440 buildup - part ideas

[ravskinn]

I've just purchased a 440 that I will rebuild to a mean street machine. I need some help to choose the "correct" parts.

First of all, this is what I have on the shelf today that can/will be used:
1 pair of ported 516 heads (measures 84 cc) with new springs and stock valves (2.08/1.60)
1 pair of stock 906 heads (measures 88 cc) with stock valves
Harland sharp 1.5 roller rockers
1 7/8" hooker competitions headers
Edelbrock 750 carb
Edelbrock performer 440 intake

My ideas:
ICON Performance Pistons IC9953-030
Block decking to get 10.5:1
Use 516 heads and maybe upgrade to eddy rpm in the future
60303 voodoo cam (226/234, .494/.513, 110)

This is what my budget tolerates at the moment.

This engine will be in a car with 95 % street 5% strip with 727 a/t. Convertor is not purchased yet and gear ratio is 3.55.

I am looking for 450-500 hp.

Does this combo sound ok?
Would you replace any parts?
Would you rather use the 906's instead of the ported 516's?

 

[bOb shingler]

use the 906's with a good valve job, back cut the intake valves and get the whole kit with that cam. install new rod bolts. file fit rings. a good roller chian or gear drive. stock electronic ignition, go through the distributor, clean, grease it and upgrade to an orange box. go _.060" over, that's 12 more inches. clean the ports up and gasket match the intake and heads. rebuild the trans with a shift kit.