SOT - Chev V8 Info, Want to educate myself on engines Options

[riverman]

Before I go out and buy my motor for my conversion, I want to be sure I'm getting what I want and I also need to learn some things so I know what I'm talking about.

First off, I'm not a real 'motor-head' and everything I've learned about 914's I've just picked up as I've gone along. This forum has been an awesome resource so far. Now that I'm getting ready to buy my motor, I need to get educated on Chevy small-blocks. I realise that this forum isn't the best place for this discussion, but if one of you more experienced and knowledgable members could push me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it. What I am looking for are websites or forums that can provide me with general knowledge about SBC's and what performance up-grades are available.

My initial research has me leaning towards a 305 because it's torque characteristics seem to match up best with the 901 tranny. I'm not looking for a super powerful engine, just something in the 225hp (or higher) range that revs high enough to match up well with the 901's stock gearing. I would also like to keep the low-end torque relatively low to help perserve the tranny. I would also like to learn something about aluminum heads, different cams, fuel injection, and other mods that can be done to small-block Chevy's.

And before all you Suby guys chime in here, I already have the adapter plate, starter, and engine mounts for a Chev conversion so I probably won't turn back.

[messix]

QUOTE (Andyrew @ Mar 23 2006, 12:11 AM)

If you guys are gona build an engine... Build it to rev!!! I retard the @#$# out of my engine down low, so that it feels really peeky!! There is a reason that the turbo cars and modern day sports cars feel so quick.. the acceleration curve is crazy! (I consider the acceleration curve almost identicle to the tq curve... little bit of calculous..)

are you retarding the timing? if so you can really be hurting your engine. retarded timing increases temps at idle and will increase exhaust temps, this can hurt the exhaust valve and seat.
if you want to move your torque curve you can do that with a timing gear that is adjustable.[eccentric spacers on the dowel or crank gear that is keyed in different locations].
cam shaft selection is going be the great factor on your torque curve, not the initial timing, or full advance. it will affect power if not optamized because it will be set up inefficient and run poorly in emisions and fuel economy.