I have a 1982 Camaro it currently has a modified 350 engine from a 1971 Chevelle Malibu. I have to build a new engine by next summer. My current engine makes about 400-450HP & TQ+ at the crank. My next engine I want to have about 550-600 HP & TQ at the crank. I am debating about a built up 383 small block or a Chevy 502 Big block. What are your guys opinion. What modifications do I need to make to install the big block. Does anyone have any picks with big blocks in their camaros or anyone live in the Oakland Macomb County area of Michigan that I could see how much room their is in in the engine compartment. I am going to be installing a 12-bolt chevy rearend with 3:73 or 4:11 rear gears. I am also going to install a beefed up TH400 or muncie tranny, any ideas or suggestions on engine and trans would be greatly appreciated. The car is going to be used as a weekend driver and weekend drag racing. I would like to run low 10's in the 1/4 mile at 130MPH+.

Thanks,

Justin

1982 Camaro

http://www.fbody.com/members/82Camaro

 

It'll be easier to build that much power with a big block but you'll also need to do a lot of suspension and chassis work to be able to run low 10's. Don't expect the car to be very street friendly. Once you make that much power and go that quick it doesn't become a street car any more unless you're using something like a 400HP NOS shot.

First question that needs to be asked. Have you ever driven a car with 500+ hp on the street and why? An engine that produces that much power will usually do so above 4000 rpm. Driving on the street rarely gets above 3000 rpm. Most car owners will be very happy with only 350-400 hp.

Your gear choice will depend on the rpm range of the engine and the tire size you depend on using.



------------------
Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block

Best ET on a time slip: 11.242 altitude corrected to 10.69
Best MPH on a time slip: 121.52 altitude corrected to 127.76
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 504.5
Best 60 foot: 1.546

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

 

Pics are on my page. I have many more if you are really interested.

427 with T400

Miles

------------------
88 427 Camaro
12.18 @ 113mph 1.75 60ft
Currently installing 3.73's into my 9 bolt (YES,it is a 9 bolt & YES they are 3.73's, not 3.70. 4.11's to follow soon )
www.koolmeister.com

 

Having owned and driven a 500-Hp daily driver street car I have to say it's pretty rediculous and useless. By the time you can even plant the power to the ground you're already going the the speed limit. Burning off at 55 mph can be fun but is dangerous and you can quickly lose control. Basically, it's just too much power to be able to use on the street. However, I think every true gear head should get to experience something like that just once in their life. It's not a smart idea but if you can do it... GO FOR IT!!! But I can't stress enough how responsible you'll have to be in order to not kill yourself and I'm not exagerating at all. A 500-Hp street car can get you killed really quick if you don't play it responsibly. You can't just stuff it down all the time. You run up on other cars REALLY quick and you better have awesome brakes.

Also, a 500 Hp naturally aspirated 350 small block is too strung out for common street use. A 500 Hp big block isn't even working hard and will last for ages. However, the torque is going to make you blow off the tires ALL THE TIME. I'm personally doing a supecharged big block right now in my '89 Firebird, but I have had some time under my belt to do most the stupid things I'll do in my life. I wouldn't be around now if I had that motor 2 years ago.