Engine Combo Questions

If I were setting up a car for multi use, but mostly for fun, I'd go something like these: 360, with a solid HP rebuild. KB hypereutectic flat tops at 0 deck. Stock rods w/ARP bolts, stock crank ground and polished, assembly internally balanced. Block squared, bored plate honed, mains studded, and line honed. Milodon windage tray and street pan. For heads, I'd go Edelbrocks. They are around $500 more initially, but have much more potential, resist detonation better, and have a chamber that with the right quench, will make better power. Plus, for all you SCCA types, they are lighter by a bit, and are the right spot to remove weight (high and forward). I'd run a .039 gasket, and set compression around a true 10.8:1 by milling the heads if needed. Heads should be checked and corrected in the valve job before installing. I'd also run a Comp, XE274H, and an RPM air Gap, carb of your choice. A Demon or Avenger Holley would be top of my list. MP ignition is fine, and 1 5/8 headers.

As a second option, much more power on tap, replace the crank/rods/pistons with the MP cast 4" unit, a nice set of Ross forged, and some Scats or similar rod. Port the heads slightly (bowl blending, gasket matching), add roller rockers, and run the Comp XS282S solid cam. I'd also be running a carb in the 800 cfm (wet flowed) area. The rest can stay the same. The first engine should make a solid 4-425 horse, the second option will make closer to 500horse, more importantly, 500tq.

Budget wise, they will run (360cid)$6700 ready to run, or (408cid)$8200. By ready to run, thats every nut, bolt, wires, plugs, new carb, headers, everything. So dont jump on the prices, they are realistic and include what most places omit.

The 408 is unreal. If you've driven nice big blocks, you can appreciate this package. It weights much (guessing 300lbs) less than a 440, but pulls harder, even off idle. Both these will run well on pump unleaded. High test, but 92-93 octane. Pull a 3.23 gear, with some big wheels and good tire, a street convertor, and it will run corners like mad, and still run well in the 12s.