.

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[bucket]

The '96+ vortec heads are far better than your peanut ports. About anything is really.

What kind of budget do you have for it? Are aluminum heads an option?

 

[Z28 Guy]

Not all the way sure on budget yet. I do plan on going with forged internals for a peace of mind.

In my case with a engine never going over 4000 rpm i wonder is a aftermarket head worth the cash vs a factory head with some valves/springs etc ?

 

[bucket]

Not all the way sure on budget yet. I do plan on going with forged internals for a peace of mind.

In my case with a engine never going over 4000 rpm i wonder is a aftermarket head worth the cash vs a factory head with some valves/springs etc ?

I guess that depends on your expectations. You can certainly build a strong combination with factory oval port heads like the vortecs, the 049's or 781's. There are aluminum heads available that flow great for street applications too, with more capability below 4k than a stock head. Also, you can typically get away with more compression, compared to an iron head.

 

[bucket]

I also should say, I'm no engine builder at all. Just a guy with some opinions and enough experience to be dangerous.

 

[TotalyHucked]

I know very little about big blocks, bear in mind. I'm an LS guy. But personally, for what you're doing, I'd probably skip the forged bottom end and use that money for a good aftermarket head/cam combo. Unless you're going forced induction/nitrous, I would think a stock big block bottom end would do just fine.

I would also take some of those funds and either do a gear vendors, 700R4 or 6L90 setup so you can bring the cruise RPMs down. My buddy did a 6L90 behind his 454 in his '86 CCLB and LOVES it

 

[Vbb199]

Put ya sum rectangle ports on that sumbich

 

[Zelph]

Forged internals? So you have a budget $$$

Just do a 12v Cummins swap and have all the torque you need.

 

[bucket]

Forged internals? So you have a budget $$$

Just do a 12v Cummins swap and have all the torque you need.

Big block torque ain't nothing to sneeze at either. And then there's no reason to re-engineer the truck.

 

[Ricko1966]

Forged connecting rods aren't that expensive for BBC under 400 bucks,free if you are starting with an early Vette 454,