I have a 82 El Camino SS. Right now there is a chevy 350 in it.

I was gonna keep the 350 but then I found a Pontiac 455 for $300.

The 350 has headers, 650 double pumper carb, polished air-gap intake, and miscellaneous chrome parts. I was gonna keep this and make it into a 383 stroker or use most of the parts with a 400 block.

So should I go for the 383 stroker , 400 chevy, or 455 Pontiac.

Also there are no small or big block Pontiacs right? And how much are Pontiac 400's like chevy 400's?

no question. run a 383. 455 is a torque pig but stroke is too long for your own good. stick with the chevy.

What about the 400?
What are the disadvantages of the long stroke (I'm afraid of the results I might get if I search for it).

My personal preference would be to keep a chevy in a chevy. If you have the 400 block, build it. It will make more power for less money.

my biggest concern here is ; does that 455 come with a trans? because it aint gonna fit that chevy bellhousin. as far as power and longevity goes there is no comparison, pont is better. however if cost and time are factors, then stick with what you've got, you'll have fewer modifications to your truck....good luck

No it doesn't come with a trans.
What other mods/changes am i gonna have to make if I chooses that path.
I don't suppose the headers are gonna fit.

Even though I'm a Pontiac guy, Keep it chevy. And sell the 455 to a Pontiac fan.

headers are aplication specific. if you cant find ready made headers for you Pont motor and 'Camino setup(Grand Prix should be the same or close)you'll need to fabricate a set. also motor mounts may be an issue as well as trans mount location(depending on your trans selection). your chevy engine should present fewer complications as it will be more straightforward(chevy-chevy). hope this helps

So I should definitely not go for the 455.
That is a good deal though.

So I should keep it, stroke it, or go with a 400 block and use most of the 350 parts.

How much alike are pontiac 400's and chevy 400's?

If your workin on a budget (tight or other)like so many of the rest of us (there are some who do have cash to burn,but I dont know any),by all means stick with the SBC. Pontiac and chevy are 2 totally different engines with zero interchangeability. Custom headers get pricy quick,motormounts can be time consuming and frustrating if you dont have enuf fabrication skills. and the trans is another program altogether, plus added expense that could blow that great deal. I'm thinkin that with all the time and money that you would end up spendin on the Pont. repower, you could build up a super 355 or 383. One thing to remember, it's your truck, time, and money. do what you will. these are just my thoughts on the subject. Somethin else is I have already located a well built 350 with less than 10K on it for around $600-800, drop&drive.

[ May 09, 2002: Message edited by: critter ]</p>

I had a 400 Goat for years, tons of torque but when something breaks $$$$$$

I like 455's but you would be opening a can of worms to fit that in your car.

What are your intensions for your car? drag race? daily driver? mpg important? You need to plan all these things out before the build. Gears, stall, exhaust, heads, compression, cam, carb, intake, and the budget all need to match.

If you have a 400 sbc block then build a 406. Don't use stock heads if your budget allows. Power is all in the heads. A properly built 406 can make 400hp and over 500 ftlbs of torque and still be a daily driver.

No question...go with the SBC...in the long run you will be much happier.

I am a die hard Pontiac fan and have own all of them GTO, Gran Prix, Firebird but the Chevy SB will give you the most fun for the buck.

A 383 SB will still be reliable and tons of torque and horseys.

I myself am in the process of a S-10 Chevy SB install and keeping it as a daily driver.

Hey guys, this thread is from 5 years ago, I don't think he cares anymore....................