Hey folks!!

I’m in the market for a el Camino. I’ve been a ford guy for years and rebuilt a fair share of 302’s and what not. However! My wifey has decided for my next build that she would like an el Camino. I’m fully on board, and think it’s a great idea yet I have no idea what I’m getting into. My ideal situation is a 80s model. Outside of that I have no idea. I’d like input on motor specifically. Heads, should it be a 350, is a Ls swap feasible, what type of block should I be looking for to have a good rebuild, yada yada. I can get a pretty clean ride in my part of the country for about two grand. Budget for the motor would be in the 3-4 thousand range. Would like to be a carb set up in the wheel house of 400 hp. Not sure if that’s possible, but you don’t know till you ask. Thanks in advance.

I’m assuming it’s the same formula as ford. Aluminum heads, roller cam, intake, etc. what’s the deal with an earlier ls longblock with a carb setup? It’s a bit confusing with all the generations of the 5.7/350. I’m not even sure if Caminos used any sort of computer set up that would run into issues with transmission, ignition, etc.