ok, ive gotten my hands on a 400 SBC, I want to build and put in my 85 this winter, it currently has an 87 MAF TPI on it's 305.

I want to hear from people who have DONE this, on what a good combo is. I do not want to make JUST 300 hp, but I don't want to go carb.

What options do I have to make this work and slam me into the seat with raw power??

I would LIKE to preserve the TPI if I can, Also, I do have a T-5, I want to stay manual, so what trans options do I have that can stand up to this thing (5 spd or more)

I have searched, and every thread turns into a heated debate with skewed info every where, lets attempt to not do that please?

 

Depends what you want to do with it. You could just drop it in and run it like it is. To make any sort of performance, the first thing you need to do is change the heads. If you're going to make a lot of performance, the cast crank and stock rods/rod bolts need to go.

That doesn't leave much left over. With all the aftermarket choices available, it might be cheaper to just buy a new 400/406 or 434 built the way you want it.