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.
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
| Cam Specs |
| Cam | Advertised | Duration | Lift | Lobe |
| Duration | @ 0.050 | 1.5:1 (1.6:1) | Sep. |
|
| Isky 270/280 Int. | 270 | 221 | 0.465 (0.496) | 112 |
| Flat-tappet hyd. Exh. | 280 | 232 | 0.485 (0.517) |
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.
| Power Curve Powermaster 383 |
| RPM | TQ | HP | |
| 2,200 | 379 | 159 |
| 2,400 | 387 | 177 |
| 2,600 | 399 | 198 |
| 2,800 | 408 | 217 |
| 3,000 | 415 | 237 |
| 3,200 | 427 | 260 |
| 3,400 | 440 | 285 |
| 3,600 | 444 | 304 |
| 3,800 | 443 | 320 |
| 4,000 | 440 | 335 |
| 4,200 | 438 | 350 |
| 4,400 | 430 | 360 |
| 4,600 | 420 | 368 |
| 4,800 | 409 | 373 |
| 5,000 | 394 | 375 |
| 5,200 | 377 | 374 |
| 5,400 | 365 | 375 |
| 5,600 | 340 | 362 |
| 5,800 | 323 | 357 |
| Peak | 444 | 375 |
| Avg | 404 | 304 | |
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.
Parts List
The following part numbers are the major components we used to assemble this small-block. The Powerhouse component prices are from Powerhouse while the GM Performance Parts block and Vortec head costs are from Scoggin-Dickey Performance Center. The remaining component prices come from various other readily available sources. |
| Component | Manufacturer | PN | Price |
| Cylinder block, 350 | GMPP | 10066034 | $580 |
| Cylinder heads, Vortec | GMPP | 12558060 | 500 |
| 383 Engine kit | Powerhouse | 383-SK | 489 |
| w/balance, balancer | |
| & flexplate | | | 199 |
| Camshaft | Isky | 20127/281-12 | 109 |
| Lifters, anti-pump up | Powerhouse | 817R | 40 |
| Rocker arms, 1.6, rail | Pioneer | 818020 (4) | 81 |
| Pushrods | Pioneer | 815205 (16) | 96 |
| Valvesprings, conical | Pioneer | 810109 (4) | 34 |
| Retainers | Pioneer | 817109 | 97 |
| Freeze plugs, brass | Pioneer | PE100BR | 11 |
| Intake, Vortec RPM AG | Edelbrock | 7516 | 226 |
| Carburetor, 750 cfm | Quick Fuel | 750 Pro Vac | 350 |
| Distributor | Pertronix | D100701 | 220 |
| Plug wires, 8mm | Pertronix | 804280 | 31 |
| Oil pump | Melling | M55 | 14 |
| Oil pan & pickup | Trans Dapt | 0168 | 185 |
| Timing chain cover | Trans Dapt | 9915 | 28 |
| Water neck | Trans Dapt | 9929 | 12 |
| Valve covers, coated | Trans Dapt | 9919 | 95 |
| Water pump pulley, LWP | Trans Dapt | 9604 | 29 |
| Crank pulley, LWP | Trans Dapt | 9607 | 50 |
| Alternator bracket, upper | Trans Dapt | 9320 | 16 |
| Alternator bracket, lower | Trans Dapt | 9637 | 7 |
| Distributor, Flamethrower | Pertronix | D100701 | 220 |
| Plug wires, 7mm | Pertronix | 708180 | 47 |
| Block machining | JGM | - | 135 |
| Install cam bearings | JGM | - | 44 | |
