Looking for some facts or opinions.

Hey guys,
I know i asked this awhile ago but i'm just unsure since it's kind of a big decision. I love drag racing (Never actually raced, yet) But me and my dad just aren't sure which way to go. My clone is a small block so do i drop a 360 in, stroke,bore,add power outers and build it up to around 500hp or do i drop a big block in 383/440 and just do a simple rebuild (intake,heads,cam,etc) Which i'm guessing would be close to the same hp neighborhood. I know I'd have to change my trans and mounts, fan, radiator. I plan on changing my rear end ether way. So if i went big block I'd only have to spend another few hundred for a trans, But i think i would save more since i wouldn't have to spend as much to build a big block as much as a small block? Plus with a small block I'd be reaching the max hp with my budget?? Where a big block could have alot more? Idk what do you guys think or if you were in my spot what did you decide?
If i went big block i though i'd go big and drop a 440 but i found a complete 70' 383HP for $350 obo. Where 440's i'm finding for like 1k and up.

Btw one thing i'd love more then anything is being able to get my front end off the ground. My grandfather had a 69' superbee 383 with shaved 906 heads and bigger gears and my dad said the front used to lift 3ft off the ground which makes me think 383 must have some tq?


Anyways Thanks guys/gals!!
~Nick

I vote for a big block.
Even a low compression late model big block will run extremely well once you do minor (timing/distributor curve/carburetor) tuning to it.
With simple bolt ons any big block makes awesome power with gobs of torque.

Also with the knowledge of a complete 1970 383 HP engine for only $350.00 should make it an easy choice.

Take this with a grain of salt, it's just my opinion.

I agree with Daniel.

I also agree with a big block,No replacment for displacment.:grin:

With a few modifications you can really wake up a 383.I vote big block

I agree too!

I had a 383 in a 64 Polara. It had 906 heads (with some minor work) cam, high-pump lifters, headers, reworked afb four bll. carb., high vol. oil pump, stock auto trans, 456 dana rear end. The car ran mid to high thirteens all day! By the way, the bottom end on that 383 had over one hundred thou. on it! That's called low budjet...

Thanks guys,
The guy with the 383 just emailed me back with,

VIN A200589
block cast date 2/17/69
F383
12 23
HP

Click to expand...

Does that sounds correct for a 70' 383HP?

GO BIG BLOCK,i switched years ago from a small block and never looked back!

Thanks for the money which would be better? 440 or 383? Or what makes a better daily driver (although i don't drive it everyday.)