What is max/reasonable size CID for use with TFS 290 heads?

I have been reviewing some of the short-block offerings by vendors/contributors on this site, and I think I'm about ready to buy. Before calling anyone, I would like to get this forums concensus on what to do and what questions to ask. I have a 4X4 that is mostly street driven now (some off-road playing. No towing). Weighs around 5200 lbs. Has 9" lift, 37" Tires, 4.56 gearing, and C6 tranny. Definately not a daily driver - just a hobby/toy.

I have a set of TFS Street Port 290 heads on it now. I would like to use them on my next build. I plan to buy an assembled short-block "stroker" (I don't want to have to do any machnie shop work locally - just bolt on my heads, install cam, manifold/carb, etc.).

My question is what is max displacement I can use with these TFS heads (521? 532?, 557?). "Max" is not right word. What is the recommended displacement to use with these heads?

I'm looking for max torque (HP around 550 would be nice) and the max rpm will be no more than 6,000 - 6,200. I would like to stay on pump gas (92 octane is okay). I figure around 10:1 is max compression for pump gas. Maybe cam duration will be around 224 to 234 @.050 (I'll come back for cam advice later).
Thanks.

The bigger the better with your vehicals weight, if you sticking with a stock block a 545-557 4.50 stroker would be my choice.

Another good investment would be to have the heads ported. Talk with Charlie Evans, Blake Cartwright, randy Malick and a number of others here, they have ported quite a few sets of those heads with very good results.

Also for a 545-557 your thoughts on cam size are IMO is a little small.

Thanks for your reply.

What would be preferred - forged 4340 "I" or "H" beam rod? It looks like it is a choice. Does it even matter for what I'm building?

Also, what is desired rod length (stock 6.605, 6.7 or 6. - with either the 4.3 or 4.5 stroke. Short or long as possible for low rpm TQ motor?

I'm searching for some older posts on this subject now. I belive I read there was concern about having the pin in the oil groove and/or having too much piston rock with certain combintations. This is not going to be a "race" engine, and I don't want to tear it down for inspection once a year. I want the power, but I want realiablity too.

I ran the TFS streets on my 528(4.3 crank, 6.8 rod with a .060 bore) and I was super happy with how they did. Mine were ported by Scott J, with a matched Victor to go along, and my bronco was in the #4000 lb range. If you are looking for something to have some fun with, it's much cheaper than going to an A head deal too.

X2 on the tfs streets. I am very happy with these "street" heads on my 557. They make a ton of power down low but will go 7k if needed. Throttle response is very good with these little heads on a big inch motor. Mine are not stock, have good valvetrain and alot of port work to the heads and the victor 4500.

I've said this before, but it's worth saying again. Those 290 Power Port TFS Street heads are "overachievers". They will run good on any of the engines that you mentioned, the 521, 533, or 557. I'd run them on a 521 if it were me, and I think you'll be very happy.

Charlie

4604X4 wrote:Thanks for your reply.

What would be preferred - forged 4340 "I" or "H" beam rod? It looks like it is a choice. Does it even matter for what I'm building?

Also, what is desired rod length (stock 6.605, 6.7 or 6. - with either the 4.3 or 4.5 stroke. Short or long as possible for low rpm TQ motor?

I'm searching for some older posts on this subject now. I belive I read there was concern about having the pin in the oil groove and/or having too much piston rock with certain combintations. This is not going to be a "race" engine, and I don't want to tear it down for inspection once a year. I want the power, but I want realiablity too.

6.800 h beam rods, 4.500 forged crank, only bore to as much as needed to clean up the block, leave as much cylinder wall as possible. Adney Brown is a good vendor for a rotating assembly. Keep,the compression under 10:1 too.

Thanks for the info.
Many of the Vendors/Sponsors have website/e-mail links in their signaturers. With all else being equal, I assume it will be cheaper to use a builder on the east cost (for shipping).
Are Charlie and Lem brothers?

4604X4 wrote:Thanks for the info.
Many of the Vendors/Sponsors have website/e-mail links in their signaturers. With all else being equal, I assume it will be cheaper to use a builder on the east cost (for shipping).
Are Charlie and Lem brothers?

Nope, we aren't brothers or even cousins as far as we know,,,,,,,,however we are good friends.

Charlie

"The Evans brothers"................

richter69 wrote:"The Evans brothers"................

Brothers from a different mother and father.

They argue like brothers sometimes, LOL.

Nope, we aren't brothers or even cousins as far as we know,,,,,,,,however we are good friends.

Charlie

Ha. As far as you know!
Livermore and Owensboro are only 45 minutes apart. I've heard stories about traveling Kentuckians.