Back to your engine dilemma. If you can find a core engine to build for your truck, I would recommend that. Either find a Mark IV engine to build up for your early oval ports, or hunt around for a '96-and-later L29 big-block to build up for your truck. These engines run very well and have hydraulic-roller camshafts. The cylinder heads utilized the early oval-port inlet runners with a raised exhaust port and a kidney-shaped combustion chamber. Swap in an RV-type roller cam and you'll have a great-running engine and will kick up the mileage compared with your '93 L19 454. Yes, the Edelbrock TBI Performer will work with either of these engine packages. You will need some computer tuning if you get too wild with your camshaft or increase the engine displacement past a standard overbore.
Grand InheritanceQ I recently inherited my grandparents' '69 Camaro, which has 97,000 original miles and the stock 327 and TH350 trans. I'm trying to assemble a bulldog motor-small, tough, and mean when needed. I'm seeking your professional direction and supportive information for just a few questions.
What would be the ideal intake manifold and carburetor to feed the following engine build? I'm using the original 327 block with a 0.030-inch overbore, Sealed Power flat-top pistons, the original crank, a Crane Energizer cam (grind number 284H12), a Cloyes double-roller timing chain, standard 350 heads (casting number 333882), roller rockers, and Crane valvesprings. Are there any known major issues with the Chevrolet 333882 castings? What would be the best position for the timing chain, given my setup, advanced, retarded, or normal? Other than a B&M shift kit, are there any additional internal modifications for the transmission? My trans rebuild manual shows the front pump with 20 springs, but my pump has 30. Does the amount of springs do anything to the performance? Can you calculate the horsepower and torque of my build? I don't want to throw away my cash by buying parts that would not perform well.Thomas BrownVia e-mail
A I'm jealous-I don't have any Camaros in the family food chain. It sounds like you want your little bulldog to have a good bite!
First of all, are you married to those 882 cylinder heads? To make any decent power out of your little 327 it's going to take better cylinder heads than these. Yes, you will have a great lopey idle, but when you stand on the gas, I don't think that you're going to be happy with the power and throttle response. The 882s have 76cc combustion chambers. That, linked with your 327-cid flat-top pistons and performance head gaskets, will have the compression coming in at a dismal 8.4:1. This, with your Crane Energizer camshaft, which has 228 degrees of duration at 0.050 inch tappet lift, is a recipe for poor slow-speed performance. For just a little money you could have a set of stock Vortec cast-iron cylinder heads that will wake up your package. Their 64cc chambers will bring the compression up to the 9.5:1 range, based on the deck height of your short-block and the head gaskets you select.
Using these cylinder heads, we would recommend using the new Professional Products Crosswind Vortec manifold, PN 52028. This manifold will bolt to the Vortec-specific bolt pattern and accept a square-flange carburetor. This manifold will give you decent slow-speed drivability, and excellent performance to around 6,500 rpm. Top it off with a Holley 4777 650 double-pumper carb. This will feed your 331 just fine. Install your Crane Energizer camshaft straight up. The cam is ground on a 112 lobe-separation angle and has an intake centerline of 107. This installation point will give you the best blend of slow-speed torque and top-end performance.