Newbie pondering combos

[Jeff Lee]

The 360 Matador would be the way to go in my opinion. The AMC 401/360 shares the same top end components and the 360 cam is
.425" lift (which is plenty) to the 401's .457" lift. I'm, saying not much there in the cam to make you lean one way or the other. The '72-'74 360 HP is ripe for a reduction with NHRA as it is a low compression engine that nobody has tackled yet. The high compression 360 of '70-'71 has received reductions. The ports on the 360/401 are very good and the carb size is adequate, more so on the 360. With the 360 you could switch classes and run a 4bbl or 2bbl.
The rear suspension on the Matador is similar to the GM A-Body (Chevelle, GTO, ETC.) so it should work well with normal modifications.
The 401 would be no more difficult to build but there is a slight premium on parts. It would be faster but probable less aggressive against the index. At least with the current HP rating.
The wagon in question was a 304-2bbl Matador wagon.
Good luck!