To Stroke, or not to Stroke

moper said
Chlgr, it's your choice. You seem to have the rest of the parts, so swapping in a bigger engine is not a big deal. If that's what you want, byt all means build it. But, if everyone could build a high powered 512 for $4K they would. Simply put, they can't.

Do you think I am expecting too much from a combination like I had above? What can I expect?

The cam choice is way wrong for a big inch engine.

I haven't heard back from Comp Cams yet, so what cam do you think I should have in a 512 with 9.7:1 comp, and either a single big 4bbl, or 3 2's?

And no $1500 set of heads will make power on one that large.

is it because they don't flow well enough? Will a set of street heads on a big inch engine choke it off?

Having built more than one or two of both, the RB based package will cost roughly 20% more than a small block package and produce about 15% more power built similarly. Definately build what you want. Just be smart and realistic about it.

This is why I wanted to go with a larger engine. See above.

The big engines are perfectly reliable when built and matched properly. More streetable than most too. 590hp/600tq that idles at 800rpm.

What do I need to do to reach this goal?

But driving them can be an adventure. The 505 with reasonable sized rear radials is almost undriveable over 1/2 throttle in anything less than 4th gear w/3.54s in an E body.

What made it hard to drive? Was it RPM? Was it lack of traction?

For me, I enjoy the small block packages more, and unless I planned to go with a longer stroke than 4", I'd build a small block. It's not cubic inches. It's the stroke. Plus it fits so much easier.

Well, the 512 has a 4.250 stroke, so I guess that qualifies ;) I have always liked and wanted a Big Block Duster. I am also considering putting a big block in the Demon I just got. Not sure about that yet. but who knows what the future holds.

j