427 FE Big block Head and Cam question

[Westjetter]

So I’m building my Bear Block Motors 427 side oiler for a roadster.
I’m planning on using the Edelbrock Pro Flo 4 induction set up but am torn on the Heads to use. Have any of you FE guys out there used the Edelbrock Performer RPM heads or Trick Flow? I’m leaning towards trick flow since my engine will be stroked to 482cu. Only reason for that is the ease of getting a balanced rotating assembly from Scat to fit without doing any custom machine and balancing work as Scat does it all. One guy I talked to said due to the size of the Cubic inches, go with trick flow. As I’m not after crazy horsepower or the roadster will be in the ditch as soon as you pop the clutch. Curious what other guys ran into good or bad with their roadster build and using the FE. Best plan of attack is plan ahead for less issues!

[jeremustang]

Oohh - Great Question! I am building a 482 right now. I also went with a Scat balanced rotating assembly - It is the way to go! Includes rings, bearings, etc., is balanced, and the machining is perfect! Most pistons you can get the assembly with will work with any aftermarket head, so you're not constrained by Edelbrock, Trick Flow, etc. Here are my specs:
- 1967 427 Side-oiler block - .017 over
- Scat 4.25" balanced rotating assembly
- Icon IC873 dish pistons, .005" deck
- Comp 282S cam
- Edelbrock 60069 heads
- Edelbrock 7505 dual quad manifold
- Dual street demon carbs

Calculated compression comes out to 9.7:1 with Edelbrock 72cc heads. I'm keeping it mild with the Comp 282s cam. I figure it will make about 500 hp.
But here's the deal: With almost 482 inches in a 2500 lb car, you don't need to squeeze out every ounce of HP. You can have the best of both worlds: More power than you need at every RPM level, with great street manners, a mild idle, and vacuum for power brakes. My advice would be to keep the compression manageable for pump gas and build a fun street motor that will spank anything that comes your way.
Jeremiah

[jeremustang]

One more thing on heads - I had the same debate as you, but here's what sold me on Edelbrock:
1) If I get another set of heads that make more power, I'll never be able to tell the difference between 450, 550, 600 hp
2) Made in USA
3) Edelbrock has better support, parts are readily available, and has a great reliability reputation.

Good luck with whichever option you choose

[CobraboyDR]

Once you get over 400-425 hp, speed and quickness is no longer a function of power, it becomes traction.

[Rdone585]

Some attention should be applied to the heads and intake combo. While I'm not running an FE block, I do have Edelbrock Victor Jr heads with an RPM air gap intake. I had the ports matched which I believe has been a good choice and improvement. When that was done the engine now runs smoother, with a deeper mellow tone, and isn't quite as raspy sounding. BTW, holding a 482 ci motor down to 500 hp even at the wheels may be a a challenge. You may have to go conservative in many areas. I would think that motor would easily go 625+, but then I'm not a professional motor builder.