318, 383 or other? Which one

I agree with stroked, build up what ya got with a better carb, gearing and rear suspension to make it hook. I know what it costs to build a 383 into a screamer and the upgrades to the cooling, exhaust system, sub frame, tranny and shaft and it's all going to cost a lot more than the $1500 smackers you've got in mind. Besides, if your friend builds the hell out of that 454 I can invision one or more scenarios, either he melts the tires off it at the lights or he tears the crank out of it (they've got a history of that happening), either way you'll be long gone. I guess you can tell that I've got no respect for 454's built or otherwise, I've smoked a few over the years:-D

Terry