Building a vortec

[cmull]

Im rebuilding my 350 and am thinking about finding vortec heads. I found some for a good price, the 906s. I'm new to building performance motors so I have a few questions. I found a 400 crank for a good price and would love to use it, can I? What would be a good cam and intake to use? I love the nice lopey idle! And what else would I need to do it make this motor work? Will I need to bore the cylinders out? Im shooting for 4-500 hp. And other opinions on what a good option for building a 350 are welcome. All drivetrain will be upgraded with this so I'm not worried about that. Gas mileage doesnt bother me either.

[Engineer]

400~500hp?

You need to think big block.

[Irish_Alley]

https://www.yearone.com/Product/1967-87-chevy-gmc-truck/ct350pc1
Year One Power Crate 400hp 350 crate engine assembly.
Engine Specifications:
* Horsepower: 400+
* Torque: 400+ ft/lbs
* Compression ratio: 9.7:1
* Dyno-tested: Yes, includes 8" balancer & 14" flexplate
* Dyno sheet: Included with engine's output
* Vacuum produced: 12hg @ 800RPM
* Recommended fuel: 92 octane
* Max recommended RPM- 5800
* Block: Seasoned 4-bolt iron
* Crankshaft: OE cast iron
* Pistons: Hypereutectic
* Connecting rods: Powdered metal
* Camshaft- Hydraulic roller with YearOne proprietary specifcations
* Rocker arms: Stamped steel 1.6:1 ratio
* Cylinder heads: Ported Dart Iron Vortec
* Valves: Stainless steel 2.02 int/1.60 exh
* Valve springs: Heavy duty
* Bore x Stroke: 4.04" x 3.48"
* Intake manifold: Dual-plane aluminum
* Oil pan, timing cover, valve covers included
* Engine fasteners: High tensile strength
* Warranty: 12 mth/12,000 mi

[cmull]

If not that much I'd like to get quite a bit more than stock. That crate motor looks like what I want.. but I've found some deals that makes me think I could save some money. I realize its a stretch but I'm look for opinions on good parts to get for good gains in power.

[454Man]

A big block is what you need. I bet that motor dynoed prob makes a good 350 max. if your concerned with mpg the small block is the way to go

What's under the hood??? If you have to ask maybe we shouldn't race!

[cmull]

The only problem is people around here want an arm and a leg for a blown big block. I've been looking for one with not much luck. How much power could I realistically get out of my 350? And what would be the best way of getting there? Like I said I found some vortec heads for pretty cheap.

[Captkaos]

Funny how much is an arm and a leg?  I can't give my Mark IV BBC away... 

[cmull]

People are asking 1500 for ones thats just block and heads and they are saying unknown condition. I'd be happy to take that one off you since youre giving it away!

[Engineer]

@ $4,495 this 496 crate engine may be what you are looking for:

http://www.blueprintengines.com/index.php/gm-496-bp4963ct

480hp/550tq verified on a dyno. 9:1 pump gas friendly. If I didn't build my own engines I would seriously look at this one.

[rich weyand]

This would look pretty in a truck.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Performance/809/CPSLS34L70E2/10002/-1

[frotosride]

I found a 400 crank for a good price and would love to use it, can I?

You could use the crank but by the time you finished all the machining to fit the shaft in your block you would be only a few hundred away from a good stroker kit. I would look at this as a math problem for money. You already have a platform to build off of so increase the cubes and keep the compression reasonable for forced induction of your choice. I'm all about working with what I already have because Uncle Sam has a tight grip on his wallet when it comes to my pay check. On the other hand have you considered something more modern that starts out at a power level a lot closer to your ultimate goal...LQ4/LQ9? Especially since you don't care about MPG!!

[Captkaos]

People are asking 1500 for ones thats just block and heads and they are saying unknown condition. I'd be happy to take that one off you since youre giving it away!

I am asking $1500 for mine and it was running when removed.  If I don't sell it and end up putting it in something I plan to pull it down, clean it up check the clearances and swap out the cam and run it again...  I had about $4000 in it when I built it.