[hgiv]

My wife and I have her fathers 69 Firebird 350. All stock. He bought it new in 69. It needs a lot of work. But it runs and drives and looks good from across the parking lot. Far across.

We have weighed the pros and cons and dollars of various levels of need v want.

Bottom line is we are not going to dump $50k into a full resoration. BUT... it would be nice if it was somewhat reliable and she could feel confident in driving it to work now and then on summer days.

Suspension is sound. Front disc brake upgrade done. Rear end is a question. Gas tank needs replacement. Interior is beautifuly worn and feels like an old car should!

Biggest issue is the engine. It still runs reasonably strong but its tired. Many things have been replaced including heads but it has 250k on it miles easy. 2bbl with single exhaust.

Rebuilding the 350 is an option but not without complications. Especially given that it likey needs everything. And 350 everything is getting harder to find and requires a lot more machining. And in the end you have a nice 350 (granted the original 350 if that still means something). I'm not hating on the 350 but it is what it is. I would shoot for 325ish HP with a rebuild.

For about the same money, or less, I can buy a drop in ready to run 400. Then you have a much more desirebale engine and she can do better burn outs leaving the office. :-)

I'm just looking for opinions here... I realize there is no right answer.
And if anyone has experience with, or is, a northeast engine builder I would love to hear what they have to say.

Thanks