Engine characteristics for Auto X

[67 Camaro]

Gents,

Been searching for answers to no avail. I have a 396 Chevy BB in the works that will be pushing 600 ponies. Now I'm have the oppertunity to play with her characteristics since she's just getting cleaned up and ready to start buying parts for the build. with that said, I have absolutely no experiance in the Auto Cross world but (as far as actually driving) am orienting my build towards eventually hitting the courses. my question is this:

What are benificial characteristics for engines partaking in auto x? for example more low end power? not too much Hp so as not to make handling difficult? will there but much use for a high rev'ing eng? etc...

any help is appreciated, thanks

[MarkM66]

A 396 with 600hp? What are the specs?

[67 Camaro]

lol i knew that i would get some raised eye brows from this, lol!

•396-cid, two-bolt block, bored 0.060 over
•10.25:1 compression ratio
•GM-forged crank, 3.76-inch stroke
•GM truck connecting rods with 3/8-inch ARP Wav-lok bolts (polished and shot-peened)
•Speed Pro engine bearings
•Speed Pro forged pistons PN L2287F
•Total Seal gapless moly-coated rings
•Fel Pro gaskets (PN 1027 head gasket)
•Brodix -1 OEFI aluminum heads with 2.25-1.88 valves
•Comp Cams valve springs PN 939
•Comp Cams locks, pushrods, and Titanium retainers
•Comp Cams 1.8:1 stainless rocker arm
•Comp Cams XR280R Roller camshaft
•Comp Cams Endur-X roller lifters
•Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake manifold
•Race Demon 950-cfm carb
•MSD distributor
•Wilson 1 3/4-inch open spacers
•Headman 2-inch headers
•XR-1 3 1/2-inch Borla mufflers
•Moroso three-vane vacuum pump
&bullComp Cams valve springs PN 954

all this will put you around 578Hp to the fly, however this is without port matching anything or any valve jobs, so we'll see where that puts us. also i was contemplating giving the heads a little extra breathing room cuz this set up pretty much maxes the head's flow out....

[Vegas69]

I'd be worried less about the engine and more about traction and handling. If your car isn't mini tubbed, you will play hell putting that much power down. Make sure you use a good pan that will keep the pickup covered.

[67 Camaro]

by pan do you mean a pan hard bar?
I beefed up the suspension to a TCI 4 link rear and also the new lighter TCI front end all with adjustable coil overs... if I can fit 18 x 9's under there you think it will be ok?

[Twentyover]

He means oil pan

[Lowend]

The most key thing for an Auto-X motor is to have a broad powerband. You need to be able to go, at any RPM consistently without bog.
You generally have to give up cam duration and top-end power to do this...

[Merlin]

The real key to autocrossing is the driver! Bar none. It's all about seat time. I've seen noobies come out with new z06 and can't drive. Nothing wrong with the car, but one need to learn all the skill associated with auto-x. I see you are in Oceanside. The calclub is one of the best in the country. Just get out there and have fun. Ask lots of questions. Find some good driver to ride along to critique your driving technique. Lots of friendly folks down there.

Cliff