[45Auto]

The engine (originally 396 c.i.) was bored .050" (to produce 406 c. i.) but we opted for 9.5:1 compression ratio (originally 10.5:1) and a mid-range Crower cam (268H grind) to keep the engine near its original power level (somewhere between 385 and 400) and to be able to use the crappy 91 octane gasahol that is just about all we can get in Cal.

There is 97 octane gasoline available at a few places, but even that stuff has ethanol in it. California is a commie paradise. Everything is either banned or screwed up beyond repair unless and until we have a revolution of some type.

Next stop in engine for this car will be the Chevy 502 crate motor. Probably have to go with a whole new sequential fuel injection system with that instead of the Holley throttle body system. Currently running the original 10-bolt rear end with beefed up Moser axles, and ring and pinion with a 3.42:1 ratio.

The car launches with determination, but we need to swap out the Turbo 400 for a totally manual 4L80. The thing wants to go sideways on WOT from a rolling start, but the adjustable track/traction bars keep it sort of manageable.

[farming pharmer]

Nice. It’s good you didn’t have to go the full .060 over on the bore. I built a late 80’s 5.7 small block, and .030 over was pushing it.

From personal experience, a 4L80 should easily handle 400 horse in a light vehicle.

If you do go the 502 route, post some pictures.