Filling up the Cutlass today when a 20 something came up to compliment my car. He said he had a 76 Cutlass Supreme with a 500 hp 350. I asked why he wasn't driving it and it was apparent he couldn't afford the gas to run such a beast, or he was full of it. I told him my 455 was stock and nothing special, would probably do the 1/4 mile between 14 and 15 seconds at the upper 90 mph trap speed, but it gets about 13 mpg and I can take it out for a 100 mile cruise without breaking the bank. He was a nice enough guy, and I really didn't want to razz him about his cutlass, so I thanked him and went on my way.

 

Well, a 500hp 350 would drink a whole lot of gas, so depending his gas budget, it might be pretty rough to use as a daily driver. Or he was full of it.

You played just right. Friendly & secure in the knowledge that you’re running an engine you have confidence in for 100 mile cruises, not a grenade waiting to explode. Sounds weird to say, but “nothing special” is a great place to be.

Yet again we see to each his own. Perhaps he will enjoy his hot road for decades, or perhaps it will explode. His road to walk. And learn whether or not he prefers a 500hp 350, or a good running street motor that gets you there and takes you home.

In my 20’s I would have loved a wicked quick big block. But my 20’s car is my 50’s car - a ‘66 98 convertible. Even back then, I was pretty clear that you can’t make a race car out of a 98 convertible. So I didn’t really try, it would have been fighting the design of the car. These days I’m well in your camp. Give me a “nothing special” engine that lets me enjoy a great day on the road, ideally with top down.

Cheers
Chris