69 L78...go pure stock or???????

[Chris_69_SS]

want to get away from the modified underhood 454 (600hp) and run an L78 complete with manifolds, .520 lift cam, 163 intake and all.

Before I get to specifics, the car will be an M20 as I am currently ripping out the TH400. I have 4.10s in it now but may or may not keep them.

My options are as follows:

1) keep the current 10.5 comp, Oval port 454 and add: 163 intake, L78 cam, 780 Holley, manifolds, 2.5 mandrel bent exhaust , 375hp sticker to air cleaner.
2) sell current 454 and build a 396 with the 163 intake, L78 cam, 780 Holley, square port heads etc...

Option 1 would be the cheapest and can be done with mill in the car. However, I could sell the 454 (been offered 6k) and go 396 right away.

My goals are to only track ity once a year and prob. on Drag Radials or bias ply tires. I'd be more than happy to run mid-low 12s with one of the combo's listed above.

A few more quesions:

I know 840's are the 69 iron Square port head. Are there cheaper altenatives from GM as a service replacement? I see 840s at 1800$ a pair on Ebay but find that pricey.

- Should I port the ex. manifolds? Do you recom. doing this at home?
- I suppose a scattershiled would be best?
- Should I get the L78 cam from GM OR do the Crane Cams Blueprint version?
- Fuel line sizes? Stock or a bit bigger?
- fuel filter? what do you run?
- Fuel pump? Is there a specific p.n. for the L78?