alright, here's what i got.  i've got a '97 camaro ss with an auto trans.  here's what i want, at least 425 hp to the pavement without nitrous.  i got lucky and a friend of mine wrecked his camaro, and it's got every bolt on available:  bbk throttle body, headers, off-road y-pipe, full, MSD ignition and optispark, underdrive pullys, centerforce clutch, lightweight flywheel, drag launch springs, and a six speed.  so, i'm obviously going to use all of these goodies, but i'm wondering about the rebuild.  To achieve my 425 hp goal, i'm wondering if i can get buy with just a stock rebuild, bored .030 over, with a good port job on the heads and intake, and of course a bigger cam or should i go with a stroker crank and all that good stuff.  any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

Jason  

425 HP is very realistic with a built LT1. With no power adder, the main places that are gonna get you power are heads, cam, intake, exhaust.

Upgrade the heads to the best alumium units you can afford, with a good hydraulic roller cam that matches with the heads after all the porting and valve work you'll have done. Set the motor up for 1:6 ratio rockers, good springs, one-piece heavywall pushrods, etc.

Best bet, give the guys at Comp Cams a call. Since they own RHS cylinder heads, they can get you set up with a cam/head package that'll get you to your goal.  

I'd say that really depends on what cam you go with. My preference would be to go with a 383 instead of just a rebuilt shortblock for two reasons (thinking in terms of a street car):

1) you can more comfortably make 425rwhp or more without having to deal with an oversized cam that causes the motor to stall at traffic lights, run poorly in cold weather, and lack off the line low rpm grunt

2) even if your car only makes 425rwhp, you will only be a cam or head swap away from another 25hp whereas with stock cubes you will be closer to maxing out

Like Phill said, the heads and cam are where the power is at so choose a good pair wisely. There are quite a few people doing great heads/cam packages with ported stock castings that would probably suit your needs very well. If you are looking to save money (and don't plan to ever use a power adder), use a cheaper rotating assembly...but make sure it's properly balanced.  

It is a little harder to see it on a Dyno with an Auto then it is with a Six speed but it is there can be easy to get.

With the age of the platform the advise to build a short block is a good one.

Mine is running 380C.I. and a set of LE-X heads.  this is an extrememly ported set of stock castings.


The car made 427RWHP on a N2O tune and over 600RW on juice.

What is more important is what it makes under the peak.  Do NOT get your self stuck on peak numbers.  look for the TQ and HP through the mid range and where your stall is hitting.

Good luck!