396 Big Block Chevy combo options
Any advice would be appreciated. Getting ready to make a decsion. Have a 69 396 block 2 bolt mains. Heads are large oval port open chamber. Edelbrock performer intake. Holley 750. MSD Ignition. I bought a 69 Camaro with this engine in it. Don't know any other details. Without tearing engine down, it appears that previous owner wanted a 69 date coded 396 to make his SS Clone. My guess from what I see is that nothing was done to engine except a fresh orange paint job with a cam kit. It does have Comp roller rockers. The $30 K question I have is - based on this info, am I crazy to think i can convert this engine into a low budget 396 pushing 500 hp or should I save for a crate motor. I will be using this engine for street use with pump gas. I am building a fairly stock looking 69 Camaro SS clone with a muncie 4spd and about 3:55 gears. I want a dependable but bumpy sounding car. Any thoughts? My 1st posting to this site. Love this site. i'm hooked!!