I guess I can't wrap my head arround the idea that a small block will perform as well as as equally treated big block. That kind of goes against the idea that there is no replacement for displacement. I will concede that a big block conversion will be more expensive than a small block replacement, but if I am going to the expense of changing a lot anyway, and I have always wanted a big block A-Body, why not? If I spend 3K on a 512 stroker 400 short block, and another 1500 on aluminum heads, that same money won't net me more power, and more importantly, more torque, if spent on a comparably equiped small block. I have found a complete 400 engine, and short shaft 727 for $400. I have found the stroker kit from 440source.com and have heard they are a good place. That is $2K. If I spend $600 on cam/lifters and bock prep/misc. parts, that is 3K for a short block. They also have a pair of aluminum heads for $900. Another $600 in head prep, and I have a nice set of aluminum heads. Will this take me a lot of money? Sure. Will a small block be less expensive to build? I haven't seen kits for small block strokers, so I can't say for sure. Could I build a small bock to make the power of a 512 CID B Engine? Sure...but how much would it be?
My trans is in fairly good shape, I think. It probably needs freshing up, which is why I will be doing that when I put it in my Demon. Same with my 340. I'll probably just transfer over my drive trane and exhaust system from my Duster now to the Demon when I get it here. Once I get the Duster stripped down for the body shop, it is all going to be replaced anyway. Building a solid foundation is what I am going for. This includes subframe connectors, Dana rear end, front disc brakes, and larger drum brakes, or disc, heavier springs, better tortion bars...a good, solid chassis for a go fast car. I am also considering a 12 pt roll cage for added safety, and rigidity. Is this a bit much for a street car? Maybe, but I have alwas gone a little overboard. Hell, I even want an 18 seat home theater :D
I guess I got mezmorized by the pro-street cars of yor, and still want one. Yes, I am considering tubbing and narrowing my Dana and running 31/13s :D
Anyway...I guess if you take the rest of the conversion into account, you might be able to get a small block to do 11's with the same money as a big block conversion.
j