Quote Originally Posted by BigTruckDriver
I remember you saying that but I think a big block is a little much for the vega. Maybe a little to much for me at this time. I am looking for dependabilty of course, but for now just something I can beat the living hell out of at the track More of a learning tool for me and my boys. With your experience how much HP could a stock (509) 400 block handle, filled to the gills of course? Not trying to start a whole 400 sbc are junk thread again.......

If you're going there to learn, then don't worry about the horsepower. Go with flat top pistons, dual plane intake, mild hydraulic cam, and shift at 6,000 rpm....
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How fast doesn't matter.... What matters is being consistently good on the lights, and learning to adjust the tune up to the weather conditions to keep the car consistent....

Big horsepower and going fast will teach you absolutely nothing about drag racing competively if you go out first round every week!!!!! Ya gotta go rounds to learn..... Or, the old line "In order to finish first you must first finish" is also relevant...l.....

Once you learn this and the rest of the basics, then build the big horse, low et engine.....