Just a couple of ??? about this 400 long block

http://216.157.36.177/cgi-bin/webc.c...-01104497598.5

Is this motor a good starting motor for a replacement of a 305, I will be putting a performer RPM manifold and at least headers to start with and as I get more money add more to it.

Is it also a good price or should I just go with a 350?
I ( still ) want a fun car around town and still be able to jump into it and make a 550 mile trip to see the kids without breaking the completely breaking the bank
Thanks alot, Rick

I hope that I did the link thing right

 

Thats a good engine if you are going to throw away the heads and cam. Thats a replacement for the wonderful 170-180hp 400. Notice the 882 heads, and if I had a guess a crappy cam, probably a 929. Your 305 probably makes as much HP, well at least new and stock.

 

I noticed the ****ty heads as well, but Im not familiar with the other two

493 and 997, either of those worth while, both are early 70s heads. same 76cc chamber, but maybe better then the 882's? or similar?

 

They are the same crap, just a different casting numbers. They will all perform about the same, poorly. If it were me, I would look for a shortblock and then get good heads. Or possibly a crate engine. Probably cheaper to get a 383 than a 400 though.

 

My brother got an engine for his '93 1500 from them (don't suppose you got their url from my post back in Sept., did you?). He couldn't be happier.

He started with off-the-shelf thinking - you know, 193 heads, flat tappet cam, etc. The good news is he sought my advice first, and since I have the advantage of info from this Board, I was able to steer him in the right direction. By the time he finished ordering, he had a roller cam & 083 heads - basically an L98 that he installed in his TBI set-up, for about $300 more than the plain-jane engine he was going to settle for. When I emailed him to find out how it was going after the first month, his reply was, "Truck go fast. Big smile."

Call them up, tell them you want that block with better heads & cam. Have casting #'s in mind (083 if you can handle the intake bolt angle difference), and they'll take care of you. Notice they don't start building the engine until they have confirmed exactly what you want.

(Don't forget to add the core, shipping, and "forklift fee" to the price they list.)

 

OK now that i'M on a better computer.

I'm planning on calling them again after I get home and maybe going down to there shop in seattle ( or where ever ) and taking to them about what I'm looking for. So what kind of cam do I want for this motor? heads? I want good street performance, good sound, and still get ok gas mileage . I'm planning on getting a performer RPM manifold, carb ( don't have a clue which one ), cam, headers, and a better torque converter. The car already has a single flowmaster, high flow cat and I think 2-1/2 inch exhaust. I'm sure after I get a motor the trans will probably go and then the rear end along with the wifes bi@#&ing about the money.

Thanks alot, Rick