Down the line I am thinking of making my 1970 chevelle malibu into a nice street rod. The car will remain streetable with 91 octane gas (California Car). And I was wondering what you guys would do in my position.

Stay with the 350 that it has right now and supercharge it?

Or..

Get a new Big Block?

Is it the original engine?
Do you plan on keeping the car forever, or are you driving it to drive it?

The car will have higher resale value now and in the future if you have the original engine. It therefore might be of value to you to put in a different engine, and keep the original. (as opposed to supercharging the original and risking blowing it.)

Dave

Yes it is the original engine...Any suggestions on the new engine?

Look for a 454 block, but be sure not to get a "tall deck" or "truck" block and also lookout for the "peanut port" heads that came on those and other 454's. The tall deck block extends approx. 3/4" above the upper water pump attachment bolt holes. For specific casting numbers for the block and heads, go to www.mortec.com. (http://www.mortec.com.) Lots of folks prefer the "781" or "049" open chamber, oval port heads for a nice street rod.
Good luck graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Let's finish it Texas70,

Then bore said 454 .060" over and add one 4.25" stroked crank to come up with a not too expensive 496 BB motor!!!

pdq67