I recently picked up a slick '78 Z/28 roller that will be built up for the local cruise hang out and maybe for an occasional trip to the track. The car was being built up as a race car, so it's got a fuel cell, fiberglass hood, frame connectors, modified rear frame with mini-tubs and relocated leaf springs. The rearend is a built 10 bolt with aftermarket axles, 4:56 gears and a spool. I plan on keeping the gears and will be able to run up to a 31" tall x 15" wide tire. I plan on running either a built TH400 or TH350 with a 3500+ stall converter. My pockets aren't real deep, so I'm looking at a 396, 427 or 454 based big block. Maybe a set of aluminum heads, depending on what deal I can find and a solid flat tappet cam (.560-.600+ lift range). I've mostly run small blocks and am looking for recommendations on whether I should go with the shorter stroke 396, 427 combo or longer stroke 454, based on the deep 4:56 gearing. Any recommendations on engine builds, preferably based on experience would be appreciated. Thanks!

Thats easy GO BIG and you'll be happy and congrats on your ride. Can you snap some pics and post them. I would either go with a screaming 427 or ground pounder stroked 454/496.

For a real low budget build that will have all the power parts to make power without killing the budget,and have room to grow later on,try this setup.
Get a good running mark4 truck engine.Freshen up the shortblock.Put a mild cam like an Isky 280 mega cam in it with new lifters and timing chain.Add a 6 quart low budget oil pan{you need to swap the truck pan to fit the car anyhow}.Now top it off with a set of Edelbrock heads that are listed for the 454 SS truck application.They have 100cc chambers and will bring the compression up,big valves and good ports,are light and are the best deal out there on aluminum heads and the only aluminum you will find in 100CC chambers.Top that off with an RPM air gap intake and 850 carb,add some Hooker regular competition headers that they sell for the 70 thru 72 Camaro{they fit later camaros if you either trim the corner off the late style mounts or use 72 and earlier mounts}.A performance tuned drop in HEI or MSD ready to run distributor,and you have all the stuff you need for a 500hp 454 that will run all day long on the street,run 11's with the right track combo,run on pump gas,and even run power brakes or air conditioning if thats what you want{vintage air would be cool}
So there is is on a silver platter.Good luck.

Rich, Is the MK IV the "traditional" pre-roller block? At what year did the BBC change where standard heads/parts won't interchange? And I'll post up a pic for you Skip. The car is currently covered in my storage unit.

Skip, Here's a pic of my roller:

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