ED69ray

Ok, guys newbie here so go easy

My '69 conv is going thru a body off rebuild this winter and I am looking at motor upgrade options. Here is what I have:



Its a NOM generic CLU code 1973 350 L-65 (8.5-1 CR). Currently it has a generic GM 4bbl intake along with a 600cfm Holley and tight tuck headers. It runs ok but is nothing spectacular.

OPTION A:
Go with the Edelbrock Performer package. Parts are:

---Edelbrock EPS Intake #2701
---Edelbrock RPM cam #2101 (.420/.442 @ 204/214)
---600cfm carb (plan to use the Holley I already have)
---Performer Heads or equilivent (something in the 170-180cfm range, 2.02/1.6 valves and 64cc chambers for a CR boost)
---1-5/8 Headers (already have along with 2.5 Magnaflow system)

On a similar 8.5-1 base platform Edelbrock achieved 310hp and 377 ft-lbs with this setup. App cost to me $1400

OPTION B:

---Derebery Vortec kit which includes:

New Vortec, Hydraulic Roller, Heads, Cam and Intake Kit $1,499.00


New hand worked Vortec Cylinder Heads with swirl polished valves. 2.02” Intake and 1.60” exhaust. This kit comes with your choice of aluminum dual plane air gap or non air gap intake manifolds. We have 2 cams for this kit. For torque applications we have a custom grind “RV” cam that makes 360HP and 430 Ft. Lbs on our 9.0:1 short block. Also available is our “400 HP” cam, Dur. 218/228 Lift. .502/.502. The kit also comes with everything you need to convert to a hydraulic roller set up, including lifters, pushrods, crab plates and lifter retainer plates. To top this kit off we include new 1.6 rocker arms, vortec valve covers with bolts, ARP head bolts, and all the necessary gaskets


I am looking for a nice street setup that will not be too radical and will run fine on pump gas. I'd love to get in the 300-350hp range without going into the block.

CONCERNS:

--I like the look of the non Vortec heads (non-center bolts) and would prefer to keep the motor pre-'86 in appearance

--I am a little intimidated about the breakin on the flat tappet cam

--possible hood clearance issues with the Vortec setup *(stock '69 sb hood)

--if I go with the Vortec roller setup, any advice on the two cam profiles mentioned in option B?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ed

howarsc

"B" with the bigger cam, which is still mild. or "A" with the cam from "B"

Nemesis_152

don't be scared of breaking in a cam. it's not rocket science, and all the problems that have recently cropped up have remedies that people have figured out. we've been breaking in flat tappet cams for a century.