Big-Block Nitrous Engine Build - Southern Heat, Part 1

Once the rod bearings were clearanced to .015-.020, Mikey torqued the connecting rods to 45 lb-ft.

After installing the rotating assembly into the block, Mikey turned the assembly 360 to check all clearances. We noticed how well the Eagle kit is designed, with just fractions to spare between the crank and piston. Notching of the block wasn't necessary.

Now that Mikey had the rotating assembly complete, it was time to break out the Edelbrock Top End Kit. Just about everything comes ready to bolt on, straight out of the box with all necessary components.

While we're breaking stuff out of boxes, here's Edelbrock's 800-cfm Thunder series carburetor that will cap the intake off later in the build.

Once the camshaft was installed and degreed according to Edelbrock's specifications, Mikey installed the Edelbrock timing chain set.

After the oil pump and pickup tube were primed with a liberal amount of oil, Mikey suggested the use of a Moroso baffled street/strip pan. Here it is being installed on the big-block. The motor also carries ATI's Super Damper.

The Edelbrock Victor Jr. 24 heads were then slapped on. All the head bolts were hand tightened, and then torqued to 70 lb-ft in the correct sequence. Mikey also used Lucas assembly oil on the head bolt threads to prevent binding.

We decided to use Jesel's shaft rockers rather than try to use a stud girdle. Jesel is widely regarded as the authority in this department, and we really didn't want to skimp on keeping the valvetrain in check. While it is an expensive option, it's cheap insurance against future valvetrain issues.

The hydraulic tie-bar roller lifters come included with the Top End Kit, and are a welcome addition to the valvetrain assembly.

After the heads were properly torqued, the Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake was added, using the supplied gaskets that also come included with the Top End Kit. At the time of assembly, we were still waiting on the proper exhaust-side pushrods. They were being overnighted, so don't fret-this rat would be on the dyno shortly.

Per the recommendations of just about everyone in the office, we also decided to throw a little juice at the big-block. Here's the company's Victor Jr. Nitrous Kit (plate style), which includes everything necessary to throw some more power around. We're going for a 250hp shot, which should be fun to say the least.

Here's the completed motor, with even more bling items like the nice, retro-looking Edelbrock valve covers...

Naturally Aspirated 496 Stroker Our little home-built rat made 606.3 hp at 5500 rpm and 598.6 lb-ft at 4800 rpm. Not too bad, especially considering the owner purposely kept the revs down and the fact that in the next installment, we're going to add an Edelbrock Nitrous kit with a 250hp shot, "on the jug" as they say in the Dirty South.