That pegs it! Now my fears of the so-called big powered small blocks are confirmed! My 69 has a 638 big block and the whole seris of conditions that exist to go with it - exhaust clearance (even with a 3.5" oval pipe), starter heat soak (need to heat wrap it) and a few other minor issues (like the valve covers are within 2" of the hood line). The extreme power makes you forget about these issues
, but it was not planned as a daily driver, more of a shock and awe build.
I've had LS motors and they are great, but I want this car to have a carb. How about those big inch small blocks I see advertised (like Bill Mitchell). Maybe a 415, 427 or 454? Are these really streetable? I drive my cars on the street only, no track time. I also run power accessories (A/C, steering, brakes). I can add a hydra boost if necessary, but will one of these big inch small blocks actually work in a daily driver type setup?
It seems like my choices are a lower powered (9-10 to 1) 350-383 small block or a low CR 454-502 big block (with all of the tight clearance issues) to get this car into the daily driver range of streetability.