I've been planning on replacing the 305 in my 78 with a mildly build 327. Now I'm thinking, wow, wouldn't a 396 or a 427 look pretty kewl under the hood. 8)

Absolutely it would :D

I'm just thinking about it right now. The weight over the front wheels may be a factor. I want too lower the car 1.75" in the front and 1" in the rear. I also want too run Hooker Headers (Long tube, I'm not a fan of the shorties). But yeah, a big block does have it's appeal.

Stiffer springs would take care of the weight problem I would think. The more power the better! :twisted:

Stiffer springs would take care of the weight problem I would think. The more power the better! :twisted: I plan on the Hotchkis Preformance TVS suspension.

Expensive, but probably, well definately worth it!

I've had the same thought many times.If money is a factor a small block is definately the way to go.Unless your connected you can build a small block much cheaper.You already have all the accessories for the front of the engine.Just plug it in and go so to speak.With a big block you're gonna hafta buy stuff to replace your fan shroud,pulleys,brackets,possibly radiator.All the money you spend making the sucker fit could be spent building a wicked fast small block.Don't get me wrong,big blocks are awsome!I just think a small block is more bang for the $$$.Just my opinion though.

I've had the same thought many times.If money is a factor a small block is definately the way to go.Unless your connected you can build a small block much cheaper.You already have all the accessories for the front of the engine.Just plug it in and go so to speak.With a big block you're gonna hafta buy stuff to replace your fan shroud,pulleys,brackets,possibly radiator.All the money you spend making the sucker fit could be spent building a wicked fast small block.Don't get me wrong,big blocks are awsome!I just think a small block is more bang for the $$$.Just my opinion though. I really don't need a major hot rod. Heck even a 80% stock big block would be a heck of a lot of fun. I'm thinking a nice intake manifold, Demon carb, and a set of headers.

If you want to have some real fun , put a 500 caddy in there--- weighs 75 pounds less the a big block and makes enough torque to tow Texas......Dan

If you want to have some real fun , put a 500 caddy in there--- weighs 75 pounds less the a big block and makes enough torque to tow Texas......Dan Yeah, I know all about the torque the big inch caddy engines put out. I'd run one in my 4x4, but I'm kind of a purest when it come to my El Camino.

...put a 500 caddy in there...
The Caddy motor has a BOP bellhousing pattern, not a Chevy. You will need the motor mount kit to put one in a G-body and a rear sump oil pan, pickup and pump from a FWD 67-76 Eldorado only. Even though they are a "torque monster" in stock form they are VERY expensive to play with! By the time you aquire the required parts, rebuild the old, worn out POS and actually get it in the car and running properly you could have built a 454 that bolts right in and will run rings around the Caddy!