My car "C-HEAVY Metal" had the 400 crap the bed. I am looking for insight on what to drop in her again. This car will be a weekend cruiser as well as hitting the 1/4 once in a while. What power combo would be best suited for it. My options for motors I would like are 383 stroker, 427, 454. With TH400 trans. Also what sort of gearing would be adequate. Thanks.
I'm going to give the same stock answer I give anyone looking for good power in an engine replacement where an SBC or other GM engine has, as you put it, crapped the bed: $1000-$1400 for an LQ4 iron head 6.0L LS engine, $300 Edelbrock Performer carb intake, $400 Holley 750cfm carb, $360 MSD 6LS ignition, $1900 200-4R transmission built for 400-500hp by Art Carr, 3.23 or so gearing out back, and resell the computer/harness/injectors to recoup some of the purchase cost of the LQ4 engine and other bits. Your 400 engine will make a nice core for someone (or a coffee table) and the TH400 transmission will have some resale value too.
Get a new block? Anyways I don't see the point in building a 383 versus a 400. So I guess you can go big block or carbureted LS engine. I'd personally just build up a new 400 and throw it in there.
I ended up selling it to my buddy as he offered a good chunk of $$ for it. I am keeping my Buick round back though
