I have been back and forth in my mind and searching like crazy for information for the type of engine to put in the 72 (automatic) when I get to that point. it is still being taken apart, but since this will be a large purchase I want to plan ahead.

The car had (still on my engine hoist now) the 200hp 350ci engine with a TH400 that a previous owner put in it.

I want something with kick. I have toyed with the following
1. rebuild the 350 to get it up to arounf 350hp
2. go with a zz4 fast burn (385hp)
3. go the 383 425hp one. (this would require a hood swap)

In addition to this decision, I need to decide/understand what I would have to do with the tranny (get a new one, or rebuild this one).

I am not 25 anymore but I really like the idea of 385hp or 425hp.

Is there other options I could concider? what would you do about the th400? any other recommended engine tranny combination? (I know 383 & 700R4 is a common combo).

Of all the things about the car, this has stressed me the most and stress is not what this project is about.

I dont think I could be much more vague, I just am clueless about this part of the build. I want to make a final decision so I can look at the suspension changes that I may want to do.

Ultimately, I would like (I think) nice (fun and quick) HP (in case I want to get into it sometimes) with good handling (tight suspension).

 

As they say, there's no substitute for cubic inches. A 383 will give you lots of power and lots of low end torque. A 200-4R tranny will drop right in and give you the advantage of an overdrive for highway cruising. YMMV

 

Stroker hands down useable torque everywhere. Youll love it and a C3 could use the umphh to get it moving.

 

383 and a 200-4r tranny! No crossmember mods, tranny mounts in the same place, driveshaft the same length, very easy swap from a th400 to a 200-4r.

Scott