4x4 question

[mrjohnwayne]

I went and did it. I just purchased my first 4x4. 78 chevy long bed. Im curious about the motor. Im thinking about this for the setup

2 bolt main 350 punched .040 over (in the truck already .040 after machining cause im sure its .030 over now) 3.48 stroke

L31 vortec heads with stock size 1.94, 1.50 valves

roller or hydraulic cam
196/206 (intake / exhaust) duration, maximum lift with 1.5:1 rocker ratio is 431/451 (intake/exhaust), lobe centerline is 109 degrees.

edelbrock rpm airgap vortec manifold

edelbrock 600 cfm carb. I think im gonna keep the HEI dist.

I won't lie im new to 4x4's. I'm gonna go either 4:10 or 4:56 front/rear with a 6 inch lift and at least 35's . TH350 hopped up of course. Does that sound like a good combination? Any advise will be appreciated.

[72'CaminoKid]

u want 35's??? my friend is sellin some 35 mud dawgs, with almost all tread left... if ur interested let me know

[390FE]

If you buildign a mud/offroad truck why not just find a 4 bolt main and build that up. In the mean time you can drive the truck as it is and if you blow it up you got a motor wating or partial done.

Chevyguy shoudl know best but I say start with a good platform and find a 4 bolt main. Or get a 4 bolt and drop a stroker kit in it.

And yes keep HEI. Don't go backwards to points. Everyone I know with pre 80's (pre mid 70's) is either switching to Pertronics or trying to find the factory HEI setup if it was ever available for there motor. I'm gonna be going pertronics on my '72 390 most likely.

[chevyguy]

Well yes and no. there is no reason to go to 4 bolt main unless you plan on really working it to death. Actually if you are building a extreme high oerformance application you should start with a 2 bolt block and have the block machined to accept 4 bolt splayed main caps . It is even stronger than a 4 bolt main. But in all acyuality there is no real need for a 4 bolt on most vehicles. The only problem I see with this build up is the lift of the cam lift. I am not sire if 451 will work on the vortec heads since it has limited clearance for valve springs. Might need some light machine work on the heads. You will like the vortec heads though. They flow way better than an old production heads. It sounds like a real solid start. As for gear selection that is up to you, depends on what you use it mostly for. If there is alot of highway driving go a little higher in the gear. But 4:10 or 4:56 should ba a good place to start.Sounds lie you have a firm start, keep us updated on your progress

[mrjohnwayne]

How much for the tires, and where at Camino? I'm thinking that that cam will be aight. All the literature i have read says that stock heads can take up to .475 lift cams. N-e-hoo thanks for the feedback and i'll keep ya'll updated. I'll get some pics up here also. thanks again

[72'CaminoKid]

my buddy was askin $500 i belive, but he'll come down..... columbus GA

[chevyguy]

Yes the literature is correct, but you are getting neear the high end which can easily result in bottoming out the valve springs, A little light machine work and you wont have to worry about it.

[mrjohnwayne]

Thanks for the advice Chevyguy

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Why 35's? you can run 35's on a 3" lift.... why not go a little bigger?

Ok, first I should ask what you're gonna use it for. Is it gonna be strictly offroad or are you gonna use it as a driver or towrig? If you're goin with 6" you can prolly fit 38's... what kind of tires do you want? If it's gonna be a DD, I'd recommend MTR's or BFG Muds... Even the Big O muds are pretty good....

Ok off topic here I"m sorry....

If you're gonna street it a lot I'd recommend 4:10's not 4:56's... but hey... just my $0.02

[chevyguy]

4:56 with 35 will be a grreat combo on or off in my opinion. Use a calculator and do the math you will be able to pick the right gear without guessing. just need to know tire diameter and final drive on the transmission. both are easy to find out. Good luck and nice choice with the older chevy, They have great lines and tons of aftermarket parts.