416, ported PRC LS3's, going to a carb setup, is it worth it to go solid roller?
 

I have a 416 I bought from a buddy of mine. I'm going to a carb setup instead of the EFI he had. It has a Callies crank and rods, Wiseco pistons. LS3 ported heads with stock rockers w/ upgraded trunion. The motor is 11.4:1 compression now.

I'm wanting to know if it would be worth it to go solid roller or stay hydraulic roller? I know I could spin it higher if need be with the solid but it would be cheaper to keep all the hydraulic stuff.

Plus, while the motor is on the ground in my garage I was thinking of upgrading to a set of PRC 265 small bore LS7's or some RHS ls7 heads. Would that be a better option with a solid roller setup? I was also looking into a Mast intake. To me, a Mast intake probably wouldn't gain much on a ported LS3 head compared to lets say their black label LS3 head but if I switched to and LS7 head, I would see more of again with that head and intake. Let me know what y'all guys think.

I can't answer if it's worth or not cuz I don't know. But I'm doing a carbd 416 ls3 and I'm keeping mine a hydraulic roller. You may wanna include what all your planning to do with the car as far as full blown race car, or cruiser, or street strip. I'd like to hear what others have to say about it.

Its mostly a street/strip car. 85% strip/ 15%street. Just the cruise to car shows and stuff.

A properly done hyd roller will go 7500 no problem.

You should be able to make 650-680 with the heads you have with the correct cam and a mast 4500 intake.

I am at a crossing point with mine the next step to make more power is a set of mast ls7 and a new intake. This stuff cost about $6500.

I would say stick with the heads you have proper cam and intake and let it eat.

Tim

So you're saying to stay hydraulic and run a Mast intake with the stock heads?

By the way, the heads have PRC .650 lift springs

The MAST intake will be a beast. That would be a major upgrade. As far as solid roller goes, I'd say you'll gain with it and as long as you have the valve train to support it, it will be killer.

Yes on the intake and cam.

Flow tech induction does my stuff he will be able to set you up with a complete package.

Will be very similar to the stuff I had when I had my 418

Tim

A properly designed solid will make more power throughout the rpm range. The solid will cost more but can shine in the right application. If you run the MAST intake you will not have a shortage of air. A limited travel hydraulic would probably be the best middle ground. I'm faced with the same decision for my 416 and I'm going FTI solid but with a FAST 102.

I forgot to add that you will have a small issue getting a valve spring. PAC makes a small diameter spring that will drop in but it's some money. A bigger spring will likely cut into the port or crush it due to higher pressures.

I think the biggest bang for your buck would be to go with the new super victor ls3 intake. It features a large plenum and long straight runners similiar to the Mast intake. Should work well with what you have now and allow you to use a carb. You can always sell off the topend later if you decide you gotta have the Mast setup.

I'm not going to hold my breath on that intake. I'll believe it when I see it. When you call edelbrock, some people over there dont even know about that intake and one guy said April. So only Lord knows when that intake will actually be on the market. I'm going by whats out there now.

I have seen the edelbrock ls3 intake it is not in the same ball park as the mast. The plenum would need lots of work to even get close.

Thats the same thing I heard and there will still be a 30- 50 hp difference but these were guys who had some better heads compared to what I have.

You're refering to the new super victor correct? Not the victor jr thats been out for years. I was really impressed by the shots from Sema. It doesnt surprise me that a customer service employee wouldnt know about an intake that isnt out yet. Seems so typical nowdays.