[therealbobinator]

I have a 1974 camaro with a 350, and a turbo 350 transmision that is my daily driver. The engine is in decent shape but I want to swap it out for a big block. I have a $12,000 budget I want to make the car a street beast. I figure if im gonna do it I might as well go big. I want to cram a 502 in there if I can. What will I have to do to get the car ready for that kind of horsepower and torque? What do you sugest for a tranny, and what kind of horsepower and torque do you think I could make while still on pump gas?

Thanks in advance for any input.

[ScoTFrenzel]

Originally Posted by therealbobinator

I have a 1974 camaro with a 350, and a turbo 350 transmision that is my daily driver. The engine is in decent shape but I want to swap it out for a big block. I have a $12,000 budget I want to make the car a street beast. I figure if im gonna do it I might as well go big. I want to cram a 502 in there if I can. What will I have to do to get the car ready for that kind of horsepower and torque? What do you sugest for a tranny, and what kind of horsepower and torque do you think I could make while still on pump gas?

Thanks in advance for any input.

BBC goes in ok.
I would suggest a 12 bolt or a 9 inch Ford. Either one will be ok in mild form unless you find traction. There are even people running 10s with the 8.5s. It all depends on how you treat them. Proper launch technique is mandatory for long life. Upgraded rear suspension is a must, obviously.

You will need subframe connectors, general chassis beefing/welding most everywhere, subframe bushings, etc.
You can use the TH350 with beef up.
A good game plan for a torque monster is necessary. There is no reason to go for 7000rpm and or more than 89 octane. I would build for 87.

Recently one of the mags built a small port 454 and kicked out way over 500 across the board. That should make your 3800# car wicked.
Spending THE OTHER $7000 on an engine will work, depending on your overall goal.

[58Apache]

Two words "LS Crate"

https://store.gmperformanceparts.com/store/SelectProd.do?prodId=7718&redir=true&manufacturer= GM&category=Engines&name=LS3%202008%20Corvette%20G en%20IV%20V-8%20&model=%3C!--19201992--%3E

[yknot]

Your problem lies not in the 502 engine, but tin the other remaining parts of the drive-train. While yes you have some money to spend, which in these times is something in itself, that said, 12 grand don't go that far. I would sit down and make myself a plan, and a budget to fit. You'll find out that once you account for the rear end, axles, brakes and transmission, you just might not have the "Street Beast" you think or expect to have.

[LS-57]

Think outside the ig block box with a $12,000 budget. A big block 502 is an awesome engine, GM sells them for $7900. Once you add the water pump, intake carb or fuel injection, headers, plugs, fluids, exhaust.... you'll be sitting at +/-$10,000. Your budget is gone.
Take a small block 350 or 400 & trick it to the 400HP/400torque level in whatever method you choose ($6000), build your turbo 350 to match ($2500), rebuild & add a posi into the exiting differential ($1500), traction bars ($300) performance exhaust ($500) add a radiator, tires & tax, guess what, you spent more than than your $12,000 on parts. You'll have a mid to high 13 second car which in most peoples minds is a "street beast".
The resources to build a small block chev to the 400 HP level are endless. With the tranny don't forget the torque converter. On the street don't go higher than 2800 stall. I've made that mistake a few times, it sucks after a while. If you can afford it, upgrade to a 700R4 you'll have better launches, better fuel economy & a quieter ride on the highway. Your 10 bolt differential is strong enough to handle the power provided it is rebuilt & has a posi or such, even with traction bars & sticky tires on the street.
Your Camaro was a high 15 second car from factory, to bring it to the high 13 or low 14 second range would scare the pants off of most people. In my opinion, that's what it's all about.