Big-Block Engines - Carcraft.Com

What's OnCarcraft.Com This Month500 Hp PollYou told us 500 hp is the new goal for street engines. What you didn't say is how you want to see the power. Should it be a big-block, a small-block on nitrous or with a blower, or maybe even a turbo? Log on and cast your vote for the next Car Craft engine build.

Truck TalesIt seems everyone has a pickup these days. Don't believe it? Take a look around next time you're on the road. The real issue here is how to stand out in the sea of trucks in both performance and looks while keeping the practicality pickups are known for. In true Car Craft fashion, we created a smooth-looking ride that backs up its good looks with supercharged power.

A Bid For VictoryWhat would you do if someone threw you $25,000 and told you to buy a car and use the rest of the money to make it faster? You would do what we did: buy a good-condition Nova and stuff it full of parts sourced from eBay. It seems that the certain someone who threw money in your face also threw money in the faces of other folks, so you'd better be on top of your game.

Project Light Speed, Part IIIGot an LS1? Got an itch for more power? A simple cam swap is the answer. GM Performance Parts comes to the plate with its venerable Hot Cam and 49 extra horsepower for your LS1. Don't be afraid of tearing into this motor for a cam swap; it's so simple, the intake manifold doesn't even have to be popped off.

Quest For 10sTom Habrzyk pushed his little 302 to the limits in his quest for a 10-second slip. Starting with an Explorer block and a '73 Mercury Comet, Tom formulated a plan to build a 500hp 302. Through careful planning, extensive testing, and creative innovation (and maybe a few broken parts), Tom got within a tenth of achieving his goal. Bust out your pen and paper; you're going to want to take notes on this one.

It HaulsWhat's cooler than a clean '65 Chevelle wagon? How about a clean '65 Chevelle wagon that runs mid-10s and pulls the wheels on launch? This onetime surf wagon now sports a built 425 small-block with an 1,150-cfm Dominator and 15.0:1 compression. It may not haul surfboards around much anymore, but it still has the ability to haul ass.

Reality RestoIt is said that every car has a personality and that the personality develops further with every experience you have with it. This '69 Camaro convertible illustrates the concept very well. See why this car had to be saved and lovingly restored for future memories and experiences.

Project Light Speed, Part IIAs we all know, aftermarket headers are a great way to wake up any performance car. Which ones are best? How large should they be? Long tubes or shorties? We exhaust every possibility by testing a vast array of LS1 headers on the dyno so you know what's best for your combo.

To see these stories, videos, and more, click on this month's cover on carcraft.com.