496 on a budget?
 

Well most of you guys know a couple years ago I went through my 330's and built the infamous 330's on roids, one of them has been bullet proof the other a festering boil on my a$$. If things don't turn around, this winter I may go back in again and go for the gusto.... a pair of 496's. Help me put together a good package on a budget (the wife will kill me) but if I need to what the heck. I have the top end covered Merlin ovals a rpm intake 850 holleys, Emi exhaust and msd ignitions. So whats the best way to go without killing my check book? What do I need to do as far a machining on my blocks? clearancing? can I use my stock pans? Any info will be great I'm sure I'll here from the motor guys Blown 1500 and Bobby but everyone give me there ideas!!
Thanks Don

Dyno,
I have a 498" chevy that I made from my 330 block. It has a 4.25" stroke Eagle crank, Eagle 6.385" rods, and 4.32" bore SRP pistons. You can run the stock pan and shouldn't need any block clearancing. I am running a 10qt Dolley pan, but the stock pan will work. I know everyone rips on Eagle cranks, but so far I haven't had any problems. If you go the Eagle or any other "cheap" crank route be sure to check the crank dimensionally before installing. My motor turns 6300 RPM when it is cool out and 6100 on hot summer days. The motor is 13.2:1 compression with a solid roller cam. One thing my engine builder did to help my bottom end was dowell the main caps then align hone. This keeps the caps still which helps the bearings under extreme loads. Strokers make for some nice torque and a great marine engine. Good Luck!!
Craig

Thanks Craig thats just the kind of reply I was looking for!!!

My favorite motor is a 496 they are cheap and do everything well !!!
I would use a good crank ,((luniti,,callies dragon slayer)) eagle or
manley rods and J&E pistons and good cam and hang on .
Eagle has a o.k. crank its just its not machined as well as these others .
Use your pans,starters ect.

4.25 stroke /60 over 454 piston

I dont know how to post a link so look at ebay item#2418592497 tell me what you think!

The 5140 crank is cast steel.

All of those parts are stronger than stock GM

The machine work needs checked very well before assembly.

That stuff is plenty strong for a N/A pump gas deal.

Internal balance will require a different balancer and flywheel.

ttt

Since this is a budget buildup, how about cam choice? Is it worth doing the machine work etc...going to a roller setup, or do you save the money and go with the original flat tappet setup? This is assuming your block in a Gen VI or V (mine is a VI).

Dyno,
why the rpm intake ? With the Merlin ovals don't you think you would be better off with something like the Brodix intake or at least a Team G ?

well I ran a Dart single plane once before and was disapointed in it I like the midrange with the dual plane. I dont run my motors over 5200rpm....but I'm listening......