Hey Guys,

I've now pulled the engine (see pics) and am looking to start buying new parts. Here is the list I have so far. I really need help choosing a cam, as I have no idea what to get for a cam. Any suggestions would be very helpful!

AFR Heads

Roller Rockers (will these fit stock valve covers? does anyone know of any that will?)

Lunati Cam (No idea what I am doing here, please help!)

There are a bunch of other misc. parts that I'm ordering, that I may ask about as well, but I think I'm OK on the remaining items.

As for my goals, this is for an 81 vette, with the stock 100,000+ motor (rebuilding the bottom end as well). It has 3.55:1 rear gears, and the stock transmission.

Thanks for any help you guys can offer!

-Chris

Here are the current progress pics:

 

Well it looks like u know how to tune the stock motor now that u have ripped all the computer controls off. So i will give u some advice - don't waste your money with big dollar parts. Small block chevy is the most economical engine to build and if your using the stock bottom end then expensive heads will only waste your money and mostly like run like crap on the street. What i'm saying is that if your on the learning curve for what u are asking about then keeping it simple will be a lot less expensive parts and produce much, much better results for u. Yes i said much, much, much better results. But i can only try to encourge this as all the mag publish high dollar parts rubish for the novice hobbiest to squander $$$ on.

So here goes!

Heads - Edelbrock #60879 for sb corvette > tight 60cc chambers will get you the compression u need with that smog block. These heads will run greeeeeat on the street with hi-velocity runners. Just bolt'm on and go.

Rockers: stock replace 1.5 ratio until cam broken it then upgrade to higher ratio later. I liked the Crane rockers that cheap and were more accurate than stock but Crane got sold so who know now. Crane had the 1.6 ratio upgrade too - but not ready yet.

Cam: i would put a tight lobe sep angle cam by Isky but need to see what your final compression ratio is first before choosing specs.

Ok young man enough for now. Lets us know once u choose your heads and nailed/know your static comp ratio.
cardo0

BTW u could have replaced both heads and cam with short block in the car. But now u can nail your compression ratio.

 

Since you are rebuilding the bottom end I would recommend against hyper pistons. Mahle are all I would run after using them a few times unless you are supercharging or running a big nitrous shot that a low expansion piston would not be adequate for. Are you using the stock crank or stroking it? Your head choice is great for a 383 but if your staying 350 and limiting rpm to under 6500 the AFR 180 eliminators might be a better choice. Flat top pistons are your best option with the 64 CC heads you will be around 10.2 to 1.
Be careful who you take advice from and do some research. Will post back later

 

:oWell i did miss u are rebuilding the bottom end. Since your parts list was only top end parts that said nothing of pistons or cranshaft, i tried to help with using the stock short block - that should be plenty fun, challange and thats all you really need now. And truthfully thats all your ready for. But hey who am i just trying to respond to a post for "any help" that no one else offered up. I didn't see any of the usualy advice for bigger flow number heads with bigger ports using bigger duration cams with wider lobe seperation angles that drive like OEM station wagons on the street - but that didn't last long. Now i see the unlimited budget fan club has arrived giving advice blended with personal attacks.

Well now Chris, if you are replacing pistons and crankshaft then you can well stroke it and still nail a good c.r. below 10.5:1 for aluminum heads with larger port runners. So once u get the bottom end ready post what u got for c.r. and c.i. and we can try to get u a good combo. My advice for now is don't buy heads or cam until u get the short block together. Hyper pistons and even a cast stroker crank will take care of your needs. And please post what u choose so i won't wast my effort trying to save your hard earned $$$ if u see the need to buy fancy forged parts.

Have a happy New Year everyone, yes everyone,
cardo0

 

I see you are planning on the AFR 180 CC heads. Those are a great choice. Probably sticking with stock stroke. Send me a PM if your interested in my input.