Porting gt40-x's: worth it?

[EatsRice]

Like title suggests, they're on my car now, and I'm wondering if any of you guys know of potential gains when porting these heads. As far as porting and/or machine work, I was thinking a HiTech stage 1 or 2 job, or something similar.

The engine is currently an e-cammed gt40 crate engine, and tuned put 276 down to the wheels. I'd like to see 310-320 at the wheels...think this would be possible with porting and a different cam? If so, any ideas on a cam? I was thinking a cam with specs close to the F cam. If it helps, it's a 5-speed with 4:10's and an Edelbrock RPM intake...

And yeah, I know I should probably just shotput these heads, but I'm short on cash, and would like to get over the 300rwhp mark the cheapest NA way possible. Any help would be awesome, thanks

[Roast'em]

port the heads and intake to match. 276 is kind of low for that combo I think...

[mnstang]

i think you can do it, those heads are pretty good. porting them along with the lower intake and a bigger cam and you'd definitely be over 300hp. limiting factor will be the stock pistons only allow for so big of a cam.

[Roast'em]

you should also bring it to the track. dyno numbers don't always tell the whole story

[mnstang]

yeah i wouldn't worry about what the dyno says anyway, as long as it runs good and fast!

[Paul]

I don't think the 276 is really that bad. Run a short belt and switch to an electric fan and see what that does 1st. Don't spend all that money on head work just yet. Try some easier steps 1st to see what that can get you.

[EatsRice]

Good call with the electric fan/short belt...I've been considering that for a while. And I completely agree that 276 ain't that bad, but it's a bit heavier being a convertible, and you all know how it goes, it's never fast enough. Assuming that I do end up doing the heads/cam, I guess my biggest issue would be my cam choice. Any suggestions as to the best one for the combo? Would the x cam or something similar be too big (piston to valve clearance) for this setup? Thanks again...

[Paul]

I don't know squat about off the shelf cams so I just spend a little more and get a custom cam. Look up Flow Tech Induction or Camshaft Innovations and talk to them about the use of the car and what you want. It would be money well spent if you decide to go that route. I just don't think a port job at this stage in the game is worth it.

[OrangeCrush 86]

Good call with the electric fan/short belt...I've been considering that for a while. And I completely agree that 276 ain't that bad, but it's a bit heavier being a convertible, and you all know how it goes, it's never fast enough. Assuming that I do end up doing the heads/cam, I guess my biggest issue would be my cam choice. Any suggestions as to the best one for the combo? Would the x cam or something similar be too big (piston to valve clearance) for this setup? Thanks again...

I would think whoever ports your heads would be best able to recommend the proper cam...

[Roast'em]

yeah I agree that porting would be a good idea if you were going the stroker route maybe or removing the heads for some other reason, but there are probably little things you're overlooking to gain hp.