I am trying to decide on my next engine to put in my '76 Monte Carlo but I can't really decide. I've narrowed it down my choices and here is my question:

Is anybody here running the GM Performance Parts 425-horse 454HO crate engine in their Monte? If so, what kind of fuel economy are you getting? Please let me know what rear end ratio and transmission you are running as well. Thanks in advance.

 

i dont really know anything about the fuel economy on that motor but if it were me i would go for a 502 or a high winding small block. the weight of the big block or the overall horsepower would make up for it. plus its not your daily driver?

 

For the moment, my Monte Carlo is my daily driver. I'm looking to get a daily driver and put away the Monte until I can do a restoration on it along with the engine swap. I already have a 350 in mine, but I never see 73-77 Chevy A-bodies with the 454 in them, always a small block. I'm just playing with the idea of swapping in a 454 right now.

 

big block montes are always cool, but if i was going to go big i would go Big of i would go with a built small block. the small block more then makes up for the cubes in weight savings and you can make huge small blocks now a days theyre just pricey. the only reason i mentioned the 502 is that the 425hp 454 is close in price to low end 502 you get the cubes and extra hp for not a huge difference in price. and once you do a head swap and cam swap on it then itll be serious. and besides no matter what anyone says there is no replacement for displacement.