For gods sake don’t put in a 383 “stroker” the most over used SBC of all times. (Just so you can say “stroker”) For me there are 3 SBC’s: a 327 is high on my list, next my favorite, I would probably do, is a 372” (400 block and 350 crank), and last the factory stroked 283” ….. the hallowed 307! Of course you can’t tell anyone about it… What ever you choose especially if it’s a SBC there are a lot of completes out there from guys doing the ell-ess swaps that are low miles with equipment you will probably buy so be on the lookout for one…
Let’s see, vehicle , check, build plan, check, engine, pending, transmission ( just use a four speed, you’ll feel better) , rear axle, pending, color, pending ( or just paint it black) , interior, pending, barricade on the shop door, check, exit strategy in case it all goes wrong, double check. Carry on.
Maybe, just maybe, if it were mine I would slide a big ol Pontiac 421/428 in there. That would be tons more fun than a Chevy. Just saying, Mitch
Leave the bumper off, wind up that 327 in front of a 4 speed. Looks like the hard part's done, nice body.
boy I did.... had a 10,000 rpm de stroked 301 cu.in pushed my camero 10 sec in the quarter , wheels up off the line...
I did see some guy at the tri five nationals put a Cadillac in one but I don't recall if it was a 500.
Obnoxious 283 or 327 and a 4 speed! If you've gotta have bigger, you can't go wrong with a 396 or 427! If you put a Ford motor in that 57... you will be banished to an asylum and forced to watch Golden Girls episodes for the rest of your life!
Not bragging , just have one...377. Never could understand the fascination with 327s, just a de-stroked 350.
Except when blew by the “stroker”…. I can tell you they are out there and may loose a little in torque but will show some tail lights on the top end.
377” is a .030” over stock bore 400. I say a 372” because the first one we built was a 4.125 bore Dart Block.
Did your Buddy ever speak about it. Maybe check his notes, computer, wife(?). If none of that matters now, just get a Quarter and flip. The appeal part is already there waiting. ( BTW If that body, model/year, is not a classic; then Superman is no hero--)
I hope the OP isn't basing his decision on the poll. Maybe considering for potential selling of the car in the future? People need to build their car, their way, for the intended purposes they have in mind for it. Naturally, I'd go the 327 route, but I don't own the car.
While I understand going the LS route , they are cheap , plentiful, tons of aftermarket support , make tons of horse power with simple bolt on parts , they really are the modern small block . BUT ! They are one god awful ugly engine . I would go with a carbed small block , or big block or whatever , but to me a 60’s and back car should have a carbed plant in it . Modern fuel injection just looks weird .
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