Kiki. Glad to see another one under way. I got a chance to drive it home the other day, (snow was gone, roads were dry, and streets were dry) and man this car is really going to be fun. It's OK with the "396" (401), but will be much better with a bigger BB.

As far as the "572" goes, for the price and doing some asking around, I'm looking close at the Merlin 509's or 540's..........

The 509, 560HP goes for about a grand more than the 502/502. About $8400.00. The 572/620 comes in at about $12.000.00+

Better deal with the Merlin..................... All good parts too.......

I asked the guy who's built ALL my engines since the late 60's, and he said the BB crate motors are the way to go for my application. If I needed something for a special set up, then having it built would be the way.

A different rear end, (Mosler or Currie ,4.11) and a Tremac 5 speed heavy trans is what I'm shooting for. Geared right for the 4.11 and the overdrive should be something like 3.08's. Not that it will be in fifth gear that much.

The 401 went in really good, but it's tight on the firewall being 10% set back. I will have to rework that a bit to handle "taller" valve covers................

Well, keep me posted on your project. JIM (C/GAS)