[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by voxnor

@Molberg - Fair enough. To elaborate a bit - the "launch" is exactly what I am worried about. This is a DD so I thought the 3.08 was the way to go (for mpg) - but maybe that was a bad choice? I don't need it to snap my neck from a stop sign, but it does need to get moving quickly and be able to chirp the tires for the fun factor.

I'm worried I'll put in a 6k motor with high torque on the low end and simply be wasting it with the rear 3.08. Perhaps a stock 350 Goodwrench engine is the way to go...

I have a basically stock 396/350hp ( from a 67 Chevelle ) in my truck with a TH400 and 3:08's and P255/70 R15 tires all around. The TH400 has a mild shift kit in it ( was in when I bought the truck ) and the truck drives very nicely and has ( for me ) more then adequate power for driving and cruising. If I blast it from a light or stop sign in drive I get rubber on the 1-2 shift. The specs on the modern motor you are looking at should be great for your needs as it will be docile or scream at your leisure and probably get decent gas mileage if you drive it normally.