1972 Chevelle SBC combo

We picked up a 1972 Chevelle over the holidays and are curious about a Stocker combination.





The car is well built with good, safe, quality parts. The current engine is a forged 383 roller engine with Dart heads and a Holley. I'd like to keep this engine for cruising to car shows and some local small tire DOT racing but wanted a Stocker engine to drop in and try to get our feet wet in class racing.

Is there a good SBC Stocker combination that wouldn't break the bank and is a class without a million killer cars where we could just worry about running the index to get started? The car already has nice SB headers, EWP, alternator mount, etc. so I'd like to stay SB.

Thoughts?

Scott

[TommyPettigrew3076]

Any of your small block chevy stuff is going to be pricey to be honest even just to run the index . Most of the Chevy combos are hit pretty good with H.P . As far as " dropping in " a stocker motor you are prob going to have to have at least a 5:13 gear , $1000 for a good converter and $2500 for a good turbo 200 or 350 trans . The 72 small block combo isn't to bad I think its rated at 270hp and will run H/I/J stock with means it could weigh 3275 to 3545 pounds depending on class you run. Engine you are looking at a minimum $6500 and I am not even sure that would do it for something to run the index or a little under a GOOD piece more like $12000 to $20,000

Originally Posted by TommyPettigrew3076

Any of your small block chevy stuff is going to be pricey to be honest even just to run the index . Most of the Chevy combos are hit pretty good with H.P . As far as " dropping in " a stocker motor you are prob going to have to have at least a 5:13 gear , $1000 for a good converter and $2500 for a good turbo 200 or 350 trans . The 72 small block combo isn't to bad I think its rated at 270hp and will run H/I/J stock with means it could weigh 3275 to 3545 pounds depending on class you run. Engine you are looking at a minimum $6500 and I am not even sure that would do it for something to run the index or a little under a GOOD piece more like $12000 to $20,000

Thank you. I'm sure you're right on target with all of this.

[Jim Hanig]

The best combo would be the 270 350, if you are in this for the long haul . Buy the best block you can,you can run a cast piston and stock rods red line cam regular lifter, race rings , corvette pan std oil pump buy a set of older stocker heads,there are several guys that can get a set done. But really be hard to do it for under 5500.00 not counting trans and convertor. Nice look chevelle good luck. Then up grade as you go.

[Mark Yacavone]

H, I, and J are not what I'd call under populated with fast cars.
I believe that was the premise of the question.

[Jim Hanig]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

H, I, and J are not what I'd call under populated with fast cars.
I believe that was the premise of the question.

Mark i do,not think their are many under populated classes for that combo.Mabye a 2 barrel 350 wouldnt that be fun.

[Detroit Bob]

Couple of things from someone who runs a 71 402 wagon. Stay away from the big block the intake manifold is pitiful.
Also look to see if running it as a 71 is better. Compression ratio's changed on the big block between 71 &72. Don't know about the SB.

[Alan Nyhus]

Originally Posted by Tar Heel

Is there a good SBC Stocker combination that wouldn't break the bank and is a class without a million killer cars where we could just worry about running the index to get started? The car already has nice SB headers, EWP, alternator mount, etc. so I'd like to stay SB.

Thoughts? Scott

First off, nice Chevelle, Scott....would make a great looking stocker.

As mentioned by others, the 350/175 (270 factored) is a pretty good deal. It's no sleeper but it's not as beat up as some. As for costs, it really depends on how much you can do yourself. A good network of Stocker pals always helps, as somebody always knows somebody that has extra stuff laying around. Engine builders in your area that specialize it Stock or Super Stock are another good source.

And there's fast cars in virtually every class (purpose built oddball combos excepted). The worst you'll have to do is keep an eye on the qualifying sheets and stay out of the way of someone else that's really fast.

Build what you want and like, go out, have fun and enjoy it.

[Greg Barsamian]

Don't forget about "the other half" of the Sepanek family!
"Quick Katie" is "EXTREMELY Successful" with her meticulous "Heavy Chevy"

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Alan Nyhus

And there's fast cars in virtually every class (purpose built oddball combos excepted). The worst you'll have to do is keep an eye on the qualifying sheets and stay out of the way of someone else that's really fast.

Alan, I would guess that a newbie would have enough on his mind, without thinking about 1000' runs and ladder games. Just sayin' .