Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - The best top end set up for SBC 350

I have a 1969 camaro with a sbc 350, 3.73 gears, TH350 trans. I am looking to swap out the TH350 to the TCI automatic 6 speed with paddle shifter. What is the best combination (heads, cam, intake, carb) for HP? I would like to get as much HP as I can while still having driveability on the street as well as kick some a$$ at the track. Can anyone suggest any manufacturers and part #'s if possible. I would like to see around the 400 to 500 Hp range

i have had good success with edelbrock perfomer rpm heads and vic. jr intake.
made excellent power, very responsive. ran on pump gas

I would run the AFR 195cc intake runner heads with the Competition porting for your best top end head build or the Street porting for a budget build. As for the cam, were you wanting a flat tappet lifter or a roller lifter design? I would run a RPM Air-Gap intake over the Victor Jr., unless you plan on running a 175+ shot of n2o. I would run a 750 cfm carb from Quickfuel/AED/VDL Fuel System's/Demon/Holley for a 500 hp build, but a 650 cfm on the 400 hp side.

How much you want to spend?

How much you want to spend?

two to four thousand.....hopefully a little closer to two....Can you suggest a set up in that price range

Alright then, what kind of pistons do you have? Flat? Dome? Dish?

Heads http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AFR-SBC-195cc-1040-NEW-ELIMINATOR-Heads-In-Stock-AP_W0QQitemZ250391096726QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item250391096726&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8

Cam/lifters http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LUNATI-SBC-CHEVY-282-VOODOO-HYD-ROLLER-CAM-LIFTERS_W0QQitemZ360118262702QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMo tors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item36011826 2702&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8

intake http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EDELBROCK-PERFORMER-RPM-AIR-GAP-350-SBC-INTAKE-7501_W0QQitemZ250378976080QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item25037897608 0&_trksid=p4506.m20.l1116

Carb http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/product.asp?ProdID=15031&CtgID=7742

Here is a link to AFR's website with some dyno numbers to give you an idea what you are going to make for power ( http://www.airflowresearch.com/store/chevy_dyno.php ). The heads that I gave you a link to are a much better head than what was used off of AFR's dyno results, due to the newer Eliminator port design and larger intake volume. The HR cam that was used in the 355 dyno results (second engine down) was a Comp 12-432-8 cam that is 230/236 @.050" duration, the cam that I linked for you is just a touch larger (231/239) and has a little more lift to it for your better flowing heads. This should easily get you to your 500 HP that you were looking for at the flywheel.

pro 1 dart heads and a full roller cam setup. Dont be afraid of full rollers

Heads http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AFR-SBC-195cc-1040-NEW-ELIMINATOR-Heads-In-Stock-AP_W0QQitemZ250391096726QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item250391096726&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8

Cam/lifters http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LUNATI-SBC-CHEVY-282-VOODOO-HYD-ROLLER-CAM-LIFTERS_W0QQitemZ360118262702QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMo tors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item36011826 2702&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8

intake http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EDELBROCK-PERFORMER-RPM-AIR-GAP-350-SBC-INTAKE-7501_W0QQitemZ250378976080QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item25037897608 0&_trksid=p4506.m20.l1116

Carb http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/product.asp?ProdID=15031&CtgID=7742

Here is a link to AFR's website with some dyno numbers to give you an idea what you are going to make for power ( http://www.airflowresearch.com/store/chevy_dyno.php ). The heads that I gave you a link to are a much better head than what was used off of AFR's dyno results, due to the newer Eliminator port design and larger intake volume. The HR cam that was used in the 355 dyno results (second engine down) was a Comp 12-432-8 cam that is 230/236 @.050" duration, the cam that I linked for you is just a touch larger (231/239) and has a little more lift to it for your better flowing heads. This should easily get you to your 500 HP that you were looking for at the flywheel.


Ebay is tricky... $1500 will buy the normal ported, the Eliminators Comp port go for $2000'ish.. That ad SAYS they are eliminators but the price and MAINLY the part number of 1040 means they are the base head, not the eliminator. part number 1094 is the new head and will cost more. Goodluck!

