Questions, Huge engine

[havoc1336]

O.k. I'v had my 73 Stepside for about 2 years now and I finaly think It looks good so Its time the Engine is as good as the outsides. The 350ci won't cut it anymore. I'v got some diposable income so I'm going to go all out on this one. I was thinking of putting a 438 in it. Here are my questions.

I know when upping the horsepower like that is gonna put stress on the whole truck, what else am I gonna have to upgrade to handle the power?

I plan on throwing in a super-charger, a friend of mine mentioned using an electric super-charger, anyone know If they work as well as an old fashioned one?

I know I'm going to have to replace the transmision and I was wondering if it worth it to get a trany with overdrive and underdrive?

If anyone could help me out with some of these questions I'd be grateful.
P.S. If your just gonna post saying that you think its a bad idea to up the engine or somthing to that effect, don't bother.

[mrjohnwayne]

how many horses you planning on for your engine. 700 R4's can hold quite a bit if they are built right, but it can get expensive in itself. If you're not planing on a daily driver I'd go with TH 400, cheaper to build and can hold it, or an old powerglide. Can't beat a beefy powerglide. As for the truck itself, the front suspension will probably need to be upped to help the ride if you're gonna run a big block. Rear suspension might be tricky depending on the horsepower.

[havoc1336]

Well My truck definatly isnt gonna be a daily driver with gas prices the way they are, lol. I think my truck may actualy get negative gas milage. with the horse power, like I said, I plan to go big. Most likely in the 600+ range, something to really spin the tires. I'm not soo sure the suspension will be a problem, the suspension is already tweaked, they guy I bought the truck from was using it as an off roader.

[chevy kid]

what are you going to use it 4 to need 600 hp the first thread i thought you were going to offroad in it and you wont know if your suspension needs to be modified until you get your engine mounted and in the truck your main prob with a bigger engine is weight if your shocks dont sag too much and your rear suspension for torque if you have too much torque you will probably need stiffer springs you will be fine i think lol

[havoc1336]

Well I dont need 600+ hp. But Who dosent want 600 hp. Its just a matter of showing off. I'm young and want somthing that can spin tires without effort, and make enough noise to wake the dead. I'm sure all of you have been there, and I'm sure most of you haven't outgrown it either. lol.

[mrjohnwayne]

Haven't yet. Doubt I ever will. Just ran my F350 Powerstroke down the 1/8th mile actually. Not the fastest thing but it's still fun.

[932500]

O.K the rear springs will be fine, just add a traction aid to help with the axle wrap, The weight difference between a big block and small block is minimal so No you dont need to modify anything to get this together and to make it work, Unfortunately you will need alot of modifications to the transmission to hold 600 h.p. There is only one option there and that is a turbo 400. I recommend a manual valve body conversion. This is the only way to truely control an automatic transmission. I am not sure however that you know how hard it is to build for 400 h.p let alone 600 h.p. The drivetrain will need to be completely built or you will find you weak components the hard way.

[932500]

Oh sorry I forgot to ask earlier, How are you planning on building a 438? What block is this and what bore and stroke?

[HVY84CHVY]

my 84 runs at about 375 horse, with 450 lb-ft. of tourque, with a 700 r4 backing it. my suggestions, include a 700 r4, but get a modified one from b&m, if you want ot spend the money why not. For the stress problems on the frame, try making cross members on the chasis, weld them not bolt them, and for rear axles go with a modified dana 60.

curious to see the outcome, send pics if possible

also, don't forget about brakes!!!

[chevyguy]

I would be interested to know your parts build up on a 400 SBC to get 375 ponies. and 450 lbs torque. Quite hard to do but not impossible. Always looking for parts that work.