1960 Pontiac Ventura... pro tour style

[Rickerbucks]

Hi folks. A friend of mine referred me to this board. I hope to update you on my build although I expect it to take 2 years. Perhaps longer depending on funding needs.

I just bought a 1960 Pontiac Ventura. Body is in GREAT shape and has the stock 389 but of course I only want the body.

I have a VERY talented builder / fabricator that can do ANYTHING.

Big picture theme is a black car, black engine with accents of yellow and carbon fiber and a black interior with yellow accencts.

I guess one of the decisions that is keeping me up at night is the engine decision. This car will be a driver... about 5,000 miles a year and a show circuit car. I also might take it around a track now and again and maybe the drag strip on the very rare occasion.

So basically the three engine options I'm considering are....

1. Nelson Racing 632 NA fuel injected. (I know about the concerns about NRE so with great respect no need to recite them here) I REALLY like the alien intake he has although its a VERY expensive option. 830 HP. You get BB cool but about $30k with the aluminum block and black matching accessories. I can get this motor right away and not have to wait 9+ months for it.

2. Buy a used LS7 and rebuild it as a 454 and install a twin turbo. Not sure the cost. I see some shops are quoting about $46k for a 427 TT including installation. About 800 HP. My builder would do the install and fabrication of everything.

3. LSX 4XX TT. NRE has a LSX 454 TT engine for $36k and 1175 HP

The other thing to consider is that I have a chance to buy a C6 ZO6 rollings chasis where I can use the tranny, the suspension the brakes and the dash pod. for about $22k so it would give me a WHOLE bunch of parts I can use and then rebuild the motor and TT.

I do NOT have the weight comparisons and have NO idea. A new chassis will be built from scratch.

My builder is very keen on buying the ZO6 chassis and building the motor out from there.

Anyone have some thoughts on which engine?

I have added a picture of the "look" I want... although the wheels are not quite what I have in mind. Also including a picture of a black '60 Buick with a similar stance.