When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Sorry if this has been asked before but I just wanted input from someone who might have been down this road before. I've got my heart set on Vortec Heads and a 700R4 tranny with an engine that puts out about 400+ hp. I've got the engine out and disassembled. My next step is to buy an engine rebuild kit and was wondering if anybody else has bought one in my place and if so what strength you went with when it came to the engine's parts. I don't want to put it together and have a piston fireworks show.
Any particular reason you want to go with a 700R4? I personally find the first gear on the 700 to be way too short and am going to opt for the 2004R when I get to putting a new transmission in my '81.
How much horsepower are you REALLY aiming for? It doesn't really take too much in the bottom end to withstand 400hp.
I went with the 700R4 because I've rode in a car equipped with one and really enjoyed the pick-up and go it has.
I'm really going for 400+, I'm not going to be racing the car but I do want a good amount of power for whenever I feel like flying. I have the stock 350 short block. If it can withstand 400hp then I may just get new pistons.
400+ on a 350? Might want to stroke it, then. It gets tough to push over 400 on just a 350. Takes quite a bit of compression and then pump gas becomes an issue. With a 383 you should be able to get there no sweat. Definitely want to go with stronger bottom end components, though.