Hello everyone, I just picked up a 502 gen 6 short block. with SRP 281916 (flat top) Pistons. My question is what heads and cam would be Ideal for this short block to make maximum reliable power? Assuming aluminum heads are the way to go. Also would like to go with a Crane Hyd Roller Cam just not sure which one.

Feel free to PM me if you do not want to post, Thanks Tom

A buddy of mine built a set with ported edelbrock heads, custom Bob M. cam made 620 hp and 640TQ custom cams are where the power is...

Call Bob Manrdra RMBUILDER best money you will ever spend! He ground 2 for my brand new Gen VI 502s

AFR 315's or the 305's with chamber and bowls CNC'd will be the best money you can spend. I have a NA 524 pushing a Velocity 280 around 90 with a full tank and 4 adults. Check with Bob he will tell you the same and get his cam he knows what works for boats.

With the flat top pistons, ask about flat milling the heads to bring the chamber volume down to 113-114cc to help keep your compression up

It depends on the compression and fuel that you want to run along with how stout you plan to build the bottom end. Also, what exhaust do you plan on using? What max RPM are you wanting? Set your power goals then adjust them to your budget.

What do you have for exhaust ? Yes - I asked the famous nut kick question.

JE Part # 281916
CID 502
Bore 4.470
Stroke 4.000
Rod Lgth 6.135 .
Block Ht.9.780
Comp.Ht.1.645
Head Cubic Centimeters 112cc 118cc 124cc
Compression Ratio --------- 9.6 -- 9.0 -- 8.7
Dome Vol 1cc
Gram Wt. 699
.

Put good heads on it with a good cam. Skip the GM heads , and the Edelbrocks. The Edelbrocks don't flow much better than a GM rect port. AFR, Brodix, Dart, all have some good options.

Thanks everyone! I am looking into head options.
what would be the ideal compression ratio on pump gas?

Also Anyone have any thoughts on installing a hp 525 take out cam?