Chevy 496 Big Block Engine Build - The Street Brawler 496

Summit iron heads are an economical way to deliver decent airflow to a big-block Chevy. These heads come pre-assembled with springs for a hydraulic cam, requiring only the installation of studs and guideplates. A set of Fel-Pro PermaTorque head gaskets provides the seal.

The best way to determine pushrod length is to mock-up the valvetrain using an adjustable pushrod and measuring the length directly with a caliper. The rockers are economical COMP Magnum 1.72:1 units, which rely on an OEM-style ball fulcrum, and have a roller tip.

Waste not, want not; the Melling oil pump was a take-off from Hunkins' Howitzer 496 big-block project that dropped the pick-up tube due to a failed tack weld after it was installed in the car. The tube was securely brazed this time around.

Up top, an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap is the ideal intake for high torque within the engine's intended rpm range. A bead of silicone sealant replaces the end rail seals for intake installation.

Significant savings can be made on the engine's ancillary components. A Holley 750 carb was purchased at the swap meet for $75.

Rather than bolt-up the used carb and pray, it was sent to Performance Carburetors of Ontario, CA, for a full overhaul, including an 850 baseplate, refinishing, a rebuild, and calibration with top-quality parts. The result is an awesome street carb at a reasonable price. Including the swap meet score, we've got $495 in it.

No one realized it when the 454 was pulled from Hunkins car, but hiding under the grease, the engine had an MSD Pro-Billet distributor installed by the previous owner. Of course, this unit was re-used after a good cleaning.

On the dyno, we had no surprises, and just had to break-in the engine, tune the timing, and with a jet change, the engine was dialed in for an easy 568 hp at 5,700 rpm, and a substantial 582 lb-ft of torque at a stump-pulling 3,900 rpm.