Hot rods, street rods, and everyday drivers have one thing in common: they all need a reliable engine. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which engine is best for your vehicle. From the Chevrolet Performance 427 LS7 505 hp armed engine to the Ford Performance Aluminator Coyote 580 hp armed engine, there are plenty of powerful options to choose from. Hydraulic cam and lifters are often the best choice for a street rod because they don't require adjustments and are quieter than solid lift cams.
However, some people prefer the sound of a solid lift cam and the ability to adjust the engine's valve settings. A 383 cid performance engine can be assembled in just a few hours and is an affordable and reliable option. Pace's 350 cid (GMP-12530283-HFI) is a great everyday driver with Holley Avenger EFI for added reliability and plenty of torque. If you're looking for speed, show car appeal, or just a reliable engine for your daily driver, this combination of engine and EFI is an excellent choice.
Machine shops that specialize in custom engine rebuilding or engine building can take advantage of today's street rod market. When building a street rod motor, it's important to focus on delivering good driving and power with plenty of low-end torque. Virtually any engine can be used for this purpose, so it's important to engage in conversations with vehicle owners to discuss their engines and what you can do for them. The Chevy small block Gen I engine is a popular choice for hot rods, street rods, and everyday drivers.
A street rod engine that doesn't accelerate much more than a stock engine doesn't need a lot of valve spring pressure, especially with a flat pusher cam. The GM HOT Cam was developed by GM Motorsports for the LT1 and LT4 engines used in exhibition road racing and can be added to the ZZ4 short block assembly for maximum horsepower and torque below 5,000 rpm. Cast pistons are usually sufficient for old car and street rod restoration projects since these engines aren't typically used for full performance. Warranty coverage can also be an attractive feature, but since these engines aren't typically used for full performance, the owner is unlikely to outperform normal use anyway.
