Small Block 400, Need Re-build & Horsepwr tips

[jumpmaster]

I have a small block 400 in a 69 camaro right now. I runs fine, but it's ugly. Old, not cared for, etc. But at the same time I'm not buying anything else for the moment. I have never rebuilt an engine, but I'm Mr. Thrifty so I'll try it first before I pay someone to make it pretty.

So tell me...what do I do first?

I want to re-build it (if thats neccesary) to make it a strong engine. And I want Horsepower! I just read an article:

http://www.chevyhiperfomance.com/techarticles/6113/

It all sounds good to me, of course they might as well be speaking latin. Tell me what you think of the info. Again, I just want the engine to be stong and have a good bit of horsepower. Any other thoughts of parts to add under the hood? I want power without the 5 miles per gallon cost. Good horsepower without 8 barrel carb with super airflow and a $5000 turbo charger.

This will be a driver car. Can I get 380 to 420 hrspwr out of this engine without it guzzling gas? So, with your opinons, a video, $500, about 320hrs, a lot of banged up knuckles and some grease I should have a nice engine. (I might add a little radio and beer in there too).

[Norwoodx55]

I highly recomend "How To Build Max Performance Chevy Small Blocks On a Budget" by David Vizard. Then read it again! LOT'S of good info in there, especially for a rookie on a budget.
Brett

[jumpmaster]

I'll start there. Thanks

[SStrokerAce]

Very good advice, even from some one who spells his own name wrong ;-)

BreT

[jumpmaster]

Anyone ever tried the performance packages from Edelbrock? They are about $1600! Hell it runs now...so $1600..hmmm...what do you all think. I just want it to look nice and run good, with good hp.

[Lowend]

The heads and intakes are good, I'm not a fan of the Edelbrock Cam's.
What kind of budget do you have to work with? Remeber all the extra stuff like fasteners, gaskets, ect... costs money too. Allow at least $300 for random stuff like that

[Norwoodx55]

Very good advice, even from some one who spells his own name wrong ;-)

BreT

Hey are you sure it is me that spells BreTT incorrectly? :cheers: If it is, think of all the time and ink I have wasted over the years with that extra T.

[jumpmaster]

Okay, outside of the Bret(t)s discussing their name :) I want to spend no more than $1000 really. I think I can get a 400 rebuild kit, a voodoo cam shaft, and some misc items for under $1000. The motor runs, I just want it to run better.

OK...here's the questions. Who sells the cheapest, best 400 rebuild kit?

[Norwoodx55]

Cheapest and best don't exactly go hand-in-hand. You will have to compromise something if you keep a tight budget. Don't forget about machining costs. This is not the place to cut corners, no matter the quality of the parts you are going to use. Personally, I wouldn't attempt a rebuild on anything but a stocker for under $1000. Then you have to consider the cost of the heads. Do you want to throw money at rebuilding stock castings, or pay a few extra bucks and get some good flowing aftermarket goods that will show the power increases everybody craves. I can tell you from experience that you will not be satisfied with your new found power levels for long. So you might as well shell out as much as you can now to save money down the road. All of the above is just my humble opinion, take what you want and good luck. I really would suggest you read the previously mentioned book and research as much as you can before you spend the first cent.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Brett