I have a 350 in my 2nd gen now but im lookin to putt something else in it i wanna putt out as many horse as i can. and for about the littlest money. I have to options. a bone stock 400 small block and a 454. Witch one could i beef up for the cheapest and get alot of ponys out of. some were around 600 if not more.

 

both are "torquer" engines. I personally would rather have the 400. Either one has a lot of torque factory.

 

I have a 400 in my '71 and I went that way for two reasons. 1. I stumbled across a 400 in really good shape for next to nothing. and 2. It was a cheaper upgrade from my 350. A 400 is cheaper to beef up, SB parts are cheaper than BB parts. Your current suspension will work. BB are heavier so no need to replace springs. Either way you go I hope your factor in a tranny upgrade. Mine fragged the fourth time I really got in it. As you prabably already know a 400 has siameased(sp?) cylinder bores so if you get a used block make sure you don't need to hone out much to get them back in spec. The more metal b/t the cylinders the better. Having said that make sure to buy a good aluminum radiator and water pump. One really cool part of having a 400 is unless people know what to look for they think you got a 350. Hope this helps!!!

 

there is no replacement for displacement big blocks are nice but i like small blocks if you are going to drie it on the street i would goto the 400 and just do some lil stuff to it and u would have a real nice beast