401 advice please

[newt]

I'm planning out the build up of my 401 for my daily-driver / offroad toy. I've found a lot of good info here.

I'd like to increase my compression to 9 - 9.5 : 1 and it looks like I could do this via hyperetic pistons (but then I'd need chevy pins?) or edelbrock heads (big $$$). What are the pros & cons? Cost is an issue. Are there other better options (simple & cheap = GOOD)?
Also I'm leaning towards a cam between the summit 8600 & 8601. Would the edelbrock performer be a good fit, or something else?

My plan, other than the above, includes: GM TBI, air gap manifold, shorty headers, and oiling mods. My goal is 400+ ftlbs from idle to red line (~5500rpm). What else do I need to think about?

[jeepsr4ever]

well your on the right track.

1 warmed up compression
2 nice cam (8600 or 8601)
3 Good exhaust
4 performer or air gap intake or a R4B (if you can find one)
5 Good oiling


I wouldnt mess with roller rockers unless you plan on some high rpm's. A nice double roller timing chain always keeps things in line. New dizzy and cam gear prevents premature failure. hmmm I guess I could help as we go along here but to start from block to finished engine would take many pages.


-MC

[newt]

More info: I'm looking at these cams (what I've found online) and the advice to look for duration under 230, and lobe seperation of 110 or greater.
cam lift duration lobe sep rpm
stock 401 458/458 114
summit 8600 474/496 214/224 112 1500-4500
summit 8601 486/521 224/234 114 2000-5000
howard 310021 479/479 222/222 114
edelbrock 2132 448/472 204/214 110 1500-5500
comp 203-4 480/480 224/224 110 1800-5800
comp 214-5 477/484 212/218 110 1200-5200
comp 215-5 493/500 218/224 110 1800-5800
crane 260-2 456/484 204/216 112 1500-5000
crower 276HDP 464/488 212/220 112 1500-5000


I'm new to picking out cams so help me understand this stuff. It looks like more lift = more power, more duration = higher rpms, more lobe sep = flatter torque curve. So for me I think the 8600 looks like the best fit for a hi lift, lo dur, and hi lobe sep? How does the uniqueness of the 401 factor into all this?

[newt]

Crap. I had those all lined up. Arg!