Re: [Chevelle-list] What to do with my 396??

[NimbusNine]

I agree with Clint. But I'd go aluminum heads - when I did mine the cost of mild porting work on my cast iron heads was $850. I bought Edelbrock oval port heads BRAND NEW on ebay for $1250. If I'd been so inclined, I could have sold the iron heads and recouped the difference between the two numbers.   Also, I used a Comp Cams Extreme Energy with .550/230/110 and was thrilled - it was perfect. Nice cam lope, tons of power, still had vacuum brakes. The only change I would have made is I should have gone roller... ----- Original Message ----- From: Clint Hooper To: The Chevelle Mailing List Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 11:35 PM Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] What to do with my 396?? You probably don't need alum heads to see the 400hp mark,Tom. A good valve job and maybe a little pocket porting/bowl work will have your oval port heads ready to go. Add an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake,750-800cfm Holley,hydraulic cam kit of around 235 degrees duration @ .050 with around .520-570 lift,good electronic ignition,and a free-flowing exhaust consisting of 1 7/8" headers and 2.5" mandrel bent tubing & a pair of quality mufflers should easily get you in the 400hp/450lb range. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner 1969 El Camino ProTourer 2001 H-D FLHR custom bagger http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint/clint_hooper.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey Clint. Budget?  I'm wondering if there are budgets involved with this obsession we all have..Just kidding, I wanna make it right so I probably have one just not sure what it is..I haven't had to do this since I had my 1977 Blazer 400 redone in the late 80's..I would like to get a healthier cam, maybe some aluminum heads, etc..What all would it take to get 400+ HP? I would say 2500 to 4000..could I get a nice motor with that or should I get ready to hike up my skirt??  thanks everyone for the input.  Tom P