Hey guys, new here so forgive me if this has been talked about before. I have a 1978 Lil Red Express that I'm starting to collect parts for in order to do a full restoration in the coming years and had a few questions regarding building a motor for it. So these trucks have the 360 LA police motors so I've read and I want to turn it into a really fun 450 to 500ish hp streetable truck. As it sits right now the motor is bone stock it hasn't ran in nearly 40 years so it will be a complete overhaul. I'm looking to modernize the motor as well like replacing the mechanical fan for electric fans, in tank fuel pump and possibly doing a holley sniper efi system. Although I'm not completely against a carb I know very little about timing and tuning old school engines as my mechanical experience is with 90s toyotas and motorcycles haha. As well this will be daily driven when its not winter here in the great white north so I want it reliable enough I can get in a go anytime anywhere meaning I want it to run on 91 octane pump gas. So given that criteria if you had to build a motor to suit it what parts would you reccomend. I know everyone will have different ideas on the right parts but thats why I'm here I'm all ears to learn more about these badass old vehicles.

Thanks for reading.

 

The easiest way to make power is with more size, compression and efficiency. A stroker kit and good heads along with the appropriate camshaft will make a comfortable 500hp.

 

Thanks man, glad to hear I'm on the right track.

 

Just don’t be bashful about dropping big money on heads, I would recommend TrickFlow 190s. The better heads you have the less cam you need to make your goal of 500hp.

 

Sounds like a great project…..
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