New - Lots of Questions. Help me understand S&SS

[GTX JOHN]

I think the 383 or 440 in regular Superstock.
SS/IA or SS/JA for 440 and SS/KA or SS/LA with the 383
would be viable to run under the index even if
not a world beater.

[SG7874]

West Coast = Best Coast. Looking forward to a great start to the year in Phoenix this week!

[Jared Jordan]

The 400 isn’t terrible. The knock on some of the later engines is how far down the hole the piston is. The prevailing opinion is that might be, at minimum, difficult to overcome. I think the 71 would be the best of them, as it only got worse from there. The Thermoquad is a great carb. GTX John likely agrees with me.

[Steve Stasko]

I believe Greg Gay runs the 400-4 barrel in his Mirada out here on the east coast. It is not a bad combo. I looked at it as an alternative to the boat anchor I am putting in my 66 Dodge. I would look at the 73 400/265. It is rated at 20 hp less than the 72 motor. NHRA rates the 72 at 330 hp and the 73 at 310. The Thermoquad is a great carb, and a lot of people forget that it was originally designed by Carter as a race carb. Not sure how heavy your car is, but the 73 motor at 3735 puts you in GT/LA. 11.05 index, and no cage needed.

Another to think about in GT is the 70 Chrysler 440/350. It is allowed the same bigger Carter as the 375 hp motor, but you must claim it as a Chrysler. The Dodge/Plymouth combo uses the baby Holley. That combo puts you in some tough classes though (GT/H-ish) at a decent weight (3500-ish?)

As for the 440 low deck, it is probably a 440 combo using a 400 block with the 440 rotating assembly stuffed in it. The downside of this is you will need a short custom piston. Not sure how much money you are wanting to spend, but that option adds up fast. Most all 440 combos are going to put you in a higher GT class. GT/A-K require a cage. GT/L and down do not.