I agree with the combo above but for a carb, always call Pro System's and have them build a custom carb for a killer price and a perfect tune right from the beginning... :)

Ebay is tricky... $1500 will buy the normal ported, the Eliminators Comp port go for $2000'ish.. That ad SAYS they are eliminators but the price and MAINLY the part number of 1040 means they are the base head, not the eliminator. part number 1094 is the new head and will cost more. Goodluck!

I agree with the combo above but for a carb, always call Pro System's and have them build a custom carb for a killer price and a perfect tune right from the beginning... :)

Well, for the price he was trying to keep in his budget realm I just found the Street ported heads for him. They will still put him into his HP goal with a total investment of $3,000 or less.

I'm with you on staying with the Competition series head and the custom carb! I'm a dealer for VDL Fuel System's and Dan does some fantastic work. He build's the restricted carb's for Braswell Carburation.

Here is a link for the Competition heads http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AFR-SBC-195cc-Competition-Cylinder-Heads-195-cc-1095_W0QQitemZ280319887824QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item28031988782 4&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8

Heads http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AFR-SBC-195cc-1040-NEW-ELIMINATOR-Heads-In-Stock-AP_W0QQitemZ250391096726QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item250391096726&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8

Cam/lifters http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LUNATI-SBC-CHEVY-282-VOODOO-HYD-ROLLER-CAM-LIFTERS_W0QQitemZ360118262702QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMo tors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item36011826 2702&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8

intake http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EDELBROCK-PERFORMER-RPM-AIR-GAP-350-SBC-INTAKE-7501_W0QQitemZ250378976080QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item25037897608 0&_trksid=p4506.m20.l1116

Carb http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/product.asp?ProdID=15031&CtgID=7742

Here is a link to AFR's website with some dyno numbers to give you an idea what you are going to make for power ( http://www.airflowresearch.com/store/chevy_dyno.php ). The heads that I gave you a link to are a much better head than what was used off of AFR's dyno results, due to the newer Eliminator port design and larger intake volume. The HR cam that was used in the 355 dyno results (second engine down) was a Comp 12-432-8 cam that is 230/236 @.050" duration, the cam that I linked for you is just a touch larger (231/239) and has a little more lift to it for your better flowing heads. This should easily get you to your 500 HP that you were looking for at the flywheel.

Right on. I would go with a very similar setup as well

Ebay is tricky... $1500 will buy the normal ported, the Eliminators Comp port go for $2000'ish.. That ad SAYS they are eliminators but the price and MAINLY the part number of 1040 means they are the base head, not the eliminator. part number 1094 is the new head and will cost more. Goodluck!

I agree with the combo above but for a carb, always call Pro System's and have them build a custom carb for a killer price and a perfect tune right from the beginning... :)

NOOOO.....Eliminators are the new heads...Period. There are Street Port and Comp Port. BOTH are ELIMINATORS. One is 1500, and the other is 2k.

I would suggest a roller cam (conversion) with a good set of high flowing heads (with smallish intake ports to keep velocity high) and a Performer RPM intake (or similar).

Normally I would opt for ported L98 aluminum heads - but they only work with flat tops or dished pistons, but your older 350 will need something with a bigger chamber to keep compression reasonable (10:1 or a tad under). I would say a roller with say 220 @0.050" with as much lift as you can get (0.575") will be the ticket.

how much is that 6spd auto?

how much is that 6spd auto?

I think its around $6000. Check the TCI webiste. Tciauto.com

I would suggest a roller cam (conversion) with a good set of high flowing heads (with smallish intake ports to keep velocity high) and a Performer RPM intake (or similar).

Normally I would opt for ported L98 aluminum heads - but they only work with flat tops or dished pistons, but your older 350 will need something with a bigger chamber to keep compression reasonable (10:1 or a tad under). I would say a roller with say 220 @0.050" with as much lift as you can get (0.575") will be the ticket.

That will never get him to his 500 hp goal. I just built a motor you stated with a single pattern 226 cam with 554 lift and a set of AFR's 195's and the car made 363 on the dyno which equates roughly to about 450 at the flywheel.

Those L98 heads have small runners and porting them will not get you close to enough intake runner to support 500 hp plus they are old technology compared to today's heads. In their day they were good heads, but not anymore.

