We would like to think that all engines are created equally, only that's never the case, which is why it's so crucial to blend the right components together from the get-go. The old adage "There is no replacement for displacement" rings true-especially once you've taken into account the fact that we've got 496 ci of paint-can-sized bores and steamboat stroke. Nowadays, the price gap between a small-block and a big-block is minimal but the power output can be substantially greater when you've got more cubes on your side. So if you are going to go for it, what better way than with some major guts? Everyone gets their kicks at the sight of a chest-thumping big-block cradled on the dyno. Like the Buddhist statue you spot in people's houses, you can't help but want to rub its belly. To put it simply, they're just cool.
Hosting this gig was Steve Brul. If the name sounds familiar, that's because he's been the front man and our personal go-to guy for years, running the Westech Performance facility. Brul is no slouch, especially when holding the Westech Performance name in the balance. When it came time to bring a combination of components together to make serious muscle, Brul had a reputation to uphold-and uphold it he did. He accomplished his goal and then some and came out a hero. How did he fare? To begin with, he knew big cubes were going to reign supreme in the land of longevity and when the time comes for serious squeeze, the 12 points of compression would always help to coax out the power. As Brul puts it, "Why would you want to build anything that won't last?" So beginning with a bored 0.060-over Gen VI block, Brul began to piece his latest combination together. He also called on some serious players in the aftermarket world of performance to get the job finished. All said and done, Brul managed a slick 780 hp and 658 lb-ft.
We went behind the scenes, following Brul to see what went into creating this monster and listed all of the components used. While there are so many ways of piecing a motor together, we'd venture to say that in this case, Brul nailed the combo without a hitch, and if nothing else, it's already a proven package. If you want something similar for your street machine, then follow along as we unveil one man's recipe.
Quick Notes
What We DidCombined the right parts to make some serious power
Bottom line
A 12.1:1 heavy-hitting big-block
Price (APPROX)
$15,000
 With the machine work complete,...  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. |  For heavy breathing, Brul...  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. |  The 325s get one-piece stainless...  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. |
 Brul laid in the Lunati 4.125-inch...  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. |  Brul's 'stick of choice? A...  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. |  To support the rest of our...  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. |