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I have a buddy who owns a '68. Originally was an L-71 but now has a small block in it. He wants to put a big block back in it, though not an L-71 clone. It will need to fit under a stock big block hood, oil pan needs to clear, nothing radical on HP, price needs to be reasonable. But the engine needs to be reliable; if he has problems with it he'll be in trouble with his wife.
Why not go with a big cube SBC .. 427 or 434 or 454 ? Easier , plenty of power to compete with even a 572 .. No bracket or pulley changes all items are direct bolt on...
Find a local engine builder and talk budget and fit. If there is a problem, you have a local contact to work with. I got a 460 with aluminum heads done for under 4500 out the door with dyno and break in already done. Had a couple of questions, and they answered them and were ready to help.
I used a ZZ454/440 horse from GM Performance, alum heads, fit nice. Check the water pump though. Has very mild cam, could make muck more hp with bigger cam.
Mark's most mild engine is around 500hp, $5300 intake to pan. Blueprinted and dynoed. Mark is VERY meticulous on his machining and assembly....Simply can't build one for what he charges and damn sure not make his power.
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like VortecPro might be the way for him to go.
I know there is a lot he could do with the small block he has, its still in good shape. However since it originally had a big block he is determined to put one back in there.