I know alot of you guys(girls) have already been there and could save me from some expensive heartache. I`m trying to decide on a motor to put in my 69 convertible. I`m not building a race car, just a spirited cruiser that has factory air conditioning and a few other options. I`ve decided to run a bigblock. Is there a horsepower range that I should try not to exceed to avoid modifications such as sub-frame connectors? Would a COPO motor rebuilt to factory specs be too much for the convertible?
Your thoughts and opinions are highly valued, so tell me what you think/know.

Thanks

I don't think the factory put anything larger than the 396/375 in any 1st gen ragtop and very few at that. I think how you drive is the key, not the horse power and torque sitting under the hood. The factory couldn't control how the buyers used the car and had to back them when there was a problem. I am sure that effected their decision on power some...

If you don't want to beef your car up with subframe connectors, etc, I would recommend going with a smaller motor that has less torque at low RPM. If you want to go fast, build a heavy breather and make your power at high RPMs - say, a 327 300 horse motor.
That way, you can still go for a thrill ride, but you won't be twisting your car up every time you leave a stop light. Also an automatic is easier on your car's "joints" than a manual trans..

JMHO
-Sam

A mild BB will do nicely. Dennis hit the issue on the head. Your driving habits will determine what the body does. If you are looking for a nice cruiser, go for it. If you are in the habit of pulling holeshots, leaving rubber, banging gears, you will need to use subframe connectors. This would hold true for a BB or modified SB.

Gents,

I also agree with Dennis on the power/torque issues and driving habits, however I have heard an additonal benfit of adding subframe connectors is the elimination of vibrations inherent to the ragtop bodies. I intend to install connectors due to a modified 383 that's going into the wife's car. Thought that I would throw this in as somthing additional to concider before ditching the idea of adding connectors.