Big horsepower 318 builds

In keeping with the NA….

Let’s compare flow numbers and port velocities.

This is a camshaft related issue, not cylinder head.
It is true. The better the cylinder head the better the power. A higher flowing cylinder head over stock allows more power and rpm.
While the OEM - LA head gets buried deep on this front, what do we have to replace it and compete? I can name 4 off the bat.

But yet! There a roller compared to a standard solid which is an edge. Mostly since MoPar guys cry at the thought of a roller cam.
The LS has a lifter bore size of?????

So in the past when our old time racers spun 8500/9500, it was black magic that we can’t reproduce suddenly?
Just wondering.


The modern blocks are better OOTB then ours from yesteryear.
And that’s where it stops.
There architecture is better and the advancements after 40/50/60 years is apparent. But let’s dumb down a modern engine and cripple it with a wet flow intake and 4150 carb, stick it with a SFT and see where and what we get.

No one owning these engines would ever do that and it’s a crying shame any old time engine guy has major fears and sudden cash flow problems in meeting what the others were born with. I get that. A roller cam, F.I. & OD transmissions are expensive and prohibitive to 99% here.

But if your going to compare engines, think before you speak on who has what in any real advantage and what can not be modified and equaled.

Hey! Didn’t Brett Miller make a 1,000hp NA SBM?
Currently being raced by the way.

YeAaaaaaaa, well, there’s that now huh?

I tell ya it’s a danm shame I don’t play lotto…..
Me acknowledging that the modern engines have advantages shouldn't be equated to me saying sbm is no good. Or that I disagree with you or anyone. I was just pointing out the ls5.3 I was referring to was NA.... after you suggested it was boosted. Not meant to be an affront to you - just a clarification.

I actually do try to think before I speak. I try to avoid knee jerk emotional reactions in all communication.

Again. A 5.3 L engine, low compression, with a sub 230 deg cam, making over 500 HP. That's damn impressive no matter the brand. If you or anyone wants to take offense to that....well I don't know what to say brother.

If anyone wants to be helpful here...can you or anyone suggest a sbm combo with a sub 230 cam (of any flavor), that will make 500+? I'd love to see the combo. Maybe I might even copy it. After all I am currently building a SBM. Would love to learn something that would help. Or maybe help someone else.