I have an 85 firebird What is the biggest engine that can be squeezed between the fenders? i have a cutter and a welder but i'd like to keep the stock look (not have the fenders sticking out a foot on either side)

 

My 540 BBC fits with little problems and I have huge header tubes. I modified the tranny tunnel and firewall just for easier access to the bellhousing bolts because I also have the engine moved back about an inch.

 

sounds good. i work at a place where i can buy oe engines at 50% off. i'd like to buy one of their remanufactured engines and build it up from there. any suggestions on a good base? (i can get anything within reason...don't have a real big pocket book) i was thinking about maybe a truck engine

 

My dream machine is a Pontiac 455 motor supercharged and fuel injected. Right now I am settling for a carb until I figure out all the little nuances and how I want to go about building it.

To make it easier I would go with a small block 400 chevy, see how far you can bore it (not sure). You can stick the 350 TPI top end on top if it or run a carb and cam that sucker untill every bolt falls out from vibration.

P.S. My dream machine is in "dream stage' right now due to college and loans.

Long live the 305.

 

If you don't have deep pockets, forget about a big engine. Get a good 350. It'll be cheaper and easier to install. Having it stroked to a 383 will add a bit more grunt. If you can even find a 400, you can punch it out to a 406. Getting bigger than that with a SBC starts to cost a lot more money. Going to a BBC isn't really a cheap route.

 

i don't have real deep pockets. Im planning on this being a long term project and I want to take the time to build the engine then custom gear a 5 speed tranny for best use of the engine. then rebuild the car body and suspension from the ground up
tips/pointers from people who have done this would be appreciated

 

i wish i can do that. have the time and have the space to redo a whole car.