What if I told you an LA engine that was carb'd , solid flat tappet, vac distributor going down the highway @ 2800-3200 rpm could make 450-500HP and still knock down 18-20 mpg?
I'd tell you I did it around 2008. Engine has 20K on it, 4" stroke, ported iron 596 heads, and a hydraulic flat tappet under .530" lift. Oh, and it's in a 3800lbs E body... Not an A body. It's got about 20K miles on it now.
