[MARKDTN]

Do you really need 500HP? What do you want to do with the truck? Go fast, drag race, haul heavy, car show, spin tires? Sitting at a car show, nobody knows it that small block is a 262 or a 400. Sitting there it could have 100 HP or 500 and still look the same. If you just want a good sounding engine, you don't have to have 500HP. Anything over 350HP is a different ballgame to me.

I like a 700R4 but it won't last long at 500HP. I would go 4L80E with your new engine. But in fact, if it was me I would have some kind of fuel injection. If it was me, I would build a Vortec head 350 with Tuned Port fuel injection and a 700R4. You can get 350HP/425 ft-lb with a very streetable engine. It will tow fine, it will be less likely to overheat. Tune Port looks awesome.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your truck-it looks great.