Big-Block Shootout Part 1

...A roller bearing is placed between the block and cam gear to prevent galling, and a lock plate keeps all of the hardware secure.

Degreeing the cam is done with the largest degree wheel we've ever seen, teamed with a precision micrometer on the piston top and lifter. Everything was within specs, and we could begin plotting for the heads.

The cylinder heads are proven World Products aluminum Grumpy Jenkins units. These heads have good intake port design, and only need a little porting help on the exhaust side. Pfaff's shop has seen over 350 sets of World Merlins come through, we're confident they know exactly what it'll take to make these heads flow.

We asked for minimal headwork, not wanting this to become a porting contest. Pfaff agreed, and beyond matching up the intake manifold, their proprietary valve treatment, and some cleanup on the exhaust side, not much was needed anyway.

Our valve job, like all those who pass through Pfaff's shop, was done on a Serdi machine. These tools are well-regarded for their accuracy and consistency, we like that.

We're relying on a proven Edelbrock Victor Jr. 454-R intake manifold to feed our fat rat. Our man Kirk carefully matched the ports with the World heads.

With our heads on board atop the block, we could start getting the valvetrain dialed in. After our Crower hydraulic roller lifters, Trick Flow pushrods, and Crower 1.7:1 roller rockers were mocked up, we learned another cool trick from the pros...

... Using a simple marker, Gordon marks the valve tip, installs the rocker, runs the valve through a cycle, then removes the rocker again to check the ink pattern on top of the valve tip...

...This gives a clear indication of how the roller tip of the rocker is travelling across the valve, and it should be centered for proper operation and wear. As you can see, ours are right on.

Hydraulic roller lifters are easily adjusted, just like flat-tappet hydraulics. A half-turn of preload should be plenty, and we'll check it again after some dyno time. Nothing to it.

Gordon Jennings attended to all of the details to complete our 454, like the valve covers, Moroso oil pan, and Demon carb. We then added an MSD distributor and plug wires to finish it up. A Summit air cleaner will top the carb.