77 Ventura Sprint engines

[77 Sprint]

I'm new to the world of Pontiacs, dealing mostly with Chevys and Dodges in the past but I found a really clean 1977 Pontiac Ventura Sprint and had to have it. The car is in great shape but has no engine or tranny onboard. I have the Shaker Hood scoop laying in the front seat. My Question to all you purests out there is what belongs under the hood of this fine looking Ventura? I was told that the last owener of the car had a 455 in it and was drag racing with it. This might just be true because the rearend spiders are welded and will have to be replaced. There certenly looks to be enough room for the big block but was that an engine option for this car? The end result I am looking for is a correct car and engine combo that will maybee give those Ford 5 point slow boy's a run for their Money. Any comments on the sugject would be great. Thanks.

[77 Sprint]

I'm new to the world of Pontiacs, dealing mostly with Chevys and Dodges in the past but I found a really clean 1977 Pontiac Ventura Sprint and had to have it. The car is in great shape but has no engine or tranny onboard. I have the Shaker Hood scoop laying in the front seat. My Question to all you purests out there is what belongs under the hood of this fine looking Ventura? I was told that the last owener of the car had a 455 in it and was drag racing with it. This might just be true because the rearend spiders are welded and will have to be replaced. There certenly looks to be enough room for the big block but was that an engine option for this car? The end result I am looking for is a correct car and engine combo that will maybee give those Ford 5 point slow boy's a run for their Money. Any comments on the sugject would be great. Thanks.

[Mr. P-Body]

There's a strong possibility the car came with a 350 Pontiac. If so, ANY Pontiac V8 will bolt right in. 455 is the most popular. 440 is the killer "drag" motor. 400 is the most bang for the buck... (IMO)

[bmpmdf]

How quick do you want it and I am sure with all the knowlage on this board that someone has a very doable combination for you with a Pontiac engine that can make you forget about those fords. Just make sure your tailights are all working so they can't help but know what just ate them.