More overlooked big-blocks......

Here's a few more overlooked "junkyard jewels" that could power your musclecar project if your on a tight budget, or especially if you already have one in the car or can buy one cheap. The ones we talked about the other day are the best deals as they are both the most plentiful and make the most power for dollars invested. This next group isn't quite as good, but they still make viable powerplants for low bucks. # 1. 389 Pontiac. These were used in just about every model from 1959-66. Unless your restoring a '59-62 Pontiac to the nth degree I would look for 1963 and later models. I say this because up until 1962 Pontiacs had the starter mounted on the bellhousing. This won't work with later transmissions-i.e. a TH350 / 400 or 200R4 / 700R4. This is important because the three speed automatic "Slim Jim" tranny ( the one with reverse at the bottom of the shift pattern) WILL NOT upshift above about half-throttle. If you want an automatic and any kind of performance-you'll want a later TH350 or 400 tranny.  Some '63 models still used the bellhousing mounted starters, but the blocks were drilled and tapped for block mounted starters. All 1964 and later models had block mounted starters. Yes, you can drill and tap an earlier block for a block mounted starter, but that's a big pain in the ass, and the later ones should be plentiful enough to buy easily. All the aftermarket performance equipment that fits a 400 or 455 will fit these engines. # 2. 400 / 430 Buick V8. Used from 1965-69, these engines don't make quite as much power as the 1970 and later 455 inchers, but anything 400 or 430 cubes is going to run pretty damn good. And they are a huge step up from the '64 and earlier "Nailhead" design that dated back to 1949. Any performance parts that fit a 455-i.e.-Edelbrock heads, intakes, aftermarkedt cams etc-will fit the 400 / 430 engines. # 3. 400 / 425 Olds V8. ( '67 and later 39 degree bank angle models ). Same thing-not as much grunt as a '68 and later 455, but again-anything 400 or 425 cubes is going to have some major torque. Any performance parts-Edelbrock heads etc-that fit a 455 will fit these engines.  # 4. 472 / 500 Cadillac V8. Used in every model ( except the '76 Seville ) from 1968-76, these behemoths are both plentiful and cheap. If you want a modern twist on the old "Studilac" swap-a Studebaker Starliner coupe with a Cad V8 stuffed in it-these certainly make way more power and torque than the '40s and '50's versions. These would also be great in 40's or 50's GM street rods, '78-88 "G" bodies, or '50s,60's or '70's trucks. I know a guy that swapped a 500 Cad into his Chevy truck; it towed his 40' horse trailer up Donner pass just as fast as the 454 that blew up; however it got 16 mpg instead of 10! The downside is there is almost zero aftermarket performance parts available. Edelbrock makes a "Performer" intake manifold, but I think that's about it. Seriously. Anyhow-these make a lot of bang for very low bucks. Mastermind