Hot Rod Dad,
I'm building the 400 for the 'Vette. It's going to be an odd hybrid fuelie motor - LT-1 intake manifold modified for standard-flow cooling, probably with stock LT-1 heads also modified for standard cooling (cheap and flow well, especially with some port work). 5.7" rods are the most likely length. I haven't decided on pistons, but I don't want to get over 10:1 - 10.5:1 compression. This will all be backed up by a 5- or 6-speed manual. It should be quite fast, with plenty of torque -- much better than the late '70s smog-era L48 in there now.

Get a REAL truck, get a GMC! www.oldgmctrucks.com
1954 GMC De Luxe COE