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Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build - A Monster Is Born

Westech Performance Builds A 496CI Brute
By Sean Haggai
Photography by Steve Brule, John Nelson
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Big Block Chevy
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Gm Gen Vi Big Block
With the machine work complete,... 
   
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Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Gm Gen Vi Big Block
With the machine work complete, the GM Gen VI big-block measures in at 4.310-inch bore and sports a four-bolt main with a 9.800-inch deck measurement.
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Afr Cylinder Heads
For heavy breathing, Brul... 
   
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Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Afr Cylinder Heads
For heavy breathing, Brul chose these AFR 325 as-cast lungs with blended chambers for our monster build. They feature a 0.750-inch-thick head deck and reinforced rocker stud bosses. These brutes flow an amazing 385 cfm on the intake and 285 cfm on the exhaust, all at 0.700 inch of lift.
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Stainless Steel Intake Valve
The 325s get one-piece stainless... 
   
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Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Stainless Steel Intake Valve
The 325s get one-piece stainless steel 2.300-inch intake valves and 1.880-inch exhaust valves. The cylinder heads came out of the box in an as-cast configuration; however, Brul went ahead and ordered them with blended combustion bowls, making them 121 cc and a perfect match for the 12.1:1 compression he was shooting for. Complete with AFR springs and retainers (PN 2101), these priced in at $2,485.
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Lunati Crank
Brul laid in the Lunati 4.125-inch... 
   
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Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Lunati Crank
Brul laid in the Lunati 4.125-inch stroker crank with King main bearings (PN MB5147HP) and set the thrust to 0.006 inch for proper clearance. From there he torqued the main caps to 110 ft-lb.
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Comp Camshaft
Brul's 'stick of choice? A... 
   
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Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Comp Camshaft
Brul's 'stick of choice? A Comp piece (PN 11-825-9) that specs out at 274/280 intake/exhaust degrees of duration at 0.050 inch of lift with a 110-degree lobe center. For the lifters, we grabbed a set of Comp's solid roller (PN 8816) design, which features a 0.300-inch taller body. These lifters are also linked for better control, which guarantees a constant flow of pressurized oil to the bearings.
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Lunati Rods Wiseco Pistons
To support the rest of our... 
   
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Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Lunati Rods Wiseco Pistons
To support the rest of our rotating assembly, Brul utilized a set of Lunati's 6.385 I-beam rods and a set of Wiseco 48cc domed pistons.

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Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Two Piece Cam Case Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Milodon Oil System
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Clearing Room On Pistons Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Clearing For Stroke
Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Wiseco Ring Package Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build Milodon Oil Pan
 
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