Proper SB Engine

[DoneByDoug]

An FIA with a 289 or 302 based engine seems more period correct. Would it garner more in resale with either of these compared to a 351W based engine?

I REALLY liked the logic of the fellow in my "SB Enough" thread who suggested getting the SB because it will give me a reason to eventually build a big block.

The better 427 351W based engines deliver some serious torque below 5000 rpm, (+500 lbs). I'm thinking this is a really good solution as long as it doesn't kill the value of an ERA FIA build. I want a SB because of more nimble handling, lower cost, and prefer the FIA body style.

Thanks to all in advance. You guys collectively have more knowledge than many small countries.

Doug in La.

[blykins]

If I wanted an FIA with a small block (right choice, BTW), I would do a short deck stroker. Maybe start with a 4.125" bore Dart block with an 8.2" deck. This way you could get big cubes and no one would know that it wasn't a 289 or a 302, because it would appear the same on the outside.

A 3.400" stroke with that bore would yield about 363ci, 368ci if you went with a 4.155" bore.

IMO, you could have your cake and eat it too. The more cubes you have, the more power you can make without making reliability sacrificices....plus you would have an engine that looks like a 289 from the outside. You can tell the difference between a 289/302 and a 351W just by looking at it. A Windsor block is considerably wider and taller.

[LMH]

My suggestion would be 347 with an after-market block. If I had an FIA car, I would want the most original look I could get and IMHO, the 351 block is too different. Just my opnion of course.
Larry