I agree with everything that's been said as you can build a mild 350 for less money than the 283. I would add that if it were mine the slip and slide would have to go as IMHO, it will compromise everything you do. I would run at least a turbo 350, but would prob ably opt for an automatic with overdrive. I'm no tranny guru so I'll leave that up to them that are, but the powerglide would have to go.