About a decade ago, I was thinking about what to do with my ’86 Fifth Ave. At the time 400ci stroked small blocks were available. I was also thinking about what I want for long term.
I don’t plan on racing or street racing (even though there is a popular TV show who films that kind of thing, not far from me) – but would like to take car to road race once or twice in my lifetime.
Other plans is I want car to be (mostly) trouble free for next 100k+ miles, primary driven (daily driven) in city with occasional long distance trips and have plenty of low end power on tap when I want it.
Another goal is wife can drive car – without her complaining about it. Also I want car to be quiet and smooth at idle as well as all of the other conveniences of a Fifth Ave, like cruise and A/C has to work.
I personally don’t care for high RPM engines – so my plan is to build a low deck 400 with peak torque around 1,500-3,500 RPM and shift points at around 5,000 RPM (maybe). With right camshaft (not yet selected), intake and so forth, I think all of that can be done.
However, I suspect, once done – the car might roast the tires with little effort.
In effect, I also decided on simplicity.
BudW
I would like to see details and pictures your A518 big block setup (along with pictures of rest of your setup)!