Well...I walked out of my fathers yesterday ready to pull the iroc into the shop to work on swapping in the black interior yesterday. When I relized...the 5.7 TPI wasnt enough for me. Just about everything in our yard had a big block...except for his daily driver...which is a bored out and very stoutly built L30 327. Thats when it hit me...I had the slow car between me, my father, and his friends. Well...I can get my hands on a 400 small block...bare block...no cracks...100% beautiful block. But the bitter sweet part of the deal...its just a block. So I get to build a 400 sbc motor from the ground up which sounds fun, but i know it will be expensive. Ok...my storys over...here come the questions:

Do I go with the TPi, HSR, or do I carb it?
How do I beef up the 700r4 to take all the power it can?
Is there anything i need to know about putting in a 400sb before I pull my 350?

For all of you who help, thanks a million.
**pics as soon as the rebuild starts**

 

Well, you shouldn't pull your 350 until the 400 is ready. You haven't provided any information on yourself so I'm assuming your 350tpi is original 3rdgen which means you can't use your oilpan or flexplate on the 400.
The smog requirements in your area will determine what induction you can use.
Get your hands on that 400 and don't let go. Two or four bolt mains? Get the casting numbers on the back of the block, count the freeze plugs, look for numbers under the timing chain cover(10 or 20 or both).

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Balancing Plate S/B & 454 B/B Chevy



this allows you to use a pre 86 153 tooth flexplate. A cost advantage and better clearance for your headers. That's if you don't go with an internal balanced lightweight crank.