Particular Engine for Particular Needs

[82Z49]

Well, I have recently purchase a straight-bodied, although high mileage '86 Monte Carlo SS. The motor is on its way out, so, I am looking for an upgrade (not like I would keep the 305ci in there anyway). Well, I am looking for 93 octane street/strip setup. A very all-purpose motor on a budget but with a mean top-end. I don't want or need a motor that screams all the way to 9k, but a motor that will rev safely to 6.5k(maybe more) and wont get left in the dust by modern EFI V8s above 90MPH. I've got a few opinions, ranging from basic 350ci setups to 383's to a very interesting 406. So I'd figure I'd ask, what would be a good starting point? I know heads and cam generally dictate how a motor moves up top, but I don't want to sacrifice a whole lot of the "throw you into your seat" torque that a fun street car should have, so, I don't to take any short-cuts on the bottom end, and want to stay away from over-camming the motor. Anyway, any and all help/opinions are welcome and appreciated. Thanks.