merlin7734

Within the next year, I'll be replacing a tired TPI 350 (out of an 85 vette) with a new motor.

Now while looking around, the first thing that caught my eye was World Products' aluminum head 427 small block rated at 530hp and costs $8994.99 through Jegs.

I was also interested in the shortblock version because no matter which choice I go with, I'm going to be sticking a Miniram on top of it. If I go this route I'd only have to shell out $4594.99 for the shortblock and could put the rest in heads and the miniram intake and hopefully come out about the same as the turnkey version. If I go this route, could anyone give me advice on which heads to go with for the setup?

The third option, is Golen Engines' 383 longblock designed for the miniram which is rated at a smaller 460hp and costs $5,299.00.

Some of the concerns I have:
-fuel efficiency (not a huge concern) but I'd like to get 17+ mpg on the highway if at all possible (if not, then that's the sacrifice I shall make to the hp gods)
-cost obviously
-and the most important, power. Once the car is completely finished, I'd like to be able to hang with mildly modded C5's and Z06's and *hopefully* vipers (stock at least).

I still haven't decided if I want this car to be a road race car or just a drag racer, but when I talk about keeping with / beating the vettes/vipers I'm talking drag racing. Currently, It's an auto car but if I can ever find someone willing to let me use their car to learn on, I'd consider swapping over to a T56 but probably not before the engine is done (but probably quickly thereafter! since I can't see a stock 700R4 holding that much hp).

Any comments / criticisms are welcome or suggestions on other ways to make this kind of power would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

ME Leigh

The best money can buy, CNC ported AFR's. Or you could go with something other then 23* heads and really make some power.

AutoRoc

CNC'd AFR or Dart Pro1 heads would be the best way to go if you want power to make ya smile. I would do the largest size intake port offered. The 227 for the AFR and the 230 or 235 for the Dart. The CNC work probably makes the port even larger than that(anyone sure about this?).

If you wanted to spend an extra grand or so you could even do an Edelbrock 23 Degree High Port Chapman CNC ported head in the 238/243 or 248cc intake size. Something like this flows MEAN air and would be a killer street head on something 400+cubes or a higher RPM 383. A MiniRam would bolt right up but I wonder if it would need a really good port matching to match the High Port design? Edelbrock tech might know, give them a call. Going to an 18 degree setup I believe would take you beyond what you're mentioning as far as $$$$$ goes. Camshafts are a whole new story also. Gas mileage, torque converter stall speed, Low rpm behavior, vehicle weight, rear gear ratio, compression ratio, and other factors will affect cam choice. Goodluck!

A high winding lightweight vette is a very cool idea of course and I think you could definately build something that can scream by all but the most modified of C5 and Viper cars. A T-56 trans will be a must have to replace the 700R4 especially for any worthwhile track time. The tighter gear ratios will help keep the engine spinning it's sweetest

10 seconds

All things being equal you will make more power with more cubes. I had a pump gas 415 cu.in. smallblock in my 82 TA @3750 lbs. that ran 11.0's at 123 mph. flat tops @ 11to1 comp. brode track ones, 246 degrees @ .050 ISKY HYD. ROLLER with a 110 lobe sep. angle, .585 lift with 1.6 ratio roller rockers, 750 cfm holley and 34 degrees total advance, ran 93 octane all the time and got 17 mpg on the road with 3.70 rear gears and a turbo 400 with a 10" 3500 rpm stall converter. PS: This engine cost me less than 4 grand including 1 3/4" hooker headers, etc. to put together at the time ( late 80's early 90's )

merlin7734

Smokin!