Ok here's the general overview of what I have going on:

I'm in the process of building a new shortblock. Parts are as follows:
-Callies Dragonslayer Forged Crank with 3.875" stroke
-Eagle H-Beam Forged 6.000" Rods
-Diamond Forged Pistons -34cc dish w/Diamond Ringset
-1994 LT1 Block bored +.030, clearanced for added stroke.
-4 Bolt Splayed main cap conversion.
-LT4 Hotcam Kit (rockers/springs/cam/retainers/etc.)
-Chromemoly Pushrods
-New OEM GM Timing Set

None of the machining work has been done yet, I'm awaiting arrival of some the parts before I haul everything down to the shop. The deal is, I'm swapping over my current setup (including heads/supercharger) onto this shortblock soon as I get it back from the machine shop. I will be running stock heads (otherthan the hotcam Kit), Vortech V-1 A-Trim, then supporting bult on's (Hooker LT's, Crane Cams Hi-6, MSD coil, T-Rex Fuel-pump, EWP, etc.).

My question is, will the Hotcam, my stock heads, and the A-trim even be capable of feeding the additional displacement (396)? I realize they are far very far from ideal...my question is will they even work? I plan on revving this engine to 6,200 rpm.

I believe the A-trim maxes out at 720 cfm, will it even be capable of building boost if I max the lil' guy out with pulleys? (I'm assuming it should since the stock heads should still pose as a large restriction), and I do not know much about cams, so I have no idea how a hotcam kit will react to a 396 and boost if I can build it.

The deal is, I would like to cruise around like this (396, stock heads, hotcam kit, A-trim) for about a year maybe a lil' more. Afterwhich I would put on an appropriate set of heads capable of feeding this displacement, and most likely a T-Trim. Ultimately, (in 2 years or however long until I can buy the heads and head-unit this shortblock deserves) I would like to make 600ish RWHP.....for now, and the next year or so, I am really only hoping for 400rwhp. Anything above that is a bonus.

I know this is a weird question, and I'll probably receive a bunch of flames about not building it right the first time around. Thats fine. Any input will be appreciated. Especially, if this cam/head/head-unit will in no way work, and I'm wasting my time....I'd rather hear that now, then after I get it all built.

Let me know if you need more information.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

Try to upgrade the head unit if possible before putting it together. That little A-trim is way too small for a 396. My original S-Trim wasn't even feeding enough for my 383. It made boost and everything, but i was maxing it out to do so and it was well past it's efficency range and was probably making more heat then anything. A T-trim would be a nice fit if you can do it. Should still work with a stock head and hot cam for now, but will be a ton better with the right cam and ported head setup.

Ken R.

 

kind of a hijack, but ive heard of a y-trim, is that better or worse than a t-trim?

 

Save your money and don't do the short block until you have all components to meet your goals. It would really suck to put this shortblock together while saving money for the heads, have something happen to the block where it needed more work or was trashed all-together.

 

The YSi-trim is bigger then a T-trim. Bigger inlet and outlet (4"in/3"out vs 3.75"in/2.75out for the T). Flows 1600cfm vs 1200 for the T. Bigger in size also so it would be a tight squeeze, but will fit. It's on my wish list.

Ken R.

 

okay, i couldnt remember. Theres a guy in town with a vortec v6 s10 thats bored out and everything, and i was pretty sure he said he had a y-trim on it (thats where i heard it).
What places sell the YSi? I have never seen it, and i have never seen a t-trim listed at a store.