56 354 in 65 Dodge Pickup

[4xNut]

I'm putting a 354 hemi(.040 overbore) into my 65 pickup and am shooting
for 300 hp with all the torque I can get.

Block: Casting 1619829-4
Punched VT549-2084C
Heads: Casting 1619823-1
Intake: Casting 1637625-2(iron 4BBL)

Is it possible to get 300 hp with the stock manifold on pump gas?
What kind of compression/Camshaft will I need to pull this off?

If anyone can give me any pointers before I start throwing money at this project, i'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Steve

[firepower354]

300hp is no sweat! A good stock rebuild with freed up exhaust and a strong ignition will top your goal. Isky can regrind your stock cam to about 225 degrees @.050 and .450 lift for around $100 and add some pop. Stick it in at about 4 degrees advanced. Unless you have the .040's, drop in a standard bore set of 392's. Gives 9.5:1 and 365cid. Used ones can be had for under $50 or get a set of new KB's if you're fussy about sloppy seconds. Adjustable pushrods solve the valve lash problem and keep you clear of the way overpriced adjustable rockers. Sure ya gotta bend a wrench or put the adjusters in the valley. That manifold will breathe fine. Even more finer if you open it up for a 600 Edelbrock. Update the oiling and spark, keep it cool, don't over rev it and it should last forever too. Aftermarket valve springs from a 318/340 drop in and save a buck over the "hemi" repackaged same item(have your head guy confirm yours aren't odd sized).

[4xNut]

Thank you for the pointers, firepower 354,
the block is going to my machine shop, we'll see if it can go .062 over (the block has been sleeved in 3 bores).
I do have the cam, but it's got a wiped lobe, was just thinking of ordering a PAW unit complete with lifters.
by "opening up"the manifold, i take you mean having it milled out to accept the other carb?

[354 Fire Power]

hey if you decide to go with exhaust headers, I'll buy the stock exhaust manifolds off of you (help pay for more HP)

[4xNut]

Sorry, I don't have any manifolds. I'm looking for some, myself.
As it is, it looks like i'm gonna stick with the .040 overbore, and go with a near stock cam and 9.0 to 1 comp. ratio.

Thanks for the info, guys. Great site and good people!!!

Steve