Good morning Evan.

I can't offer you advice on your envisioned small block project but I can tell you that you are in good company.

There are plenty of "been there done that" folks here who can give you expert counseling when it comes to practicality, realistic modifications to your engine to keep your car "streetable" (if that's a word), transmission and gear ratio decisions you will have to make, and the considerable expenses you will have to face ....... just to mention a few areas of expertise that are available to you, free of charge!

You indicate that you want a "torque monster" engine. It will definitely take some torque to move a Fleetwood. Are you totally locked in on a small block? If that's not an absolute requirement, why not look at a 500 cubic inch Caddy and go from there? Those brutes make big torque even if stock as a stove. With modifications the figures go out of sight. I was given a '76 De Ville a few years ago. A guy gave it to me because his wife wanted the ugly beat up wreckage off the property.

I got a running (more or less) engine and the TH400 transmission that was hooked onto it. Then the scrap metal guys gave me $90 for the rest of it.

Just a suggestion.

Good luck with the project!

Jim