Hello Everyone,
First time poster. Me and my son (4 years old) began building a 454 for a street rod yesterday, we picked up a dissembled 90% complete Rat motor for 150 bucks. I am hoping to at minimum make 500 HP but would much prefer 600 HP and someday in the far future add a 150 hole shot. I am planning the following:

Performance cam
Intake
Holly 750 (already have)
Possible going with domed pistons to bump up the compression.

My big question is regarding the peanut port heads that came with the motor. Is is possible to port and re-valve these heads to make that 600hp number? what about 500hp? Will those heads support a semi high lift cam?

I ask because it would be neat to use the old heads. And would be a good cost savings anyway (doing the porting myself).

If this wont work, can i just go find a pair of votec heads at the junkyard like I do with mouse motors?

Sorry for the rookie question this is my first Chevy big block.

Thanks