DuronClocker

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys over the winter (maybe summer if I make enough cash), my uncle and I are going to be building up a 355ci that he has in his garage. Actually, we already have the shortblock assembled with stock 3.48" crank and bored .030" over. TRW forged 10:1 pistons. I am unsure of whether the deck was milled at all, but we need heads, a cam, and the valvetrain.

I'm looking at using a cam like the CompCams 292H series, or one of their XtremeEnergy cams. I know 292 is a bit big (was also looking at 282H), but I want almost 350HP out of this motor.

As for the heads, I'm still trying to make up my mind. I don't want to use the stock 305TBI heads on it because those are really restrictive I thought. I can get a pair of L98 iron heads for $120 with only 30k miles on them (includes valves, springs, rockers, etc.). When we get the motor all together, I'd like to use 1.6:1 rockers vs. the 1.5s that are on it stock.

My question is are these L98 heads (mild porting can be done, as I don't want to have to pay someone else to do it) capable of this kind of power? What about the 1.6 rockers I want to use, can these heads support that much lift?

Also, I guess another fairly important question is whether or not our carb intake manifold will work on it. The block itself is from a 70's pickup if I remember right, but I don't think that should be a problem. We have a Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake for 4bbl, but I'm not sure of the exact model number. Chances are it is for the older style heads, so will this work on the '89 L98 heads?

IROCaholic

With the XE268 cam, vortec heads,performer RPM intake, and a good carb you will see around 350 hp. But get the vortec heads from sdpc2000.com that are upgraded to handle .510 lift. With that combo you should have a very streetable low 13 second car as long as the rest of your car compliments it (tranny,gears,suspension,etc.) Good Luck.

Sitting Bull

The TBI heads are bad news so kudos for ignoring them.

The L98s are more interesting, as long as you are willing to port and polish them yourself. Hopefully the valves are still serviceable. Otherwise you might as well go and grab a set of 305 heads from the wrecker for $20 or $30 and work from there. It will be cheaper in the long run. Castings to look for are the 601, 416 or 081 sets--very common and cheap. Then follow the link at the end of my sig for instructions on porting and polishing.

Properly done they will easily be the equal of Vortecs and not require an expensive Vortec intake manifold to work.

DuronClocker

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, that's all I needed to know. I did decide not to go with the L98 heads last night.

YenkoZL1

The L98 head isnt a high flowing head all around. Its a toruqe monster though. That head is a good street and strip head. Using the XE268 or 272 you'll get the hp you want. They only thing I'd do to the head to improve on the flow characteristics is have a machineshop grind down all the edges, if any. Maybe a pocket port but definately a 3-angle vavle job. Massage the head lil bit. It will benefit you greatly. With the two cam choices I gave you you dont need a carb with over 750cfm. Between 650 and 750 is where you want to be.