I have a 1994 Trans am,stock automatic,stock 3.42 gear 10 bolt. Holley 52mm TB,#30 svo injectors,shorty headers,borla catback,most of the emission had been deleted(smog pump,etc.) Now for the motor,previous owner claimed it was a lt hotcam kit with new oil pump,etc.
While leaving work the other morning oil pressure dropped to 0. Gauge has always flopped around going half way to pegged out. So I check oil,has plenty. Get back on road bout 4 miles later valvetrain noises are coming in loudly over the radio,mostly clicking and clanking no rod knockin yet but still it looks like I drove it and it really didn't have and oil pressure. So I'm guessing either the oil pump itself went out or the pick up tube has fallen off. Either way I suspect there was damage car never got above 165 though. Will not know till next week when I get paid and can have it hauled home and drop the pan.
I'm thinking why not go 355 forged rebuild kit(any part#'s greatly appreciated) new oil pump and upgraded oil pan. Hopefully reuse the hotcam stuff.
Or fix problem and see how long it'll stay together
or stroker kit
$3000 budget.
would like atleast 1hp per cubic inch. 355ci=355hp

 

Are you looking for 355hp at the flywheel or at the wheels?

 

Before you can make a logical decision the motor has to some apart to see what is salvageable.

Rich

 

Motor apart now. Pick up tube was laying in the pan Rods are discolored due to heat near piston(blueish&orange),cam lobes are milky in the center, oil pump rod doesn't turn when manually turning motor over by hand,cpl splines on cams oil pump gear are buggered up. Sooo,I'm guessing nothing is useable but the block itself.
I already have purchased for my 97 SS but never used yet. Moroso oil pump,pan,pickup. k-member,new opti fire,msd cap&rotor,herron performance oil piece that replace the plastic one,forged eagle 396 stroker kit,non emission legal long tubes,racetronix fuel pump wiring kit,stock heads ported by one of the local guys. Always thought it'd be cool to have a SS396 camaro but with money being tight plus the TA was my daily driver. Guessing that it'd be cheaper to do the TA as a 396 LT1 than a basic 355 build up re-using stock heads

 

Yes 1hp per cubic inch is what I want at the wheels

 

Since you already have the 396 crank get the forged rods & pistons to match then send your stock heads out to AI or LE and get them ported along with the matching cam and build your SS396. Because if your rods are discolored chances are the crank is shot and you'd have to buy another one anyway.

 

I'd use the 396 stroker crank since you have it. There is more clearancing involved.. You'll need longer bolts for the windage tray in the oil pain to clear your connecting rods. Make sure you weld that pick on to the oil pump too..

I'm a big supporter of LE products as he has always answered and helped with all of my questions (in great detail). But I hear nothing but good things about AI as well. Regardless I highly recommend you get a matching heads/cam set up.