engine experiment...take a shot.

[BIG CHEVY]

I bought a truck that came with an uninstalled motor. It checks out to be the smallest crate motor u can buy from goodwrench. (260hp i think i remember). Using this bottom end what would you do for this to make somewhere near 400 horsepower? I have a stock motor truck. Might as well make this one exciting....  Be specific. I need this help as i will try next week.

[Fairlane514]

To make it kinda simple, look in a Summit catalog or online, They have some "top end kits"  that they claim make 415 hp.   P/N SME-415-405  2081.44 dollars.

[BIG CHEVY]

Im thinkin a bit more old school. People say vortecs can easily do this but with what helping parts? Also when u look at summits vortecs they have regular and like bowties. Whats the diff in these? Surely 400 good hps can be made if i already have a good bottom end for less than 2000 dollars.  No?

[1980c10]

you'll need at least a good cam in the bottom end. I'd also consider higher compression pistons. there a lot of good articles on vortech heads with dyno testing so google it for a lot of good info.

[ehjorten]

take a look at Patriot Vortec heads.

[BIG CHEVY]

Ill buy what it takes..summit has a 400 hp top end kit.....do you really get 400? Is my bottom end good enough? Old double humps...... Whatever.  If vortecs can do it then im with that cause i hear good things but id need to know everything else i need to buy or do....compreszion ratio to obtain...cam. My first time and i dont want to come up lame.  I just like this stuff. Its in my blood. Plus my family was not blesses with any natural born gearheads. So i appreciate all help.

[bd]

To make it kinda simple, look in a Summit catalog or online, They have some "top end kits"  that they claim make 415 hp.   P/N SME-415-405  2081.44 dollars.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SME-K-415-405/

Have fun modifying the powertrain, just be prepared...

That kit uses a retrofit roller cam that begs for a 2500-3000 RPM stall converter.  In addition, you'll need to purchase pushrods (after determining the correct length), roller rockers, high-volume water pump, headers (plus some unavoidable exhaust work), and a 700 - 750 CFM carburetor (there will be a lot of differing opinions on carburetor choice - the airflow of the carb bears heavily on flywheel HP and driveability).  The RPM cap of the cam (~6800 RPM) may test the limits of a cast iron crank.  Reading the notes, you'll need to relocate the coolant temp sensor (the head isn't drilled or tapped).  The kit prefers 9.5:1+ compression (keep it below 10:1, so detonation isn't a nuisance).

Possible extras/upgrades include a new distributor, CD ignition, quality spiral-core plug wires, larger capacity oil pan, cast steel or forged crank, rods, forged pistons, radiator, decking the block, align honing, balancing the rotating assembly, a trans shift kit, etc.  The point being, there are as many choices as you have money to burn and as many options as people with opinions and components to sell you.  Speed costs money.  How fast do you want to go?  And, there is going to be a cornucopia of hidden problems, unforeseen costs and delays - not guaranteed, but statistically likely, especially if you focus on details.  Is the kit bolt-n-go?  Nah.  But, ultimately rewarding?  Probably!

So much for my 2¢.

[thefarmboy21]

There have been multiple articles on this very topic in car craft and chevy high performance mags lately. One was just a few months ago in one or the other. Just google it and you should find it. But YES the top end kits are pretty legit, but you have to be pretty keen on setting your timing and adjusting your carb too. Either way you go, a top end kit will be easiest and take away the guess work but 400 is attainable with a set of junkyard vortecs and a cam swap. There was also a big article in one or the other last month or issue before where they did 8 or 10 head swaps that were the budget style heads (patriot, jegs brand, summit brand, etc) great article worth looking up before you make a decision.

[BIG CHEVY]

thanks guys....anyone else? if anyone else....mines a 4 speed. i dont think i can have a roller cam. i want just enough horse to claim some respect in my neighborhood.

[Fairlane514]

Roller cam is just more money than flat tappet, but you can get about 35 more hp out of the same grind when comparing roller to flat.
You don't have to have a high zinc content oil, and no break in.

[1980c10]

imo over two grand for a top end kit that doesn't include a carb is too much money
Heres my budget top end kit;
factory 062 vortech heads- $150
edelbrock vortech performer rpm intake- $175
gaskets-60ish
1' carb spacer $30
crower torque beast cam-130ish (you can go cheaper here)
carb; holley 670 street avenger- 300ish (you can also go cheaper here)
total is $845 plus you gained a carb.
for two grand you should be able to complete this plus a set of headers and exhaust
you will have some other expenses so keep that in mind.
this was my cost on what i listed, I completed mine with an engine rebuild so I also have flat top pistons. (c/r raised from and est 9.3;1 to 9.7:1)
my hp peaks at 393 but has an awesome torque curve that peaks at 432 and averages at 416. My hp peaks at 5400 rpm not 6500-6800 rpm If i want to dump in a huge cam I'm sure my hp number would grow very quickly but I drive it all the time and has gobs of power for the street.
Bear in mind I've done most of the other stuff as well such as headers exhuast, electric fan, swapped in a 5 speed etc.

[TimberwolfFXDL]

imo over two grand for a top end kit that doesn't include a carb is too much money
Heres my budget top end kit;
factory 062 vortech heads- $150
edelbrock vortech performer rpm intake- $175
gaskets-60ish
1' carb spacer $30
crower torque beast cam-130ish (you can go cheaper here)
carb; holley 670 street avenger- 300ish (you can also go cheaper here)
total is $845 plus you gained a carb.
for two grand you should be able to complete this plus a set of headers and exhaust
you will have some other expenses so keep that in mind.
this was my cost on what i listed, I completed mine with an engine rebuild so I also have flat top pistons. (c/r raised from and est 9.3;1 to 9.7:1)
my hp peaks at 393 but has an awesome torque curve that peaks at 432 and averages at 416. My hp peaks at 5400 rpm not 6500-6800 rpm If i want to dump in a huge cam I'm sure my hp number would grow very quickly but I drive it all the time and has gobs of power for the street.
Bear in mind I've done most of the other stuff as well such as headers exhuast, electric fan, swapped in a 5 speed etc.

kinda curious where you got a gasket set for $60??

I'm putting 062 heads on a 880 block and I'm not having much luck finding just the head gaskets that cheap, let alone a full set

[clay7]

power comes from compression. 9-5 to 10-1 with a cam around 260 or 270 duration should easly make 400 horse with a decent set of heads. PERSONALLY,i dont like the vortech heads. crack prone as they come and you cant run much cam with out cutting the heads for taller springs. even then you cant cut them down much before they break. invest in porting a set of open chamber fuellie heads. that with a little compression should have no problem making 400+ horse. just my 2 cents

[Jason S]

you'll need at least a good cam in the bottom end. I'd also consider higher compression pistons. there a lot of good articles on vortech heads with dyno testing so google it for a lot of good info.

Ditto.

[1980c10]

Heres a good article with a lot of information;
http://www.onedirt.com/tech-stories/engine/a-guide-to-vortec-vs-oe-small-block-chevy-heads/