Beware of any crate engine that's supposed to have over 300 HP. It will probably need to run either mid-grade or premium gas, and the cam will probably be too lumpy to be comfortable for street driving. I like to run something with no more than 9:1 compression, and a cam duration of about 270 degrees, max. For the average stovebolt drop-in, I'd choose a 275 HP crate engine, with a Comp Cams 260H cam or the equivalent in another brand. Hypereutectic cast pistons are fine for street use and a little high performance run occasionally.
If you're planning to be competitive on the drag strip and don't mind buying pricey gas and putting up with a lumpy idle, go for the 300+ HP engine with the 288 degree cam, 10:1 compression, aluminum heads, and all the other goodies. Be sure and use at least a 50% bigger carburetor than you need, like a 750 CFM Holley double pumper!
Jerry
Last edited by Hotrod Lincoln; 02/03/2009 11:27 PM.
