im building my first 350 had a few done by other people but I think im gonna try it myself for the first time I have a nice 350 3970010 block 4 bolt main its virgin never been rebuilt and its in really nice shape im trying to do it on a small budget I have a little money so im here to get some peoples opinion im trying for 375-400 hp like I said I have the block and crank im trying figure out what heads should I go with would I be better of hitting the junk yard and finding some vortec heads or should I look around and spend a few more bucks on something nicer thing is im not to sure about the vortec heads cuse I know theres a lot more that comes with them like a vortec manifold and im pretty sure you have to do something with the valves ive read a little on them but im not to sure would it just be easier to find some camel hump 202's or something of the sort once I get some heads I can send it all to the machine shop

 

With the vortecs you only need to have the springs pockets machined and the guides cut down for the seals. With a Comp. EX-268 and a set of flat tops you should be very close to the 400hp mark with very good torque and a good driver. With the bumped heads you will need a set fo valve guides new valves and hardend valve seats and a lot of expensive machineing. One other thing you might not have is the asecessory holes in the heads for your alt and your power steering bracket. Only one set of bumped heads came with these holes. With that all being done you will still be about 30hp down for the vortecs. The vortec intake can be had off of ebay for around $100. I think there are a set of vortec heads with big valves and springs now on ebay under vortec intake or heads.

 

I was running 350 standard bore, with flat top 2 reliefs, vortecs w/ 3 angle valve job, home port and polish, 270h cam, edelbrock performer rpm air gap, edelbrock 650 CFM carb, headers, and 3in exhaust and it turned out 447hp, and my goal was lower then 400 so I was happy

 

Sound like the secret is getting out about the vortec heads. Their cheap plenteful and easy to work with for the money. I like working with the newer blocks set up for the hyd. roller cams. A little noisie with the fast ranps on the Extreme Roller cams but they make some great power.

 

Vortecs are awesome heads.. Flow better stock then some of the aftermarket ones..

 

I just got a set of 98 vortec 125580062 with the accessory holes for 75 bucks now its on to the crankshaft so here comes my next question what kind should I get I was thinking 383 but im not sure how much more money over a stock 350 crank it would cost I know it has to be clerenced but my question is what is the best bang for the buck they have some deals on ebay but theres so many to chose from my mind is spinning lol oh and another question should I have the block machined before or after I buy the crank its a virgin block never been bored I plan on going .30 over and im pretty sure I want flat tops as I believe there better on the low end torque right.

 

062 are better out of the two, I'd stay with a 355 and just getting a scat crank, flat top two relief pistons, 383s will have alot of TQ but you could have a TQ monster out of a 355 also.. Also look into and research on the LS motors, you could have a powerhouse for about the same price and the LS will be almost stock.. Just my two cents

 

The 062 and the 906 casting flow the same numbers. The 906 casting has the harder valve seat, that is the only differance. You will need to have the block checked as to how much boreing it will need, THEN you can order the pistons. If your going with a new kit the 355 will be a little cheaper then the 383 stroker. Do the dished piston stroker 383 kit to keep the compression down for pump gas with the 64cc vortec heads. As for a stock LS makeing the HP of a good stroker, its way off. What they forget to tell you is you need a very expensive cam upgrade and some good head and intake and a complete upgrade to the fuel system if you using FI. It will also need to be programed for the combination. I your going carbed then the set up is more then the stroker it by it self. Its a good set up if you have the cash and experance doing something like that. I know were doing a mustang with a LS and it a not as easy as people say it is.