[67Lemons]

I’d throw in the 350 with a quick detail so that I could be driving ASAP. Then I’d take my time to find & build whatever 400/stroker or 455 I could find within my budget, install the following winter.

[jhein]

Originally Posted by 67Lemons

I’d throw in the 350 with a quick detail so that I could be driving ASAP. Then I’d take my time to find & build whatever 400/stroker or 455 I could find within my budget, install the following winter.

That's my vote too.

[1965gp]

Thanks- what about a cam? Should I put one in? Does anyone know what a stock 350 HO wpukd have had or could anyone suggest a nice soundingcam for this application?

[mgarblik]

Nice looking car first of all. I would either build a 400, 400 stroker or a 455 for the car. A 350, no matter what you do with it won't have "Trans AM" performance without spending 2-3 times what a 400-455 will cost. That car with AC is close to 4000 lbs. A 350 will struggle to produce a performance level most would be happy with. Think of it like putting a 305 in a second gen. Z28, but probably a little worse. Although a 350 HO is a cool little engine, you would be giving up about 100 ft. lbs. of torque to it's big brother.

[Squidward]

350!! Your performance ceiling will be lower, but unless you drive like a complete psychopath, not much more performance is useable. I leave a significant amount of my 350's performance on the table when I drive.

I run a 350 with RA #12 heads and Lunati 702 cam. It cost me no more to build than a 400 or 455. It gets way tougher to find forged pistons off the shelf, but that is the only limitation. Cam choice has to be thoughtful, combined with rear gears and converter selection. If you already have a drop in ready 350, go for it while you find your big inch dream.

I have a 400 destined to go in my Firebird, but sometimes I wonder "what's the point?" other than to say I have a Firebird with a 400. Am I marketing it to myself? The 350 gives me all the driving crazy I need. Your 72 probably weighs a good 500 lbs or more than mine, so that might make a difference that you won't be able to live with.

That's a beautiful car, BTW. 2nd gens, especially the early ones, hold the most dear automotive place in my heart.

[scott70]

Originally Posted by Squidward

350!! Your performance ceiling will be lower, but unless you drive like a complete psychopath, not much more performance is useable. I leave a significant amount of my 350's performance on the table when I drive.

I run a 350 with RA #12 heads and Lunati 702 cam. It cost me no more to build than a 400 or 455. It gets way tougher to find forged pistons off the shelf, but that is the only limitation. Cam choice has to be thoughtful, combined with rear gears and converter selection. If you already have a drop in ready 350, go for it while you find your big inch dream.

I have a 400 destined to go in my Firebird, but sometimes I wonder "what's the point?" other than to say I have a Firebird with a 400. Am I marketing it to myself? The 350 gives me all the driving crazy I need. Your 72 probably weighs a good 500 lbs or more than mine, so that might make a difference that you won't be able to live with.

That's a beautiful car, BTW. 2nd gens, especially the early ones, hold the most dear automotive place in my heart.

I’m the opposite. I have a 480 hp 455 in my 70 gto and I frequently use all of it when I drive. If it was a daily driver I might cool it some but I like feeling how it feels pinning you in the seat as you row the gears. It never gets old. As a matter of fact I’d like more power. I had a 625 hp 455 in a 72 lemans and was still always looking for a little more.
Yes throw in that 350 and build a 455 or 400 stroker in the meantime. That HO should still give you a decent pull and not feel like a complete pooch. If you want some rump for sound effects you can throw in a cam ,,, maybe a 224/234 cam.

[1965gp]

I appreciate all of the insight- the goal is to enjoy the car and honestly my wife likes driving this one so it’s important to keep it one piece.

I don’t really beat on my cars and to be honest I don’t even get to drive them that often. I like to hit a cruise on the weekend otherwise I just drink beer and look at them.

I have several projects apart right now so the smart move is probably to drop in the 350 as is and enjoy it.

There is another option- I have a later model 350 I bought from a member here that said it drove great in his 2nd Gen and had gotten it to have decent power. I think it has 5c heads on it. I could pull the 670 heads off my motor and put them on the 350 if that would help.

[GT182]

Originally Posted by 67Lemons

I’d throw in the 350 with a quick detail so that I could be driving ASAP. Then I’d take my time to find & build whatever 400/stroker or 455 I could find within my budget, install the following winter.

I'd do the same also. Add a set of Cherry Bombs to the exhaust and you'll get a good sound out of them to make up for the engine change. I have a set on my GTO and love them. Makes my 400/400hp engine sound great too. Get off the gas on a good downhill run and they'll snap, crackle, and pop.