Need SB or BB Suggestions

[MARCUS'S 68]

Ok guys need a little help here looking to build a motor for my 68' looking for serious horsepower but nothing wild looking maybe 500-600 hp. Goal is to play around with these sports cars want to eat em up on the street. I have my buddies say go with a 377,383,400 kinda confused something I want to build myself have spent serious money on what was suppose to be built motors and when i got it was half the HP. I have built a 468 BB Blown 1234HP but thats way to much for what I want still want to drive it everyday but want something reliable. Right now have a 4.11 Posi and 350TH tranny with stage 3 B&M shift kit. I am leaning towards a 383 all motor but all suggestions considered, and if its not to much to ask after all suggestions are reviewed would like to ask the lucky conestant for a full build sheet. Thanx to all who took the time.

[Yullose]

If you want to chase sports cars... my suggestion is to do it in something other than a truck.

[jim zag]

You NEED a BIG cubic inch STROKER RAT MOTOR!!!!

[Huck]

So you want to push 4,000lbs++ with terrible wind resistance and el-crapo brake and suspension against 3,000lbs---sport jobs many with outstanding brakes/suspension, and economical power---hummm. My 97 Corvette gave me 30mpg and would run away from almost any truck short of a hughly modified Ford Turbo Diesel putting out 6-700hp.
I don't like big blocks for street use--waste too much of everything. I do like the LS1 small block--you can modify---but I'd personally build a 350--010 lower with vortec heads, matching cam/intake/carb then hook up some nitrous for that occasional surprize factor. You could build that power plant for under $2 grand and get a surprizing amount of power. Just don't try to stop it with stock brakes!!

[Hart_Rod]

I just picked a 68 SWB a couple of weeks ago that has a 383 stroker with a Vortech Super Charger. It dyno'd at 630 TQ/ 622 HP @ 5500 rpm. The motor is supposed to built to go up to 7500 rpm, but I probably won't try it out . I'm very impressed with the combination. It has great acceleration and doesn't seem like it ever stops pulling. It will smoke any import in my area (at least through the 1/4, ), but I agree with Huck, the brakes leave a lot to be desired.

[big mike71]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

I just picked a 68 SWB a couple of weeks ago that has a 383 stroker with a Vortech Super Charger. It dyno'd at 630 TQ/ 622 HP @ 5500 rpm. The motor is supposed to built to go up to 7500 rpm, but I probably won't try it out . I'm very impressed with the combination. It has great acceleration and doesn't seem like it ever stops pulling. It will smoke any import in my area (at least through the 1/4, ), but I agree with Huck, the brakes leave a lot to be desired.

Stopping is overrated!!!

[Irishpilot]

I agree, go with forged cubes and then throw a vortech/powerdyne/procharger on for serious hp. If you are looking for more torque then look at the "roots" type of blowers; they will give you more torque off the line.

[Skirkpat]

Big Block Caddilac?

If you are looking for reliable, a 600 horse small block is not the best place to start. If don "Right" they are capable, but not even close to economical to build....throw a stroked 454/ forged pistons, and a NOS setup for the two or three times you race an sports car.

This is the Hod Rodders Equation:
Reliable,Fast or Cheap (You can only pick two)

[70rs/ss]

Big ci is the only way to get 600hp reliable without it costing big bucks!! 496 strokers are pretty normal out of 454's or locate a 502 block then you could go bigger. Or as Huck said do a nice 350/383 at about 400hp and toss a hit of the funny gas when needed, much easier on parts vs trying to roll w/600hp daily, only boost the power when wanted/needed.