I have a 95 Trans Am, and I would like a streetable 450-475 rwhp, if feasible. I have a automatic. I know what to do for the transmission and differential, frame connectors etc, but what motor and cam combos are proven combos. I will also haveTPIS long tubes. Thanks, ahead of time, Steve

 

Also, Where did you get your parts?

 

You are def. going to want forged rods and pistons. As far as the crank thats up to you and your budget. The comp cams 218/224 or the 224/236 on 114lsa would be good choices. The heads would almost be able to remain stock if you only want 450-475. Port stock heads or buy some new ones. Look around the FI fourm and see peoples signatures and check out what the dyno down and and run at the track. You'll get a feel for what you want.

 

The cams above recomended will work and like they said, for 450-475rwhp , you would not need ported heads, althought if you did have better flowing heads, you could make the power with less boost. Also the 218 in, 230 exh nitrous/blower comp cam is a good one. With the power you want, you could probably be ok with a forged piston shortblock with stock crank and rods. Of course forged rods and crank could handle alot more power, and be more assurance, but I think for 475 rwhp a forged piston shortblock with stock crank rods and good rod and lower end bolts would be ok.

As far as the 218, 230 cam there was a black z28 that used to post on the net which I have not heard about in awhile. The engine was a 355, and had the 218, 230 cam with CNC ported lt1 heads, (not sure who did the cnc port work) hooker longtubes and good exhaust system. He made 633 rwhp with that combo, and ran 10.5x at 136 or 137 . He had a vortech s trim, which I think he upgraded to a T trim. He also had an aftercooler.


He originally had forged pistons with STOCK crank and RODS, but at that power level, he had rod failure. He later went with forged pistons, and i think eagle h beam rods, but used a stock crank. I have not heard much about the car lately. For his power level i think forged parts are neccesary. Although he still used a stock crank, I think cranks are the last parts to break. I see more stock piston and rod failure in these cars. For 475 rwhp you should be ok as long as you use forged pistons, though, but forged rods may give you more piece of mind.

A votrech s trim with forged pistons and a mild blower cam like the ones metioned, with good headers and exhaust, should get you there on pump gas. Ported heads would help even more , as would a t trim and/or aftercooler or intercooler. Of course you will also need tuning , injectors, and better fuel pump.