Torque Tales

Airflow is where the power is, and for the money, it's impossible to beat the performance of a set of GM Performance Part iron Vortec heads. Taylor elongates the pushrod holes inboard to ensure no pushrod interference when using the Pioneer 1.6:1 rockers.

Airflow is where the power is, and for the money, it's impossible to beat the performance

Conclusion
Even with the new parts we used, you could duplicate a similar long-block with Powerhouse parts (including the Vortec heads) for well under $2,000. Crank in a bigger cam and the horsepower will climb, but it will also sacrifice torque. As it is, this is a great package with an idle vacuum of almost 13 inches at 750 rpm, making this engine very driveable in almost any kind of street application. There's never been a better time than right now to build a stout 375hp first-generation small-block Chevy engine. CC

We were after torque as well as horsepower, and that's where the Edelbrock Performer RPM Vortec Air Gap intake really shines. We've yet to find an intake that will best this manifold for overall power.

We were after torque as well as horsepower, and that's where the Edelbrock Performer RPM V

We were after torque as well as horsepower, and that's where the Edelbrock Performer RPM Vortec Air Gap intake really shines. We've yet to find an intake that will best this manifold for overall power.

We were after torque as well as horsepower, and that's where the Edelbrock Performer RPM V