Engine build question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 29
Likes: 18
From: Statesboro Ga
Engine build question
After doing some research, we discovered that we have a Target master 350 under the hood of our 78.
More than likely stock inside with the 8.5 compression and 76cc heads that is in great shape with approx 250 HP with Edelbrock performer intake, carb and MSD HEI ignition.
ThIs is a cruiser car with power steering and AC.
We do want more off the line to mid range power with a slight lope and redline around 5400.
I was thinking to add Trick flow 23-60cc- 175 heads to raise compression to around 9.75
Add a XE262H Comp cam, lifters and timing chain.
Edelbrock performer intake and carb would stay but add 1 5/8” headers to the 2.5” true duals and magnaflow mufflers.
We have a stock turbo 350 trans and converter which I will keep until I can afford a 700 R4 and we have 336 gears.
Does this setup makes sense for what we are wanting to do with car?
Any other add ons that you would recommend for this type of build?
Thanks for any help.
More than likely stock inside with the 8.5 compression and 76cc heads that is in great shape with approx 250 HP with Edelbrock performer intake, carb and MSD HEI ignition.
ThIs is a cruiser car with power steering and AC.
We do want more off the line to mid range power with a slight lope and redline around 5400.
I was thinking to add Trick flow 23-60cc- 175 heads to raise compression to around 9.75
Add a XE262H Comp cam, lifters and timing chain.
Edelbrock performer intake and carb would stay but add 1 5/8” headers to the 2.5” true duals and magnaflow mufflers.
We have a stock turbo 350 trans and converter which I will keep until I can afford a 700 R4 and we have 336 gears.
Does this setup makes sense for what we are wanting to do with car?
Any other add ons that you would recommend for this type of build?
Thanks for any help.
Last edited by Quicksilver78; Sep 19, 2022 at 09:35 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 498
Likes: 167
If you’re going to swap the cam, go roller… Yes, roller cams are more expensive but the only advantage to a flat tappet is the cost. Maybe take a look at this one…
https://iskycams.com/shop/index.php?...oducts_id=1109
https://iskycams.com/shop/index.php?...oducts_id=1109
Last edited by JC 1975; Sep 19, 2022 at 10:47 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,014
Likes: 2,257
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
You've got a good plan...but I'd move up on cam. The old 268H (not the Xtreme) is a standard that's been used for many years in mild combo's. It will work with a stock converter, sound good and I've run deep into the 12's with a similar 350 in a '64 with a 4 speed close ratio and 3.36 gears and L60x15 tall tires. Loooonnnnggg geared as heck but still ran 12's. My heads weren't as good as yours and I had replaced the dished pistons with flat tops...but my heads were ancient GM 'Turbo" 64cc iron ones that actually don't flow as well as stock Vortec's these days.
A hyd roller is certainly a better option and there are many out there if you can swing the entry price. If staying flat tappet..I'd avoid the "aggressive" Xtreme lobes (even the smaller ones) and work with proven less aggressive ones. Make sure to get GOOD lifters. Johnson's are your best bet if you can locate them.
JIM
A hyd roller is certainly a better option and there are many out there if you can swing the entry price. If staying flat tappet..I'd avoid the "aggressive" Xtreme lobes (even the smaller ones) and work with proven less aggressive ones. Make sure to get GOOD lifters. Johnson's are your best bet if you can locate them.
JIM
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
the 262 sounds and feels like an RV cam. as much as the ***** thumpr is a cam designed to sound good at idle, not make power, one of the things we are looking for is that fantasy-deception that it is a race car engine. and the 262 is designed to work well and pull pretty good with a smooth idle. and before you buy heads get an endoscope and see if you have flat or dished pistons. then, since you have the scope, you can do pelvic exams for all your wife's girlfriends...
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,117
Likes: 9,247
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Your plan sounds fine. If you go the flat tappet route use the break in oil and then run a high zddp oil for the life of the engine. I would then look for a 3.70 rearend if you want more torque. Small blocks are not notorious for low end torque
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
the 262 sounds and feels like an RV cam. as much as the ***** thumpr is a cam designed to sound good at idle, not make power, one of the things we are looking for is that fantasy-deception that it is a race car engine. and the 262 is designed to work well and pull pretty good with a smooth idle. and before you buy heads get an endoscope and see if you have flat or dished pistons. then, since you have the scope, you can do pelvic exams for all your wife's girlfriends...
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