Finally wanting to get my 68 Coupe running again and trying to decide which route to go. It currently has a 289 that's already been bored 40 over and needs lots of attention if I were to decide to keep this motor. Years ago, I put a close ratio toploader behind that 289 which left a lot to be desired in off the line performance, especially when paired with 2.79 or 3.00 rear diff (I forget which it is). One requirement I have is that I want a manual transmission. I'm also leaning towards buying a Blueprint crate motor to go in this car.
The options as I see them are:
1. Keep the close ratio toploader and get a motor with a ton of low end torque that would work well with the 2.38:1 first gear. That motor would probably be a 408w putting out 425 hp and 455 lb ft from Blueprint.
2. Go with a 302 based motor like a 347 from Blueprint putting out 415 hp and lb ft (at higher rpm). I think I would then need a better first gear ratio and could either try to find a wide ratio toploader or get something like a tko.
Any thoughts or opinions? Especially from anyone experienced with a close ratio toploader? This car will be street only and while I don't do tons of interstate driving, it would be nice to be able to.
The options as I see them are:
1. Keep the close ratio toploader and get a motor with a ton of low end torque that would work well with the 2.38:1 first gear. That motor would probably be a 408w putting out 425 hp and 455 lb ft from Blueprint.
2. Go with a 302 based motor like a 347 from Blueprint putting out 415 hp and lb ft (at higher rpm). I think I would then need a better first gear ratio and could either try to find a wide ratio toploader or get something like a tko.
Any thoughts or opinions? Especially from anyone experienced with a close ratio toploader? This car will be street only and while I don't do tons of interstate driving, it would be nice to be able to.