I think its around $6000. Check the TCI webiste. Tciauto.com

wow!...ill just take a ls1/t56 swap thank you..with nitrous

I would suggest a roller cam (conversion) with a good set of high flowing heads (with smallish intake ports to keep velocity high) and a Performer RPM intake (or similar).

Normally I would opt for ported L98 aluminum heads - but they only work with flat tops or dished pistons, but your older 350 will need something with a bigger chamber to keep compression reasonable (10:1 or a tad under). I would say a roller with say 220 @0.050" with as much lift as you can get (0.575") will be the ticket.

Not to give you too hard of time on your thoughts here, but I dis-agree with you on several points. First off I did recommend a hyd roller cam/lifter set with a RPM Air-gap intake. Second, the L98 heads are terrible canidates for his performance build fully ported, as the AFR's would out flow them by .400" to .450" lift. Thirdly, he is wanting a cam that can support the rpm needed to make the HP goal, a lighter vehicle can use a slightly larger cam profile compaired to a heavier vehicle.

That will never get him to his 500 hp goal. I just built a motor you stated with a single pattern 226 cam with 554 lift and a set of AFR's 195's and the car made 363 on the dyno which equates roughly to about 450 at the flywheel.

Those L98 heads have small runners and porting them will not get you close to enough intake runner to support 500 hp plus they are old technology compared to today's heads. In their day they were good heads, but not anymore.

Small runners does not mean low flow - I have a set of ported L98 heads on the shelf that flowed over 260cfm with a small runner - enough for 500hp. May be old, but one of the best head designs out there - really good flow with small runners. My 84 has the ported L98 heads, Accel 219/219 cam, and a Performer RPM intake and makes about 400hp at 5500rpm - I can easily squeeze another 30hp with a single plane and a set of 1.6 rockers.

I'm a big fan of AFR heads - put together a 514hp 406 for a friend's IROC in 1994 - so they aren't all that new either.

Besides over camming a motor, the next biggest mistake people make is getting the wrong heads - either ones that flow too little (like base darts) or ones that have too big of an intake port on a small (under 406) motor. What good is 500hp if the car has nothing under 4000rpm?

Not to give you too hard of time on your thoughts here, but I dis-agree with you on several points. First off I did recommend a hyd roller cam/lifter set with a RPM Air-gap intake. Second, the L98 heads are terrible canidates for his performance build fully ported, as the AFR's would out flow them by .400" to .450" lift. Thirdly, he is wanting a cam that can support the rpm needed to make the HP goal, a lighter vehicle can use a slightly larger cam profile compaired to a heavier vehicle.

As I replied to the other guy mentioning how bad the L98 heads are - ported they can flow 260cfm with very small, TQ building ports. 0.400" lift flow is just one data point to consider - another important one (which most people ignore) is the velocity of air in the intake port at lower RPMs.

As I replied to the other guy mentioning how bad the L98 heads are - ported they can flow 260cfm with very small, TQ building ports. 0.400" lift flow is just one data point to consider - another important one (which most people ignore) is the velocity of air in the intake port at lower RPMs.

what size runner, valve? how much work done?
for a good porter to spend the time to craft some oem l98, the price range will be in the same as a good set of better casting edelbrock rpm heads. mine flow 250cfm with 170cc runner.

As I replied to the other guy mentioning how bad the L98 heads are - ported they can flow 260cfm with very small, TQ building ports. 0.400" lift flow is just one data point to consider - another important one (which most people ignore) is the velocity of air in the intake port at lower RPMs.

A stock L98 head has a 168 cc intake runner and doesn't even flow 200 cfm out of the box. I'm with NemeSS in the question department here. It takes a very skilled head porter to get that head in a 260 cfm range, and I would also bet that you will be in a 190ish cc intake runner anyway when they are finished. Your cam size remark, while true in alot of cases, is plain wrong in this instance. He has a 3200 lb. car not a 4000 lb truck!

A stock L98 head has a 168 cc intake runner and doesn't even flow 200 cfm out of the box. I'm with NemeSS in the question department here. It takes a very skilled head porter to get that head in a 260 cfm range, and I would also bet that you will be in a 190ish cc intake runner anyway when they are finished. Your cam size remark, while true in alot of cases, is plain wrong in this instance. He has a 3200 lb. car not a 4000 lb truck!

