Thread: Newby in need of help

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There are thousands of recipes for building a small block Chevy, but taking you at your word, here's how I might build one for you....
Start with a '96-'00 roller block, square up the mains, then cut the decks to 9.000" block deck height. Try to find a short block that includes the hydraulic roller lifters, dogbones and spider.
I'd bore the block +0.030" and install these pistons. With the heads we're going to use, they'll give you a 9.1:1 static compression ratio.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UEM-KB142-030/

I'd install a CompCams hydraulic roller camshaft along with the OEM roller lifters, dogbones and spider, advancing the cam 2 degrees upon installation.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-08-408-8/

I'd use these cast iron heads, installed with Fel-Pro 1003 gaskets....
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RHS-12410-01/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FPP-1003/

A 650 carb will be plenty for this combo, mounted on an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-7116/
Don't be put off by the "RPM" part of it. This is the best street manifold that can be had for operation from idle to 6000. This manifold is worth 40 hp over any other short dual-plane intake such as a standard Performer. Use a 14" diameter, 4-inch tall air filter element.

1 5/8" long-tube headers of your choice. These can be worth 50-60 hp over cast iron log manifolds, so make room for them and use a quality header with equal-length runners.

RPM HP TQ
2000 148 390
2500 188 395
3000 238 416
3500 290 435
4000 331 435
4500 364 425
5000 380 400
5500 353 337
Makes good power and excellent torque on junk pump gas.
I will not recommend a flat tappet camshaft anymore. Too many of them have gone south due to the re-formulation of off-the-shelf motor oils in the last couple of years. Roller cams are pretty much bulletproof. Just clean the lifters, oil 'em, drop 'em in and drive. No break-in needed and no worries about using the wrong motor oil. Use any off-the-shelf oil.