Hi everyone. Well, it didn't take real long, but I have reached the limits of my knowledge and so I am turning to you guys to double check me and let me know if I have lost my mind.

Originally I was going to drop a Ram Jet 350, a 700R4 tranny, and 3.73's in the rear end in my 'bird; but, as luck would have it, I actually got a pretty good deal on a new Pontiac 400 motor and TH400. So now I gotta figure out if I really want to put 3.73's in it or not. I'm betting no, because with 255 60 15's in the back and no OD gear, I'm thinking that it would probably be close to 32-3300 RPMs going down the freeway at 70. Maybe 3.08's would be a little more realistic for a driver?

Anyway, what do you guys think about this set-up:

- Pontiac 400 with number 16 heads, a mild cam (Comp Cams Part # 51-208-4). I'm not sure about the compression ratio, but I believe it is around 9.5:1. Anyway, I believe that with a 700 CFM carb, dual plane manifold, Headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust, and the cam above, I should be able to pull around 360 horsepower at 5000 rpms and more importantly for me, a fairly flat torque curve with a peak of about 450 ft lb of torque at 3000 rpms.

- TH400, and as for the stall, Comp Cams says their cam will work with stock stall, but I'm thinking either a 2000 or 2500 stall here wont hurt and it would get me closer to my 3000 RPM Torque peak, but still be drivable on the road.

- 3.08 Rear Gears and 255 60 15's, which should run about 26-2700 rpms on the freeway at 70.

I believe based on the tea leaves I've been reading, all of this should get me into the low 13's or perhaps even high 12's. I think that is very acceptable for a driver. However, I guess I am pretty ignorant about determining what the optimal setup (compromise) with this motor, tranny stall and rear gear ratio would be for a reliable but very healthy ride. And I guess I'm not afraid to say it; so, please don't be afraid to tell me I am out of my mind if you think I'm off my rocker about any of this.

I would rather hear from you guys NOW that I've lost it. then to spend a bunch of time and money setting it up, and then scratch my head when it don't work, come here ask the question, and THEN get told that I have missed something very simple and all I need is more cash and time to fix it.

Thanks for all the help,
Firechicken