I've been running a mono-normal team, and I've been doing extremely well. Dry Skin Heliolisk pairs up really well with Pyroar. I've been running Assault Vest on Helio. Life Orb might be best if you plan on rain support, but since I don't use rain, the +1 SpD from Assault Vest helps it take on most special attackers.
No matter what you run, you will be stopped cold by something. Without Focus Miss, Ferrothorn stomps you, and most Dragons laugh off your attacks. I hate Focus Miss, though. I run Dark Pulse, and I'm quite content to have a good check to all the Ghosts running around. Without Dark Pulse, most ghosts set up in your face. Flinch chance is kind of a "Hail Mary," too.
I run Modest, max speed, max special attack. You can't outrun base 100s with max Timid, which sucks, but the extra power is required, or else Heliolisk is dead weight. Again, Timid Life Orb might be better overall. You won't be able to take ANY hits, though.
Heliolisk @ Assault Vest
Modest 252 SpA, 252 Spd, 6 Def
Volt Switch
Surf
Grass Knot
Dark Pulse