454 Vs. 350

Im restoring a 1979 Z28 Camaro that will be a daily driver. Im trying to figure out if a built 350 or 383 running on high test would be cheaper then a 454 on low test with each motor making somewhere in the mid 400hp range?

Small block parts and build - ups are still cheaper and more widely available than the big block stuff. I suggest go with one for the build up, especially if cost and weight (for good handling) is a consideration.

The really good BB engines are quite expensive and rare these days, and imo any BB engine will still need some work to make that kind of power and will require premium gas anyways.

thanks...i thought a 8:75:1 ratio would run decently on low test but i just read a description of the gm 454 crate and it says premium only so i guess i was wrong

Magicrat, you hit it right on the head.

Go with the small block. For your car, the 454 puts the weight in the wrong place, all up front and will impact the handling. Unless you set it back in the chassis, which opens up many cans of worms for a street car.

Bob