i want to get a first gen and put a big block in it. i was thinking about putting in either a 427 or 454 with something like world merlin heads either 310cc or 345cc and an L88 cam with about 10.5:1 compression.

how much HP and torque do you think i could get with this setup and a good intake and headers?

also, i know the L88s were rated at about 430hp, but how much did they realy have? i know a lot of the engines from the factory were very underrated.

 

What are you trying to build a drag car or street strip car. I would get the oval port heads, unless your going to run a 5000 stall and turn a 454 7000 or a 427 7500.
My 468 with factory oval port heads runs 11.20s at 118 with a hydraulic cam shifting at 5700. Merlin makes oval port heads if you dont want to put the money in factory heads. 310 cc would be the very biggest heads i would use. Any they would need a very stought big block

 

it will be a steet/stip car. what cam are you using to get those times?

 

Honestly im not sure, i could never match the #s on the cam to anything. I had it measured and the lift was .586 .612. It was pretty big i would guess around 250 @50. I sold the car, wish i wouldnt of. I would run a solid cam next time somewhere right around 250 @ 50 maybe just a little less. just depends on your converter. Oh ya and that was with a 3500 stall not enough. 28x9 slicks 4.10 gears 60ft was 1.62. The motor had about 11.1 compression so that helped.

 

I used 049 heads with 2.19 1.88 valves
unported.