[BigBlockCamaro]

Hi Guys,redoing a 68 BB Camaro which I assembled 20 years ago.Threw things together back then because they fit.Ran great,don't think it ever reached full potential.Here's the basics.

Engine 396 #3955272
Heads #3964290
Cam Crane Gripper 133941
Intake Edelbrock Torker
Carb Holley 4bbl 600

Engine is basically stock except for cam and intake.
From doing some reading here,not sure if heads match block.
Not trying to go with crazy horsepower,but would like to achieve
more than it has now.Ran 1/4's back in the day at mid 13's.
Thanks in advance for any replies.

[SS66chevelle]

My opinion (and I am sure you will get plenty) is that one of the single biggest power improvements you can make outside of NOS is an aluminum head swap. Those factory iron heads were designed in the 60's and there are huge differences between those and todays technology (+80-100hp in some cases). My preference is the oval port AFR (air flow research) heads - there have been tons of write ups about how well they perform in the car mags. If you're on a bit tighter budget the Edelbrock performer RPM heads are also a good choice. If your ride spends most of the time on the street I'd dump that single plane intake for a dual plane Edlbrock performer RPM/Air Gap..

Dont let anyone talk you into rectangle port heads for a street application either...

As always, be sure to measure your pushrod length to ensure proper geometry if you're planning to swap the heads.

[65 Imp SS]

What is your budget?
Mortec has your heads at: 3964290....69-70...oval..CLOSED..396, 402, 427, 454, 101cc chamber. If you switch heads your comp could change (if you went with an "open" chamber)
Your cam Application:
Street
Crane Cams 133941 "PowerMax" hydraulic camshaft
Fits 1967-1995, 396-454 Chevrolet V8s
"PowerMax" cams from Crane produce the best powerband without sacrificing idle quality, responsiveness, and durability. They feature a dual pattern lobe design that produces the optimum flow characteristics and maximum power throughout the rpm range.
RPM Range: 1,600 to 5,400 rpm
Duration @ .050" lift: 216/228 (int/exh)
Valve lift: .515"/.510" (int/exh)
Good mid-range torque and power, good daily driver, light towing
Not legal for sale or use on pollution controlled motor vehicles
And you are running a "torker" intake. which really is not matched for your setup. Also what is your drivetrain setup? It comes down to how fast do you want to go and how much are you willing to spend?

[BigBlockCamaro]

Drive train is a muncie 4spd w/3:73 rear gears.
Figured the intake was not a wise choice.
Prefer to stick with stock heads for stock appearance.
Will mostly be a weekend street car.
Also,might go back to stock exhaust manifolds,how much will
that rob my horsepower?
Pretty much have time to re-evaluate my decisions,body is under
construction now.

[454C10]

paint the aluminum heads orange and they will look stock.


use a performer rpm intake, 750 to 850 holley vacuum secondary carb, use 10:1 cr with a compcam 280H