Ol' Fart's Firebird Fantasy

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by oldskool

(3) That was for the optimum set-up. But it is also the most expensive. So, that brings up my final piston / rod question. Since the SP(TRW) pistons are MUCH cheaper than the other approved forged pistons, is it possible for a low buck guy to use the cheaper pistons and 6.625 Pontiac rods, and build a shortblock that can run slightly under ?

Yes


Or to ask it another way, aprox how much quicker would the high dollar shortblock run than the low budget one I described ?

With a "tow truck" motor? Maybe not as much quicker as you think.

Now can I make a suggestion? Seeing as you apparently have a ton of old parts and no body, either find a body that fits your parts or find a complete car. Especially if you are going to try a combo that no-one else has played with.
Put a basic short block together that won't self destruct and go to the track. A basic trans and converter and maybe not the perfect gear like you would in a Bracket car and see what it does. If it doesn't show you SOMETHING, maybe it's really not a good combo. Maybe you won't like driving a 4000-5000 LB car. If it doesn't work, get rid of the car or combo and, not a lot invested. And you can still be having fun and learning.