[Bob Markworth]

My 8 year ago restored, relative stock 1970 SS convertible, do the occasional week end car show thing and it usually gets some plastic. While it's not numbers matching, nor does it have "pedigree papers" it's all stock including the 8-track. The relatively fresh (8 years ago and only maybe 1000 miles on the car) rebuild 454 (460 -- .030 over), roller cam, roller rockers.. etc. that runs well. I'm running CI exhaust manifolds and stock IC intake with stock (carter?) four barrel.
Have this lust for more HP and torque as recently had a ride in a friends '70 with a 572...wow. If I install quality headers, Edelbrock AL manifold and new carb will it satisfy my "lust" .. with a cost of probably under $2000
VS: Installing a 502 or 572 at a cost of probably $20000
Comments?

 

[bracketchev1221]

Stick with what you have. You are choking the 454 and you aren't using its potential.

 

[cstraub]

Yank it out and throw some stroke to it along with some good headers and you will be very happy. A .250" worth of stroke in a BBC makes a world of difference.

 

[Notalent]

First off....why would it cost $20K for any of those engines....thats about 9K to much for them!

2nd...you can do alot with what you have and make it run just as good if not better depending on your goals. Like Chris stated, throw a stroker kit in it, a decent cam/induction system and headers and she will scream! Much more cost effective as well.

 

[FiredUp396]

How does 700HP sound and 675 Tq for 7500.00.Check out this website www.vortecproperformance.com I have a 508 Hp 467 from him installed for 5500.00

 

[JC70SS]

Stick with what you have. That kind of power is not needed for a street car....I would know I had an "overkill" streetcar before with a 540. Waste of $11k.

 

[GRN69CHV]

JMHO, key to a big inch motor (ie. 540) is to use the displacement to produce power, but at a much more civil manner. 540 I built is a cam, intake, carb change away from being well into the 700's. But, decision was made to use the displacement to accomplish a good power level but at a state of tune closer to near stock rpm range.

 

[69chevellesupersport]

Is it the original engine? If so I would pull it and store it then build a go fast engine.

 

[462 chevelle]

my suggestion would be get your heads max ported get some headers a better intake and carb. whats your gear ratio? gear ratio and convertor makes a lot of seat of the pants difference.

 

[Sinister]

Three words....Call Mark Jones! :thumbsup:

It will be less than $8,000 and will be faster than the 572 crate motor! :yes:

 

[Bob Markworth]

Thanks for the reply.. rearend is a rebuilt 12 bolt posi 3.73 ; trans is a T400.. with shift kit.

 

[GRN69CHV]

So the 20.00 question is, what do you want, what level of performance increase will satisfy you? What specs for the cam?

 

[blasttime]

Pay me $ 19988 I can save you a buck or two. I believe more details on your combo are needed to make any sensible comment or recomendation. One thought convertibles should be cruisers, driven to the beach, fun living cars not race cars. Just put nitrous to it and save your money and car.

 

[kjett]

Build what YOU want, not what someone else wants you to build. Most people probably think I'm crazy for what I'm building. I don't care. I'm building my engine the way I want it to be

 

[blumont]

Build what YOU want, not what someone else wants you to build. Most people probably think I'm crazy for what I'm building. I don't care. I'm building my engine the way I want it to be

You are crazy, aren't you?

 

[kjett]

You are crazy, aren't you?

Depends on your definition of sane

 

[93Polo]

First off....why would it cost $20K for any of those engines....thats about 9K to much for them!

2nd...you can do alot with what you have and make it run just as good if not better depending on your goals. Like Chris stated, throw a stroker kit in it, a decent cam/induction system and headers and she will scream! Much more cost effective as well.

In my opinion goals (hp, ETs, budget, driving qualities, and maintenance) need to be defined and then a plan put in place for reaching those goals. The goal of just going faster is a recipe for a $9k project to turn into a $20k money pit.

 

[creeper72]

Im all about goin fast, but you get to a point where more power aint gonna do much for you on the street.
Wake up your current motor and ride.

Intake, Headers,950 HP carb and get her tuned in.
No idea what you have for a converter, but that can wake a car up for sure.

 

[the heckler]

I can understand your "situation".....last year I pulled out my completly stock 396/325 motor and powerglide trans in my 67ss. stuck em in the corner of my shed. replaced them with a 600hp (at flywheel) 496 motor (10.7:1, edelbrock, ect.) and 700r4 trans. It is an absolute hoot to drive now (but NEEDS a 4/5/6 speed manual next). The others hit on something though - it blows right through the rear tires at will !!.....does leave a big ol grin on this suthun boys face too !!!.....I say go for it !!!

 

[Bob Markworth]

So the 20.00 question is, what do you want, what level of performance increase will satisfy you? What specs for the cam?

The cam is a comp cam roller... medium grind..