Another 350 build question.

[TheFiendKD]

Ok so I have a 77 chevy k10 single long. All stock with a 350/350, and a np 203, with 3.73s. 6200 gvwr so the motor is emissions free.

I was planning on building the motor to around 400+ ftlb and 400+ hp, at the crank. Obviously being a truck the hp is less important. I do not plan on doing much towing, no more then 1000lbs in the bed. Max tire size I would run would be 33s. I plan on building the truck as a daily driver with some light offroading. And when money allows for a resto-strip-rod with maybe some funny gas, or even a duramax swap if money allows, but that's just dreaming.

So for the meat of the sandwich, my budget for the drivetrain is around $1500. I was planning on following this build that hotrod did.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/1004clt-low-budget-chevy-350-small-block-engine-build/

Procomp heads I believe are now sold under speedometer. And I'm sure for the testing they used dyno headers, so I was planning on using some long tubes with a 2.5 - 3" straight duals. But my biggest question is would you guys recommend the cam that is used in the article? Or something more like the sum-k1103, or the sum-k110. I guess a what I'm really looking for is what would be the best power band for a truck like ours. I think the sum-1105 with 2400-6000rpm would be a bit too high.

So what would you all recommend? And I apologise on advance of the question seems a bit too muddy.

[Don5]

I suggest you do a little online research into those heads. I just spent 15 minutes looking and all I am going to say is "wow". I think for the money I would spend a little more and go with a different set myself. Remember these heads are bare so you will be spending some money to get all the valves, seals, keepers, and rocker arms needed to complete the heads.

BTW- as far as a camshaft choice goes please remember that you have an automatic transmission with a stock stall converter. This will limit your camshaft choices. I would suggest one that is made for the 1500- 5500 RPM as a start. It is easy to get "lured" into buying a large camshaft. Remember it all has to work together to get the power to the pavement or dirt.

[TheFiendKD]

I believe they do sell the pro comp, now speedmaster, heads as complete but I would prefer to buy them bare and assemble them myself. The prices from the article are a little out dated. From other hot rod or car craft articles that I have read they also seem to have good luck with those heads. I have researched them and it seems they had some quality issues in the past but have gotten a lot better. I believe you can get them with a warranty as well.

Ultimately I would like to do a nv3500 or 4500 swap, but I would like to stay with a stock stall. 1500-5500 seems like it would be about perfect for what I'm looking for.
Thank you for the advice.
I will also do some more research on other cam brands.

Another question is what tends to be the limit on a set of stock lift vortec heads, if any body knows this of the top of there heads?

[Don5]

I believe they do sell the pro comp, now speedmaster, heads as complete but I would prefer to buy them bare and assemble them myself. The prices from the article are a little out dated. From other hot rod or car craft articles that I have read they also seem to have good luck with those heads. I have researched them and it seems they had some quality issues in the past but have gotten a lot better. I believe you can get them with a warranty as well.

Ultimately I would like to do a nv3500 or 4500 swap, but I would like to stay with a stock stall. 1500-5500 seems like it would be about perfect for what I'm looking for.
Thank you for the advice.
I will also do some more research on other cam brands.

Another question is what tends to be the limit on a set of stock lift vortec heads, if any body knows this of the top of there heads?

[/b]

I have heard that .480 lift is max for those heads. Anything bigger is going to require some machining mods.

[TheFiendKD]

That sounds similar to the vortecs, which you probably wouldn't need a whole lot more on a stock truck long block. I'll keep researching. How would you compare the speedmaster type heads to stock vortecs, or maybe with a little port work? Would the extra cost of the aluminum heads be worth the gains? Regarding a budget of 1500.

[blazer74]

Keep valve lift under .450 with stock vortecs.


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[blazer74]

SDPC sells the vortec head kit modified for 525 lift with everything you need to do the swap minus the cam and pushrods for around 1250$ plus ship.  Stock vortec kit is about 1190$


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[TheFiendKD]

Or those speedmaster heads which take more lift, are alloy and flow better for a cheaper price. But then I guess I'd be messing with Chinese made quality.

[Don5]

Or you could buy a set of Promaxx aluminum heads from Summit complete for $843. These are good for .575 lift , angle plug, 2.02 valaves and fully assembled. They are also 185 cc heads too. This is route that I want to go myself.

[74k20]

I recommend staying AWAY from the angle plug heads.  Special headers, PIA spark plug install, special short plugs, PIA plug wire resting against the headers.  Did I mention PIA.  Yea...I wish I would NOT have went angle plug heads, as it cost me quite a bit of unknown and unexpected frustration, along with extra cost.

mj

[Don5]

I recommend staying AWAY from the angle plug heads.  Special headers, PIA spark plug install, special short plugs, PIA plug wire resting against the headers.  Did I mention PIA.  Yea...I wish I would NOT have went angle plug heads, as it cost me quite a bit of unknown and unexpected frustration, along with extra cost.

mj

Thanks for the insight.    Sorry you had to find out the hard way though.  They also have the straight plug heads for $30 to $50 more depending on the cc you want. I think that is a much better price then $1300 +.

[TheFiendKD]

I don't think new vortecs would be worth the money, granted you get something with a more reputable name but your still paying for a stock head design. Some more specs on those speedmasters from there site.

http://store.speedmaster79.com/p-3231-chevy-sbc-350-190cc-64cc-angle-plugcast-bare-aluminum-cylinder-head.aspx

278$ Bare. 190cc intake 64cc combustion chamber. Intake valve 2.020 dia. Exhaust 1.60.both 23 degrees. They need a .100 longer push rod but other than that they seem normal to me but I'm new at this. Those are the specs on the angle plug buy I imagine the straight plug would be the same.

Does anybody have any experience with these heads? Is the something similar that you would recommend? Would these specs do well in a truck application? Thanks for any and all input.