I have a 85 monte ss with the original 305h.o. but im wanting to build a 496 stroker. i can build a motor no problem but im having trouble understanding compression ratios and how to go about choosing right size heads and pistons...im wanting to build this 496 to have about 500whp.i just dont understand how to figure compression ratios, so that everything works perfect together. some explanation on how to go about choosing the right parts would be a great help. how to choose right internals the monte is my 1st car and i want to build it. any and all help is appreciated

 

Engine Compression Ratio (CR) Calculator

punch in your numbers.

on choosing the right parts its all about a good combination. your heads, cam, and intake should all match. you need to figure out at what rpm you want this thing to come alive at and what you want the max rpm to be. from there you can pick what the rotating assembly should consist of, then the heads, and cam. youre also going to need a trans, convertor, and a rear upgrade.

do you have a 454 block already? if not it would probably be a hell of a lot cheaper to just buy a 502 crate. big block stuff is expensive and they are notorious for valve train issues. not to mention youre wanting to put a heavy motor in a heavy car. i wouldnt be surprised if a if a 450hp small block wouldnt beat it. also the small blocks these days can also be stroked to very large displacements. i know the 400 factory blocks can be stroked to 427.