Stock L98 heads flow about 200 to 205 cfm stock. CNC is the easy way to go, increasing the ports from about 155cc to about 170cc on those heads. You throw in 2.00/1.56 valves and you're off.

Why would my cam remark be wrong - explain please...

Stock L98 heads flow about 200 to 205 cfm stock. CNC is the easy way to go, increasing the ports from about 155cc to about 170cc on those heads. You throw in 2.00/1.56 valves and you're off.

Why would my cam remark be wrong - explain please...

A L98 head has a 163 cc intake runner (I was going from memory the other day) and only flows 199/157 @.600" lift stock. The closest CNC head that I could find flow #'s on had 185cc intake runner's, used a 2.00"/1.56" valve combo, and only flow's 252/192 cfm on the port. So I'm curious who you are using for your CNC ported heads and the data they are telling you.

How do you figure that a 220/220 @.050" duration cam will get him to 500 HP for his 350?

edit: I found a Lingenfelter CNC head http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tech-general-engine/248661-lingenfelter-l98s-flowbench-results.html

Here are some stock head flow number's off of the same website, http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tbi/336750-tbi-tpi-heads-headflow.html

I still say a nice roller cam conversion, and some nice iron heads like some ported world sportsman II's or something along those lines.

I have a 400sbc with a set of mildly ported worlds, roller cam and a RPM intake and made 531/529 at the flywheel. IF you're interested I'll sell the whole topend(heads, cam, pushrods, lifters etc.) for $1700

I still say a nice roller cam conversion, and some nice iron heads like some ported world sportsman II's or something along those lines.

I have a 400sbc with a set of mildly ported worlds, roller cam and a RPM intake and made 531/529 at the flywheel. IF you're interested I'll sell the whole topend(heads, cam, pushrods, lifters etc.) for $1700

Do you know the specs on the cam?

A L98 head has a 163 cc intake runner (I was going from memory the other day) and only flows 199/157 @.600" lift stock. The closest CNC head that I could find flow #'s on had 185cc intake runner's, used a 2.00"/1.56" valve combo, and only flow's 252/192 cfm on the port. So I'm curious who you are using for your CNC ported heads and the data they are telling you.

How do you figure that a 220/220 @.050" duration cam will get him to 500 HP for his 350?

edit: I found a Lingenfelter CNC head http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tech-general-engine/248661-lingenfelter-l98s-flowbench-results.html

Here are some stock head flow number's off of the same website, http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tbi/336750-tbi-tpi-heads-headflow.html

I have the same CNC Lingenfelter heads as the link you posted, mine flowed 260cfm intake and 215cfm ont he exhaust side; damn close. I have the flow sheet somewhere for them, but it didn't include the stock flow #'s, only ported.

But I do have a set of TPIS ported L98 heads on the shelf and they flow almost 260cfm hand ported. They did include the stock flow #'s and were about 200cfm intake and (I can't remember exactly) 165cfm on the exhaust side. They also cc's the heads and gave a 156cc stock number on the ones they sent me. I guess the real point is that for the intake port cc, you can't get better flow going aftermarket. Of course you can get much better flow with large port heads - common knowledge.

220 degrees won't get you to 500hp in a 350, more like 440 to 450 hp. But something in the 230 range would do it. Honestly, if you want a 500hp motor and want it out of 350ci NA, better off getting an LSX. But a 350 with say 400hp and a 100hp nitrous kit (or supercharger) is still very nice.

That is why I posted the component selection that I did, for a 500 HP 350. He needs the larger head and bigger cam to support the rpm needed to make his 500 HP goal (plus his budget). Will the Lingenfelter head turn the rpm needed to make his goal, yes, a head with 182 cc int runners will pull to about 7,000 rpm. They will however fall on their face rather quickly after that. The pricing of the LPE head is $1395 with a core exchange. The AFR's are going to be cheaper in the long run and have a much better clamping force (.750" deck thickness vs. .400" at best), port shape, and combution chamber design. Here is a link if the OP wants to look into these heads.....

http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LPE&Product_Code=CNCL98&Category_Code=C41

Do you know the specs on the cam?

Yup, 236*/248* .586/.562 @ .050 113LSA, Compcams Custom grind.