Looking for input on Motor choice

[Bullitt347]

Just looked on Dart's website.
A 8.2" deck sportsman block is $2,700 it has the 4 bolt mains on 2,3 and 4 main caps
The Iron Eagle is $4,400 and has all 5 main caps with 4 bolts.
When I bought mine just over 10 short years ago, it was $2,000 cheaper. Sheesh.
The Iron Eagle is listed as a Gen 2 block, but they don't elaborate what that means or the differences from it to the one I bought back in 2014

 

[revhead347]

So two days ago I was rolling down the road and a head gasket imploded. Before I could get the key off the motor locked. then I watched coolant pour out. I think the engine is hydro locked but will find out the extent of damage this weekend. Was a 302 block, 289 pre smog heads and tiny 67mm Turbo...

My question for the group is this. I am looking at a new engine and I have been shopping around. the intended usage is really just a fun cruiser that is fast between the lights. the chassis was built for SCCA so it is a fun little go cart. All that said. I was planning to go 408 but that seems like it is more than I really need. I also looked at a 347 option. those of you that have gone the 408 routes, any regrets? To choppy at stop lights? Poor highway characteristics? compression? Anyone running a 408 with a super charger or Turbo and if so what boost levels?

Just looking for experiences and opinions as nothing is available for 6-10 weeks. I have called a lot of folks, S and J engines was by far the easiest to talk to so far.

What are your goals? What kind of power do you want to make, and how much do you want to spend? Big budget, call Woody at Fordstrokers and get a new engine shipped to your door. However, if you just want a little extra power for the street on a tight budget, I'd rather see you buy a nice top end kit and drop it on an Autozone rebuilt shortblock than spend a bunch of money on a 408 or 347 to put Chinese aluminum heads on it.

Kurt

 

[limp]

Smeding Performance offers a couple of SBF short blocks.. I was going to use one of their 383 SBC in my 65 corvette restomod project before I went to the dark side a purchased an LS1..

 

[ustacould]

No shame in going with an LS as long as it's going in a chevy ...

 

[limp]

No shame in going with an LS as long as it's going in a chevy ...

LOL, you have never had the wrath of the NCRS corvette guys on your butt......

 

[Noobz347]

LOL, you have never had the wrath of the NCRS corvette guys on your butt......

Hey now... This is a family show.