Let's talk engines...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

My plans for the car are for street and show; no track time.

Patrick, even though I have been reading about everyone's big HP engines, I've kinda been thinking nothing radical or over the top for my use.

Right now I was thinking 428 fe with aluminum heads and dual carbs and street cam. Kind of a "later 427SC" even though it will have the rectangular tail lamps courtesy of NJ DMV. However I haven't talked to an engine builder yet, was waiting to talk to Peter to find out his recommendations as I'm still planning turn-key. What do you all think? Mated to a 5 speed, either the Tremec or the Richmond.
Ray

Sounds good to me -- dual four barrels would be for looks only on that mill; you'd get the same performance from a single (and a single is easier to adjust). Regarding cams, I went with a solid, flat tappet cam. There's some risk in doing that, but a small upside too as far as I'm concerned. There's no downside to one provided you can get by the first 1000 miles without eating a lobe. If you're thinking solid flat, then you'll want to do some searching on the break-in and zinc issue. If you're thinking solid roller, then you'll want to do some searching on the solid roller compatibility with FE issue. If you're thinking hydraulic flat or hydraulic roller then you can pretty much stop thinking and just do it -- it'll work out fine. Both Tremec and Richmond are fine transmissions, but you must pay attention to how the gear ratios, rear end ratio, and your torque curve all come together. There is a benefit to having a first gear that will allow you to go slow. Keep that in mind when you're spec'ing out your gears.